QUEENS GO CLOSE AGAINST THE DONS

Last updated : 27 January 2003 By Duke Of Galloway

The Dons on the Attack

























This was a typical full-bloodied cup-tie where Aberdeen can consider themselves a bit fortunate to escape with a draw. Aberdeen probably shaded the first half half but Queens came back at them with a vengeance in the second period and should have secured a place in the next round. Palmerston was a cauldron of noise and colour as near on 6,000 fans packed into the ground which included around 1500 Dons fans which was a few hundred down on their ticket allocation. To start with Queens were having trouble handling the pace of the premier side especially down the flanks. However as usual the old heads of Thommo,Anderson and Goram steadied the ship and to be quite blunt Aberdeen created very little in front of goal. Queens although under the cosh for a while actually had the best chances. Weatherson missed a difficult one and McLaughlan should have done better than balloon the ball over the bar from close in. It was a rip-roaring cup-tie and both sets of fans were giving it the full wellie with their party songs. The drummer at the Queens end was in danger of wearing out his drum skin as the decibels began to increase from the vocal chords of the home faithful. Towards half-time Queens were well in the game and matching their full-time opponents after a sticky start. Queens marched off at half-time to a standing ovation from the packed Palmy crowd.

Half-time 0-0

The game restarted at the previous tempo with both teams going at each other hell for leather and Queens giving a good account of themselves. Bowey was everywhere and big Thommo was having a tremendous match at the back. O'Neill with his bandaged head was a constant thorn to the Dons defence and was receiving some harsh treatment from the opposing defenders. Weatherson had cruel luck when a tremendous swerving shot was heading straight for the bottom corner of the net but somehow Preece in the Dons goal got to it and turned it past the post. Big Sean O'Connor came on to a tremendous cheer to replace McColligan and immediately caused panic in the Dons rearguard. The introduction of O'Connor seemed to unsettle the Dons and the big man had the chance of the game when he was clean through but took a touch too many and the Aberdeen keeper was able to gather. Queens really had a go at the Dons in the last quarter forcing corner after corner but Queens just could not find the breakthrough and the Dons were very releived to have survived to fight again This was probably the best Queens performance in recent years and shows once again how far we have come under the guidance of John Connolly. With a little bit of composure in front of goal we could have won this tie by a couple of goals but I'm not complaining as we still have a chance at Pittodrie in a fortnight. Once again the Palmy crowd were magnificent and kept up a tremendous level of support throughout. The Aberdeen fans played their part with their colourful display of flags and banners helping to create a tremendous atmosphere although the DUMFRIES REDS banner was NOT appreciated. For the sake of Scottish footbsll we all hope that Paterson can restore the Dons amongst the elite again. As for Queens they must transfer this form into the league and a fourth top place is not beyond them. 


Queens clear their lines