PARKIN DOUBLE LIFTS QUEENS
WHETHER the appearance of a pipe band to play the teams on to the field was in honour of this town’s association with Rabbie Burns or an indication of mounting nationalist fervour was almost an irrelevance to home supporters.
Instead, Doonhamers’ diehards were more interested in the appearance of an Englishman – albeit one with a Scotland B cap – in their ranks.
Sam Parkin, the Roehampton- born striker, arrived from St Johnstone during the week and duly made his mark with a deadly double as Queens climbed off the foot of the table with this hard-fought win. Parkin’s aerial prowess was enough to cause Morton some early anxious moments but it was the visitors who threatened first when Archie Campbell’s low shot was gathered by the diving Lee Robinson.
The visitors thought they had gone ahead when Peter Weatherson converted David O’Brien’s cross but the former Queens’ player was flagged offside.
Parkin looked set to make his mark in 28 minutes when he slid in at the back post to meet Scott McLaughlin’s cross. However, the big striker failed to get a touch.
Robinson rescued the home side with a save from Weatherson who had two further efforts in quick succession deflected behind. And the home keeper was in action again to tip Michael Tidser’s curling shot over.
The Doonhamers wasted a glorious chance on the restart when Parkin drilled the ball over the face of goal to the unmarked Gavin Reilly. However, the youngster appeared to trip over the ball when all it needed was a simple touch over the line.
Queens were finally rewarded when Reilly’s cross was knocked down by Nicky Clark and Parkin netted from close range.
Parkin doubled his tally shortly afterwards, volleying Clark’s corner firmly into the net.
Queens were forced to endure an anxious conclusion when Campbell fired in an excellent goal for Morton but they held out.