League leaders Hamilton had to work hard for their narrow win over a battling Queens team who refused to be intimidated at a freezing New Douglas Park.
A minutes appreciation was impeccably observed prior to kick-off
in remembrance of Phil O'Donnell and the huge away Queens support numbering well over 500 were very soon in full voice.
Accies had the edge in a dour first half over a re-shuffled Queens squad which included several new faces. Offiong the giant Accies striker took adavantage of an awkward bounce to deceive Thomson but his lob slipped past MacDonald's near post. Accies Graham was proving a hot handful for the Queens defence with his probing runs and he almost gave the Home team the lead with a rasping drive which went too high. Queens without creating very much up front were more than holding their own and held out confidently until Half-Time.
The second half was much more open and chances were being made at both ends although the standard of play it has to be said was poor and not much of a spectacle for the freezing onlookers.
Queens were now pushing up more with Tosh having a big influence and he was very unlucky not to give Queens a surprise lead when his clever lob was just too high. The game was developing into a stalemate and heading for a goaless draw when a high hanging cross from Parratt completely deceived MacDonald in the Queens goal leaving McArthur the simple task of heading into almost an empty net. It was a blow to a galliant Queens side who stormed forward in the closing minutes in search of an equaliser and Harris had great chance but took the wrong option much to the disappointment of the Queens support.
No one can really grudge Hamilton their win as they created a lot more then what Queens could muster however the Doonhamers come out of the match with great credit and deserved a draw.
Travel Club Man of the Match - Jim Thomson - Another blinder by the big man as he kept Queens in the game.
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