Queens should have comfortably won this friendly against 2nd Division Conference side Barrow but were to pay dearly for several missed chances. As Queens kicked off there was a healthy crowd inside the tidy Holker Street ground including several Doonhamers from Dumfries sporting the latest club kit. The healthy away support were in good voice after downing several glasses of the local brew in the smashing social club adjacent to the ground. Queens had Sergia Baltacha paired with Thomson at the back and Wood led the line along with Mc Niven. There was also a welcome return for Eric Paton at right back. Queens dominated from the start but lacked punch in front of goal and the nearest they came to a goal was when Wood crashed a shot against the post with the Barrow goalie nowhere. Baltacha looked very impressive at the back with his composure and ball distribution a joy to watch. Mc Laughlan seemed to twist his ankle with and sadly had to leave the field. Queens huffed and puffed up towards half-time but the breakthrough never came.
Half-Time
Barrow 0 Queen of the South 0
After sampling the delicious meat and potato pies during the interval the travelling Queens support were expecting better from their team during the second period. Manager Scott made several changes for the second half notably Jaconelli coming on for Wood and Queens dominated for long periods with Gibson running riot on the left. As the game opened up Queens made chance after chance and only woodwork saved the Cumbrians who themselves to their crdit were having a real go. Jaconelli had terrible bad luck on at least three occassions when he hit woodwork. A tremendous header by Payne also cracked off the bar and nearly destroyed the Lounge Bar behind the goal. It looked like Queens would never score when in the 58th minute another Jaconelli effort came off the post and Mc Donald running in manged to squeeze the rebound home injuring himself into the bargain and he had to replaced shortly afterwards. Jaconelli had the chance to finish off the hosts shortly afterwards but somehow shot wide with the goal at his mercy. Queens were well worth there lead and looked to have clinched a win when surprisingly the Cumbrians equalised. As the Queens defence pushed up on 80 minutes Kewley got behind them and ran on before blasting past the stranded Samson. Queens were shocked and surged forward in an attempt to snatch a late equaliser but it was not to be. Although the result was disappointing this was a reality check for Queens and Barrow provided stuffy opposition. There were several positives to take from this match with the performance by Baltacha most impressive. We look solid in defence and midfield where manager Scott has numerous options. It is up front where the problems are with our front men missing too many chances and really not mounting much of a threat in the six yard box. The locals assure me that Mc Niven will get us goals but at the moment most people are not convinced. Jaconelli's luck must change but he also missed several openings. Gibson looks in the mood on the left but several of his cut-backs were not exploited. I think we are in reasonable shape for the battles ahead but extra target practice is required in training this week.
Queens starting line-up:
Scott,Paton,Hilland,Bagan,Baltacha,Thomson,Scott,Bowey,Mc Niven,Wood,
Mc Laughlan.
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