GONZALEZ BREAKS THE QUEENS HEARTS
Last updated : 14 September 2003 By Duke Of Galloway
Gonzalez in the Raith goal gave an inspired performance to deny Queens time and time again to gain his team three points which to be fair they scarcely deserved. How on earth Queens did not get on the scoresheet is beyond me as they squandered chance after chance. Credit must be given to a Raith side who rode their luck and took what chances went a begging. From the start Raith looked the more polished side but Queens with their more direct style made all the chances. Gonzalez made a magnificent save from Lyle and Gibson blazed over from a wonderful position. It was a bit of a surprise when Raith took the lead with a rather soft goal. There seemed no danger when the visitors broke up the left and a cross was swung over. The Queens defence however went to sleep and
Sutton stole in at the near post to shoot past a surprised Dodds on 25 minutes. Queens didn't look undue worried and continued to make and spurn several chances before half-time.
Half-Time
Queens 0 Raith Rovers 1
Queens started off well but their lack of touch in front of goal was causing concern amongst the Palmy faithful. Raith looked dangerous on the break but didn't create very much until the 78th minute when
Sutton again was allowed to pick his spot to stun the Palmy faithful. For the last 20 minutes Queens laid seige on the Raith goal but Gonzalez was in inspired form and denied the Doonhamers time and again. He should however been beaten on at least three ocassions when Bowey,Wood and O'Connor missed absolute. sitters. Raith however rode their luck and must be delighted with their win but wont win any friends with their antics towards the end. Gonzalez tarnished a wonderful performance with some shocking gamesmanship when he tried to feint injury everytime a Queens player went near him. Queens must get this game out of their system fast as we head next week for a relegation dogfight with St Mirren. Raith on the other hand must feel that the gods are with them and must fancy their chances for a promotion spot. Somehow I don't think the next oppostion they meet miss so many chances as Queens did today.
| DODDS IN THE QUEENS GOAL PUNCHES CLEAR |
| QUEENS DEFENCE UNDER PRESSURE IN THE FIRST HALF |
