Queens crashed out of the Challenge Cup after another poor performance against a much improved Saints team. Queens had Gary Wodd in for the injured Reid and dominated the early exchanges but just could not grab the vital opening goal despite two great efforts from English and Burns. The almost empty McDiarmid Park was completely devoid of any atmosphere from kick-off and even the small travelling Queens support were strangely subdued. Queens eventually paid the penalty for those early missed chances when Saints surprisingly took the lead on 29 minutes completely against the run of play. Queens gave away a free-kick at the edge of the box and Moore squared for the unmarked Maxwell to crash past Samson. Queens were obviously sleeping at the set peice and they still hadn't woken up when Saints went two up a minute later when Fotheringham crashed home off the underside of the bar from another free-kick. Queens looked shell shocked and seemed to loose heart after this. Despite having loads of the ball they had no idea how to break down a well orgainsied Saints defence. Armstrong was completey ineffective up front and gave Mc Niven little support. Bowey despite being barracked by the home fans tried his best to turn the tide but was getting little support from his midfield. Our best player in fact had been Burns who was always willing to come forward at every opportunity. It was a sad looking Queens team that trudged off the park at the end of the half and the travelling fans feared the worst in the second half.
HT 2 - 0
To their credit Queens came out for the second half and had a go at Saints but they just had no idea in front of the goal and the well drilled Saints defenders were in complete charge with the home goalkeeper having an easy night. Queens had rotten luck when Mc Niven appeared to be brought down just inside the box but the referee gave a free-kick right on the line much to the disappointment of the away support who by now were accepting it was not going to be their night. On 61 minutes the game was declared over when the hesitant Queens defence failed to clear and Kutkiewicz headed past Samson. Saints simply put men behind the ball for the reamainder of the match and apart from some anxious moments ran out comfortable winners. Saints were worthy winners in the end but Queens again did not get a fair rub of the green and Saints opener was completely against the run of play. Also Mc Niven should have had a penalty at the start of the second half. Having said that Saints were a vastly improved team from our previous visit to Perth and their are signs that JC is gradually getting it together. Queens problems again were lack of punch up front. They seemed to be trying to walk the ball into the net at times with a reluctance to shoot. Apart from the two goalsl from set peices the defence looked solid enough but Reid was obviously missed. We shall have to start finding the net soon as the fans are getting rather frustrated and with Airdrire looming up on Saturday it will be tense time for everyone.
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