LYLE GOAL SEALS FAMOUS VICTORY AT PERTH FOR QUEENS

NELLY IS CROWDED OUT

Queens rounded off a thoroughly successful season with a narrow but well deserved win against a lethargic Saints side who rarely threatened the Queens goal thanks to a rock hard Doonhamers rearguard in which Thomson,Aitken and Cambell were simply outstanding. A healthy support from down south livened up the morgue like atmosphere at Mc Dairmid Park where the Saints fans had stayed away in droves. The game kicked off with Queens fielding young Gibson and Burns in their lineup. Queens were keen to move forward but the game developed into a midfield stalemate and very few chances were made in front of goal. Thomson got into a rare tangle with Aitken and Saints had a great chance to open the scoring but Cambell in goal pulled off a great save. At the other end O'connor had a clear run in on goal but hesitated and the chance was lost. Gibson and Burns were obviously enjoying their chance in the big time and were really getting stuck in. Gibson in particular looks a great prospect with his passing and trickery causing Saints problems. Queens made all the chances with Lyle and Weatherson all going close. As the half drew to a close the impression was that there was more entertainment in the visitors enclosure than on the pitch. Some Queens exiles from Glasgow had turned up in fancy dress including one chap in full Queens kit complete with pancho and sombrero. He was supported by two Elvis look alikes and a mysterious person dressed up as a hippy.

Half-Time Saints 0 Queens 0

The game started to open up in the second half and Saints started to push up but the well drilled Queens defence were rarely in trouble and all the home team had to show for their efforts were a few corners. Queens on the other hand were continuing to make chances despite Saints dominance in mid-field. Gibson was showing some lovely touches and the Saints had to resort to some fairly heavy tackling to stop him at times. Burns also was showing up well and despite his slight frame refused to be intimidated. It was fitting that the pair should set up the winning goal. Gibson took a pass from Burns in the 65th minute and swung over a great cross for Lyle to head in at the far post despite a gallliant effort by the Saints keeper. The Queens support erupted and very soon were in good voice. Saints looked stunned and surged up field but they had no answer to Thomson and Company and despite a series of corners Queens held out comfortably for a famous victory. At the end the team ran across to their adoring fans to celebrate. This has been a marvelous season and my congratulations go out to everyone concerned. This is indeed a golden period for Queen of the South Football Club and our wonderful fans. Their were several senior citizens from Dumfries at Perth yesterday and one remarked to me afterwards "God forbid if I drop down dead tonight but I will at least die a happy man" The showing of Gibson and Burns will no doubt impress JC and I was pleasing to see Cambell in goal put on a good show. As JC remarked this was one of the youngest Queens team to take the field in years and this without doubt is the way ahead.

QUEENS CELEBRATE AT FINISH QUEENS FANS IN PARTY MOOD