KILLIE HAVE THE EDGE BUT QUEENS PUT ON SUPERB DISPLAY

Paton on target

Paton on target with free-kick Despite the narrow defeat Queens put on a creditable display against a full Killie side. Queens started off slowly perhaps upset by the deplorable bannner in the New stand displaying the Dumfries branch of the Kilmarnock Supporters Club. It did not stay up for long probably on the advice of the stewards. Queens had keeper Peter Scrimgour on trial in goal and he looked rather shaky as Killie swarmed forward with Mc Laren showing his class on the left wing. It was no surprise when Killie took the lead when Santos got on the end of a high hanging cross and as the Queens defence stood and looked the strikers header floated wide of Srimgour into the far corner of the goal. The goal was greeted by muted applause from the several hundred Killie supporters who had congregated in the New Stand. The Queens support amongst the rather disappointing attendance of 1200 or so didn't seem concerned. However visions of rout loomed as Killie went two up as that man Santos again turned in a McLaren cross. Queens however never looked out of it and settled down to give Killie a right roasting for the rest of the half. Paton brought Queens right back into the game with a wonderful free-kick which gave Marshall no chance in the Killie goal. Peter Weatherson had the opportunity to give Queens the lead shortly befor half-time but failed to beat Marshall on a one to one situation. As Queens trotted off at half-time they received warm applause as they at no stage in the half looked inferior to full-time Killie. Half-time 1-2 The second-half unfortunately turned out to be a training exercise for both teams as they took the opportunity to field all their subs and Queens fans got a chance to see Brian Mc Laughlan for the first time. The half also saw some Muirfield weather as the heavans opened and the immaculate Palmy turf got a right soaking. Queens competed well and finished the stronger which is a credit to their fitness. They had several chances to level with O'Connor coming closest with his goal bound effort being scrambled off the line by the desperate Killie defence. In all a satisfactory display against a quality full-time premier league outfit. I was very impressed by Crawford,Allan and Aitken in defence. Also Weatherson looks really sharp and we have a right find in Paton. However we seem to have goalkeeper problems with Cambell unfit and Scott unable to take the field for some unknown reason. JC will have to sort this one out before the Clyde game as Scrimgour does not inspire confidence. Teams (Starting lineup) QUEENS/Scrimgour,Atkinson,Crwford,Allan,Aitken,Paton,O'Neill,Bowie,Lyle,Weatherson, Mc Alpine KILMARNOCK/Marshall,Shields,Hay,Mc Laughlan,Mahood,Dindeleux,Mc Laren, Fulton,Santos,Dargo,Mc Swegan.