A superp headed goal by defender David Craig gained Queens a narrow victory which they scarcely deserved against a Maryhill side who dominated for most of the match. The first half was reminiscent of last Saturday's debacle at Hmilton with both sides struggling to achieve anything although Thistle were at least trying to play football. Queens gamble of playing Lyle and McLaughlan up front looked doomed from the start with the tall Thistle defenders having an easy afternoon. Partick did have a chance when the dangerous Escales was thwarted by the excellent Scott in the home goal. Queens looked completely out of it in midfield with Bowey having another disappointing afternoon. In fact I was struggling to find in my notes if Queens had a single shot at goal in the first half. I think Gibson had a deflected shot at goal but by half-time most fans had lost interest in a game that was fast becoming a non-event and in the freezing conditions most were looking forward to a warm drink perhaps a legendary Palmy pie.
Half Time Queens 0 Partick 0
The second half started much the same as the first half with both defences dominating. Thistle were enjoying plenty of the ball but the Queens defence with Thomson and Craig outstanding were like a brickwall. McLaren should have scored but once again the immaculate Scott kept Queens in the game. The referee was also beginning to rile the fans when he waved on play after Burns had been trampled on. The young Queens player had eventually to be carried off with a huge gash on his leg. He was replaced by Payne and when Bagan took over from the disappointing Bowey,Queens at last made a game of it and were asking serious questions of the Thistle rearguard. Queens forced a series of corners and made one of them count on 80 minutes when Craig rose like a bird to crash a magnificent header past the unfortunate Arthur to sent the Palmy faithful into raptures. Thistle were stunned and pushed everyone up but Queens were in no mood to surrender their lead and held out for a welcome but fortunate win. This win may paper over the cracks we still have in midfield and attack and I certainly would not get carried away as there are some tough tests ahead. We still have serious problems up front and the pairing of McLaughlan along with Lyle is not the answer. It was interesting to note when Payne and Pagan came on Queens suddenly looked like a team. Craig has also proved to be an excellent central defender which gives Scott more options. For the clash with St Mirren I would have Wood and Mc Niven back up front with perhaps Payne being given a run on the right. Bowey's poor form is a mystery and I supect it's a fitness problem which Scott will have to sort out very soon or else some new faces will be in the frame come January.
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