PRESSURE ON CLEYHOLERS AS QUEENS DUMP DEES

Mullen-First goal for Queens

United boss Ian McCall left Dens Park with a big smile on his face as his troops grabbed three precious points in their quest to avoid the drop. It was the manager's tactical intervention which turned this game on its head as, with his team trailing, both his substitutes came on to score and secure an unlikely victory.

It had started so well for the Doonhammers when they stunned their hosts with less than a minute on the clock after being gifted a goal.

Looking as if their minds were still on the minute's silence for ex-manager John Prentice, the Dundee defence stood in awe of some clever exchanges between Eric Paton and Brian McLaughlin before the latter laid the ball into the path of Andy Thomson. The striker's first attempt from three yards was blocked by the keeper, but he made no mistake with the follow-up

With a nine-game unbeaten run behind them, it was no surprise that Dundee responded with increased urgency. An 11th minute header from the diminutive Bryan Deasley was well saved by Colin Scott, but in the following minute Scott Robertson's weak shot failed to capitalise on good play when it seemed easier to score.

As the half progressed, Dundee's attacking play became more frenetic. Simon Lynch was rewarded in the 38th minute, however, with a simple header meeting Garry Brady's corner a the near post giving Scott no chance.

The second period continued as the first, with Lynch's 12-yard chip going narrowly over. The striker was more fortunate in the 59th minute when slack Queen's defending allowed the ball to bobble around the box before being swept across the six-yard line for the first division's leading scorer to steer home.

Continuing to dominate, the Dark Blues suffered another set-back when Mike Mullen astonishingly equalised in the 67th minute. Taking advantage of good refereeing from Mike Ritchie, the substitute cleverly weaved and forced his way past three defenders before firing a low unstoppable shot into the corner.

The rain poured down making playing conditions miserable matching the depression felt around the stadium by the home support. And it was compounded by a tremendous winner in the 81st minute by another substitute, Gary Wood. From all of 25 yards, he smacked a cracking drive into the top corner, effectively ending Dundee's hopes of promotion.

Queens MAD verdict - Dundee had their chances but this was a classic smash and grab act by Queens with Wood's winner one of the finest strikes seen at Dens Park. The tide is beginning to turn in Queens favour at last and escape from relegation is very much on. It should be an exciting next few weeks as the Cleyholers look to be in freefall.

Queens MAD man of the match - Michael Mullen - What a find this player is and how Ayr and Killie must be kicking themselves having let this one through the net. His first goal for Queens was sheer class and hopefully more will follow from this talented player.

Picture courtesy of www.qosfc.com