O'NEILL INSPIRES QUEENS TO FINE VICTORY AT CAPPIELOW

Last updated : 03 April 2002 By Duke Of Galloway

Queens promotion prospects are still on course after an emphatic victory over Morton at Cappielow this evening. Crawford came in for the suspended Anderson and Bowey came back from injury to partner O'Neill in midfield. Scott meanwhile had fully recovered from his injury last Saturday and retained his place between the sticks. Queens made all the early running much to the delight of the huge travelling support. Bowey was showing some delighful touches and big O'Connor was proving a right handful for the Morton defence ably assisted by the classy Lyle. It was no surprise in the 8th min when a lovely O'Neill pass was picked up by O'Connor who then charged into the penalty box and despatched a daisy-cutter into the corner of the net past a stranded Coyle in the Morton goal. The vociferous Queens support were now in raptures as their favourites charged forward but the elusive second goal never came despite many near things around the Morton goal. The TON were by no means out of it and their physical style was giving Thomson and Co plenty to think about at the back. Scott had to push over a looping header and Missano had a tremendous volley blocked. Shortly afterwards Lyle stole in and lobbed Coyle, only to see his effort slide past the post. As half-time approached Queens were well in control but the feeling was they could have made better use of their chances in front of goal.

Half Time 0-1

Queens with the wind at their backs started off at a cracking pace and urged on by their magnificent support, went for more goals. O'Neill did the needful in 53 min, turning in a wonderful cross from O'Connor. The same player put Queens 3-0 in 58 min following a blunder by the harrassed Greenock defence. Queens had several chances to add to their score notably Lyle who at times tried to walk the ball into the net. Bowey also missed an open goal. Morton tried hard to get back into the game but our back four stood firm and refused to be intimidated by some crude tackling from the home side which the referee turned a blind eye to at times. His patience ran out howver in the 77th min when the long-haired Missano was sent off after crudely elbowing Queens Connelly in the face.
In all a well deserved victory for Queens and sets us up nicely for LE CRUNCH
match against Alloa on Saturday.

The Dukes Man of the Match BOWEY of Queens