Sunday 16th August 2009
Queen's Park 15s welcomed Rangers to Lesser Hampden for their final pre-season match.
Rangers started the match very well, keeping good possession as Queen's chased and worked hard to retain the ball. Rangers were switching the ball well although their goal threat was limited with no real penetrating edge.
Against the run of the play Queen's found themselves a goal in front as they closed down a clearance which rebounded into the net.
With the first period coming to a close Rangers quickly equalised with a good strike.
Queen's started the second period knowing individually and collectively their performance had to improve. They didn’t disappoint as Rangers were pegged in their own half but after a series of corners Queen's couldn’t turn their pressure into goals.
Rangers had weathered the pressure and now it was Queen's on the back foot. Rangers pressure was causing some concerns as Queen's lost some shape as more space was being created for Rangers to utilise and they did resulting in scoring more two goals.
Queen's knew an early goal in the third period would be crucial. To their credit they pressed and pressed and created many great goal opportunities.
Although Queen's pulled one back and on another day this would have been more but they deserve praise for their performance as they dominated the final 30 mins, fully acknowledged by the Rangers coaching staff.
Queen's coaches commented 'We are happy with the manner in which we finished the game. Our fitness and sharpness has been evident throughout preseason training and in our match play. This was a very good test today against some of the best young talent in Scotland and we have put in a credible performance. We now focus on our first game of the season against Dumbarton and look forward to it'.
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