Despite a battling second-half display by Queens, St Mirren edged through to the third round of the Bells Challenge Cup. It was a much changed Queens team that lined up with Paton,McNiven and Payne all missing. The Saints looked the more accomplished side from the start and Queens new defensive formation of Reid,Thomson and Carr had to be on their toes. Queens meanwhile struggled to do anything up front with McLaughlan and Lyle completely ineffective. St Mirren enjoyed the bulk of possession but created very little as the stalemate continued until the 20 minute when the Paisley side took the lead in bizarre fashion. A long ball was punted up and at least one St Mirren player came back from an off-side position and with the Queens defence looking at the linesman Corcoran ran through unchallenged to place the ball behind Barnard much to the bemusement of the home support. Queens, despite this reverse surged forward and Gibson had a tremendous drive saved at the post by Smith. Towards half-time Queens enjoyed a fair bit of pressure and Reid was unlucky when his header lifted over the bar. As the teams came off at half-time there were signs that Queens were very much still in the game and the Saints had plenty of work to do.
Half-Time
Queens 0 St Mirren 1
Queens really took the game to St Mirren in the second-half with Burns and Gibson coming more into the game. Queens deservedly equalised on 57 minutes when Burns squeezed the ball home after a tremendous free-kick was saved by Smith. It was now game on but tragedy hit Queens two minutes later when a speculative shot by Murray took a wicked deflection to beat Barnard. It was a real blow to Queens who looked like they could have gone on and taken something from the game. In the last half-hour Queens threw everything at St Mirren with McNiven coming on to join in. Lyle had a great chance but his point-blank shot cannoned off Smith's shoulder. A Wood header went close and McNiven brought off a tremendous save from Smith. Another McNiven effort slipped just wide and to crown a frustrating night for Queens,Paton blasted over after Bowey had carved open the Paisley defence. The final whistle came with Queens still surging forward looking for an equaliser but it was not to be and we are still in search of that elusive win. Despite the result this was a much better performance by Queens and manger Scott couldn't have asked for more.
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