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Queens deservedly dug out a result at windswept Gayfield against a big physical Arbroath side who had given the league leaders Caley a hard time the previous week.The Queens took the field in front of the usual large vociferous away support many of whom were suitably dressed in Santa hats after having been well watered and fed in the Tutties Nuek pub prior to the match. The usual wind and rain swept in from the North Sea but the Queens support were warmed as their heroes started to make in roads into the Red Lichties defence. Big Sean O'Connor was putting himslef about and was proving a hot handful to the Arbroath defence. The first goal came in 15 minutes as a number of Queens players broke upfield and with the home support baying for offside Bowyer buried a shot behind Hinchcliffe in the Arbroath goal. This seemed to upset the Arbroath team and they began to loose their cool. Queens were lying deep and hitting Arbroath on the counter and this seemed to be the perfect tactic considering the vile playing conditions. Arbroath huffed and puffed as they forced several corners but the familiar Connolly tactic of packing the goalmouth worked perfectly and the defence managed to clear their lines with no problems. Just before half-time an absolutely appalling decision by the referee nearly gave Arbroath the equaliser. An Arbroath pass seemed to rebound off Bowyer and Goram picked the ball up. Much to the horror of those behind the visitors goal, the referee gave a free kick for a back pass right on the six yard box, to the right of the goal. After a frantic melee the kick was cleared much to the relief of the Queens supporters and everyone trudged off to the pie-stall well satisfied at being at least a goal up.
Half-time 0-1
We barely had time to digest our greasy Gayfield pies when Queens went two up just after half-time. Big O'Connor set up Lyle and the wee man beat Hinchcliffe amidst delirious scenes behind the goal. The Palmy choir,supported by the drummer were now in full voice as the silent home support looked glumly on. To their credit Arbroath refused to fold and they continued to compete well in midfield as Queens came under continuing pressure. The experience of Andy Goram was needed on numerous occassioins as Queens dealt comfortably with everything the Red Lichties could muster. The home team suffered a mortal blow on the 57th mark when Cusick was dismissed by the referee for offensive and abusive language. This reverse seemed to spur on Arbroath and they scored in the 62nd min through Mc Dowell after an almighty goal-mouth scramble. Queens were hanging on now as 10 men Arbroath fancied getting something from the game but the Palmy defence were in no mood to surrender. Lyle and Weatherson both had chances before the end to kill off Arbroath but as the final whistle went the away support were quite happy with a win. To be quite honest this was a poor game and not one of Queens greatest triumphs but these are the sort of games that must be won if survival in Division 1 is to be achieved. Having not visited Gayfield for over 20 years, I must say I was pleasantly surprised as it is a smashing wee ground with a nice new stand. The police and stewards took a sensible approach towards the visiting fans and kept a low profile. Only minus point was that the pies were like the weather - absolutely vile and full of grease. A good turnout of Queens fans as usually and the landlord of the Tutties Neuk pub must have made a few bob prior to the match !!!