Sunday 16th August 2009
The 14s squad travelled to Murray Park today in their final of three pre-season matches against SPL opposition.
The boys started the game brightly, keeping good possession of the ball, bringing forward players into the game and putting the strong, well organised Rangers defensive unit under real pressure.
At this stage of the match the young Queen's Park players were setting the tempo of the game as they had done previously in the match with St. Mirren and were duly rewarded when the excellent Gerald O'Donnell struck home an unstoppable, dipping free kick from 25 yards.
This was no more than Queen's deserved but having gained the lead the mindset changed. Queen's were now on the back foot looking to contain Rangers' free flowing football, as opposed to looking to continue to take the game to their opponents.
The Rangers team's physical strength, athleticism, pace and sharpness were beginning to show on the lush Murray Park surface. But to their credit Queen's never stopped looking to play the passing game - at which they excel.
With chances created, some excellent saves from goalkeeper Nielson, and goals scored at both ends, including a penalty finished at the second attempt from O'Donnell, overall this was a good workout for the boys in black and white.
Coach Murray Crouch commented after the game 'This group of young players continue to set very high standards. The coaches will look for these levels to be maintained. Now having now brought the boys up to speed fitness wise, and also having been able to experiment with shape/personnel during the tough pre-season period we look forward to the competitive edge the group will gain from the start of the new season'
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