An opportunist goal by the dimuntive Murray earned Queens another three ponts in a terrific scrap at Palmy against an impressive Saints side.The Perth side showed in the early stages just why they have done so well recently against Premier opposition, as they tested the Queens defence to the full. Scotland and James brought out the best from Queens keeper MacDonald who looked in tremendous form as he dealt well with everyting the Saints could throw at him.
Queens however with Adams and Scally dominating, started to probe the Saints rearguard in which Kevin James was a towering influence. Dobbie and O'Connor were also a constant threat with the former looking very dangerous. Dobbie almost
had a couple and O'Connor somehow hit the post when it looked easier to score. Murray was also proving a thorn in the St Johnstone flesh and it was the tiny winger who put Queens 1-0 much to the delight of the sizeable home support. John O'Neil laid a superb ball to Wee Ruby's feet and despite having his first effort blocked managed to squeeze it past the keeper's near post.
Saints tried everything to get back into the game but Jim Thomson and his troops held firm until half-time. It had been a terrfic first-half with both teams determined to attack. Saints came out fighting in the second-half and the game was now becoming a physical battle with several players going into the referee's book.The Perth side had numerous clear cut chances but MacDonald in the Queens goal was the hero with some excellent point blank stops. As play raged on Queens also had chances to add to their lead with Dobie,Barrowman and Weir all coming very close.
Towards the end Saints force several corners but the Queens defence held out for a famous win. This was another wonderful team performance from Queens against formidable opposition and I couldn't spot a failure. MacDonald in goal was a
sensation and his terrific stops in the second-half won the game for Queens. The midfield as usual was solid and the defence hardly put a foot wrong even under some severe pressure. Murray ran his socks off with Dobbie well supported by O'Connor in a frontline which gave the Saints defenders plenty to think about. We now climb jump over Ross County in the league table and we must put the Highlanders to the sword when they visit Palmy on Saturday. The Great Escape is most defintely on.
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