LYLE HITS A DOUBLE BUT QUEENS LET ARBROATH OFF THE HOOK

Lyle - a fine double.

Queens can consider themselves desperately unlucky not to have taken both points as this was a most impressive display by an almost full strength team. Once again poor finishing let us down but some appalling bad luck played it's part especially Arbroath's second goal which was a complete fluke. Queens dominated from the start and Lyle almost scored as the visitors defence was carved open on the right. A goal had to come and Lyle got on the end of a O'Neill cross to put Queens one up on 5 minutes and the perfect start. Queens continued to look the more impressive team but Arbroath equalised in almost their first attack. It was an appalling goal to lose as a harmless looking shot from Currie seemed to be heading straight for Goram when the ball spun off Anderson and trickled into the net. Queens were however the far better team and pounded the Red Lichtie's defence to no avail as our srikers continued to miss a hatful of chances. As half-time approached we all wondered how on earth Arbroath were still in the game.

Half-Time 1-1
Queens tore into the attack from the kick-off and had the Arbroath goal under constant pressure. Goram in the Queens goal was a virtual spectator and this proved to be Queen's downfall on the 53rd minute mark. Cargill picked up a loose ball almost on the half-way line and decided to try his luck for goal. Goram was way out of his goal and the whole of Palmy could hardly beleive it as the ball dipped at the last minute and landed in the net. The Arbroath players couldn't beleive this gift and celebrated in great style in front of the dugouts. It was a cruel blow to Queens as Arbroath had never really been in the match. To their credit Queens kept coming forward and Palmy erupted in 56 minutes when the alert Lyle rammed home the equaliser after a Weatherson shot had been saved by the Arbroath keeper. This set up a grand finale as Queens laid seige on the Arbroath goal but try as they may a goal just would not come. Lyle and McAlpine should have scored but an Arbroath leg, head and even a hand was always their to keep the ball out. Queens must be desperately disappointed at not taking three points as this was one of their best performances of the season but lady luck dealt them a crucial blow with the second Arbroath goal. If we keep up this level of performance the tide will surely turn although next week's visit to REC at Alloa will be a daunting prospect. Andy Goram was obviously upset at losing the second goal as he was not at his usual spot enjoying a glass of wine in the social club after the game.