10 MEN QUEENS CHARGE BACK TO THE TOP OF THE LEAGUE
Last updated : 17 November 2003 By Duke Of Galloway
 | Red Card for Big Jim |
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Queens surged back to the top of the league but they had to fight hard for the points especially when they were reduced to ten man when Jim Thomson was sent off in 65 minutes for hauling down his man too many times. The game kicked off in front of Palmy's biggest crowd of the season but there was a strange flat atmosphere which the underated Ayr side exploited to the full. They had the Queens defence in all sorts of bother from the kick-off and Thomson looked very uncomfortable indeed. Ayr had two chances in the opening minutes which they really should have put away but Queens suddenly woke up and with the magnificent Paton driving them on, started to make chances themselves. Roy in the Ayr goal had several great saves especially one from Bowey from point blank range. The Ayr goalie however suffered an injury and had to be replaced by former Queens favourite John Hillcoat who then proceeded to frustrate his former teamates with some wonderful goalkeeping. Ayr however were still very dangerous and Thomson was booked for a terrible foul on one of the Ayr forwards. The half ended with a Burns shot flashing just past Hillcoat's right hand post. Queens should really have been ahead by half-time but Ayr also had there chances in what was a rather disappointing derby so far.
Half-Time Queens 0 Ayr 0
Burke lit up a subdued Palmy shortly after the kick-off when he brilliantly foxed two Ayr defenders and rolled the ball wide of Hillcoat on 46 minutes to send the faithful at the Glasgow Street end into raptures. Queens then proceeeded to put the Ayr side through the mill as the bagpipes blared out from the terracing and Hillcoat was performing miracles as his goal came under tremendous pressure. How Queens didn't score again was down to rank poor finishing and JC must be concerned about this. Bowey could have had a hatrick and one of his efforts was unbeleivable as he blazed over from about 6 yards. The more chances Queens missed the general feeling was that Ayr were still in the game and when Jim Thomson departed the field via a red card on 65 minutes,the Honest Men sensed they had a chance. Queens,however wiith Reid again in magnificent form, regrouped and despite some anxious moments held out for a famous victory. Queens really made hard work of overcoming this spirited Ayr side and they had the chances to bury their opponents long before the final whistle. There must be concern about the lack of firepower up front as Queens created enough openings to win by a clearer margin. Thomson looked out of sorts all afternoon and can have no complaints at being sent off but the Big Man has performed heroics for us in the past and can surely be excused. However I will take the three points and let JC worry about who he should play up front next Saturday at Broadwood.
| GARY WOOD BEING CLOSELY WATCHED BY THE AYR DEFENCE |
| THE KAISER CLEARS HIS LINES |
