Queens Thrown A SFL1 Lifeline

Last updated : 28 March 2012 By Queens MAD

 

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DUNDEE 4  AYR UNITED  1

Second-top Dundee scored a late double as they delayed Ross County's First Division title celebrations with a victory over Ayr United and at the same time throw Queens a SFL1 lifeline.

Jamie McCluskey had given Dundee a half-time lead and Steven Milne added the second on the hour mark.

Mark Roberts replied with 13 minutes remaining, but Jake Hyde and Ryan Conroy eased the Dens Park nerves.

The win lifts Dundee four points clear of Falkirk and leaves Ayr only two ahead of second-bottom Raith Rovers.

And it means that County, 14 points ahead of the Dens Park side, will be one point short of clinching promotion and the league title even if they defeat Rovers on Saturday.

The home side opened the scoring in the 20th minute, when McCluskey broke into the area before producing a neat finish.

Milne's drive into the bottom corner from 18 yards extended the lead after the break.

The Honest Men almost pulled a goal back immediately, but Michael Moffat's effort cannoned back off the bar.

Roberts did reduce the deficit 13 minutes from time when he stabbed the ball home inside the six-yard box.

However, victory was all-but ensured in stoppage time when Hyde restored the two-goal lead with a fine finish into the top corner.

Conroy added the fourth in the final minute with an equally impressive 18-yard strike.

Queens are now four points adrift of Raith Rovers and six points behind Ayr at the bottom of the league. Queens face up to the Honest men in a crunch game at Palmy on Saturday.