QUEENS GRIND OUT THREE WELCOME POINTS

Queens managed to grind out a victory against a disappointing County side much to the relief of a rather poor crowd of 1724. This was a mch better performance by Queens especially in the first half and there are signs we are at last getting our act together with Willie Gibson once again proving at 19 what a find he is. He was without doubt about the most outstanding player on view and once the word gets around the centreal belt the vultures will be down trying to get him on the cheap. County kicked off as if they meant business and the Queens keeper was definitely the busier in opening exchanges. Jim Thomson releived of the Captaincy by Bowey looked in the mood and along with Reid and Allan stood firm as the big County team had a right go at us. It was to be honest rather against the run of play when Queens opened the scoring in 11th minutes. Paton drove into the penalty area and let fly with a vicious footer which was heading for corner of the net. Stewart in the County goal seemed to have it covered however he could not gather it and the alert LYLE gleefully smashed the ball into the net. County were stunned and came roaring back at Queens without actually creating very much. Queens on the other hand looked dangerous as they moved forward at every opportunity. Lyle was everywhere and Gibson was giving the County right back a torrid time. Queens had several chances to increase their lead but in most cases took the wrong option. Wood tried to find Lyle when it would have been more prudent to have a go himself. Gibson left two defenders trailing and laid a lovely ball on for Paton whose shot was desperately cleared for a corner. Wood was putting himself about and the County defence were having a hard time holding him however Queens left the field to a warm reception from the fans who were not too disappointed in being only one goal up at half-time.

Half-Time Queens 1 Ross County 0

County came out of the traps hoping to have a real go and the Queens seemed to fall back into a defensive mode. The second half therefore followed a familiar pattern of County throwing everything at Queens with the home team hitting on the break. Thomson had an outstanding game as County tried everything to snatch an equaliser. Thomo was well supported by Dodds,Allan and new signing Reid. County had loads of pressure but strangely enough Queens had the better chances with Lyle missing a glorious opening. O'Connor came on as substitute towards the end and very nearly scored twice as the County defence,softened up by Wood began to tire. In all I was delighted by the win but rather disappointed that we again did not put our chances away. For once the luck went with us today and once Wood,Lyle and O'Connor start to find the net we have every chance of doing well and surviving in this division. The dropping of Aitken and Thomo losing the captaincy to Bowey is an indication that JC was not happy with the performaces of either in recent games. Thomson I thought had a magnificent game today and of course Aitken will be back. We now move on to Ochilview next week where another tough match is in prospect but Falkirk are not the force they were and Queens must now be in a more confident mood.

Super Joe in the thick of things as usual against Ross County Charlie Taylor visiting from Western Australia was delighted with Queens first win of the season. Charlie who hails from Lincluden is on the right pictured with another Queens die-hard the legendary Willie Whitelaw