QUEENS IN THE DOLDRUMS

Thomson-last line of defence

Another disappointing home defeat by Queens against an impressive St Johnstone. Queens had the suspended Bowey back but it was the Perth Saints that dominated the early exchanges. For some strange reason the game kicked off around 5 minutes early and several punters missed the opening goal scored by the visitors in 3 mins. Milne took advantage of some slack defending by Queens to beat Scott from close in. It was a horrendous start by Queens as they struggled to get back into the game. Saints on the other hand were well in control and looked like adding to their tally. Queens hung in there and on 25 minutes McLaughlan surprisingly equalised after good work by Burns. McLaughlan however turned from hero to villain a few minutes later when he needlessly brought down Stanic in the penalty area. The referee immediately awarded a penalty which Sheerin put away. What exactly McLaughlan was doing pratting about in his own penalty area is open for debate but this was a huge blow to Queens and effectively handed the advantage to the visitors. It was a very disappointed Queens side that trooped off the field at the break.

Queens 1 St Johnstone 2

Queens came out fighting at the start of the second half but the visitors with several ex premier league players in their line up, were far too streetwise to let the points slip. Bowey tried hard to rally the troops but our lightweight midfield was completely swamped at times by the impressive visitors. Jim Thomson at times was Queens last line of defence as his teamates struggled to contain the visitors. Eventually it was game over for Queens as Sheerin picked up a long ball and beat Scott but the ball hit the crossbar. The ball rebounded nicely for the Perth striker and he forced the ball home despite a desperate attempt by Hill to save on the line. Queens brought on Pronovych but it was too late and the Saints ran out comfortable winners. Queens can have few complaints about the result although they contributed to their own downfall with McLauglan giving away the penalty minutes after drawing level. The harsh facts are that our midfield looked far too lighweight with Bowey and Burns struggling to achieve anything. Gibson was completely marked out of the game and Payne was largely ineffective. Queens now face a nightmare visit to fellow strugglers Brechin on Tuesday evening and who would dare to forecast the outcome of that match.

Down and out - Saints Sheeerin scores from a penalty St Johnstone on the attack