This was typical end of season fair as Queens made a complete hash of trying to see off doomed Raith who for most off the match had little to offer but youthful enthusiasim. Nevertheless no one grudged Gordon Dalziel's team a point and but for the woodwork would have embarrassed Queens even more. Queens took control from the start in front of a sparse crowd who were somewhat on the quiet side. It was almost one way traffic as Queens made inroads into the Raith defence who were having trouble holding McNiven. The burly striker had two good efforts blocked inside the first quarter but he made amends on 25 minutes when he steered home a nice cross from English to a background of muted applause from the subdued Portland Road end. We all sat back for further goals but they didn't come thanks to some poor finishing and some determined play from the young Raith side. The visitors shocked Queens on 35 minutes when a fairly harmless free-kick was pawed at by Barnard in the Queens goal and Jablonski poked home from the resultant melee to draw Rovers level. The goal was totally against the run of play and a huge question mark against Barnard. Queens pressed for another goal before half-time with McNiven going closest.
Half-Time Queens 1 Raith 1
The second hald was largely dominated by Queens as they struggled to break down a Raith team who obviously had their tails up. The best chance fell to McNiven who had a clear run in on goal and tried to chip the keeper but failed. At the other end Raith almost sneaked a winner when a Smart effort came off the underside of the bar. The game ended quietly with probably Raith the happier but Queens will consider this as two points thrown away. Once again the Doonhamers looked a solid unit in midfield with Thomson and Reid rarely troubled at the back. McNiven on a better day could have had a hatrick but Lyle looked a bit jaded after a long hard season. Barnard was badly at fault for the Raith goal and Scott will be obviously aware of this weakness in his game. It was pretty dreary stuff for the fans and maybe for the remaining games Queens can bring on some of the youngsters to liven things up.
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