Wednesday 19th May 2010
Queen's 15s played Motherwell in a midweek friendly on a cool Wednesday evening. The kick-off was 8:00pm. Queen's were without injured Alex Grier and Kieran Tolland although new signings Jack Murphy and Jack Haggerty were added to the starting line up.
Queen's adopted 1-4-5-1 formation but when in possession were looking to break quickly and support Raymond Lynch in the final third. Good possession and discipline positionally would be crucial. Queen's wanted a good start and had been warned that Motherwell would attempt to dictate tempo early in the game.
The 15s start impressed as they kept the game well with good passing and movement. Within 5mins Queen's had an excellent opportunity to go ahead with Connor McGuiness being barged off the ball in the penalty area. Connor leaning back powerfully struck the ball, flying over the bar.
This did not deter the 15s as Well couldn’t get the ball with Queen's producing a wonderful display though they needed to be more of a threat on goal with several half chances created.
Queen’s central triangle of Aiden Connolly, Connor McGuiness and Kyle Rafferty were dictating the play. Motherwell did threat on a couple of occasions as Queen's gave away needless free kicks just outside their penalty area.
Motherwell tested Cammy Sinclair with in swinging free kicks though Cammy demonstrated courage as he came out to catch the ball under pressure.
The second period was more even with both teams having periods of possession although both defences were performing well limiting any goal scoring opportunities.
Within 15mins of the second period Queen's were dealt a blow as centre back Brian Coyle had to leave the field with a cut to the head. The 15s reshuffled with Lawrence Shankland moving into centre back with Gavin Mitchell entering the play at Left back.
This didn’t have an adverse affect on the game as both players settled well into their new role.
The final period saw the young spiders tire as they began to sit deeper in the own half however they kept going inspired by Kyle and Aiden who worked tirelessly winning 50/50 challenges as the play sifted from end to end.
In the dying moments Queen's were pressing with a good opportunity going over the bar.
Queens’s coaches commented "The players deserve praise tonight as this was a team performance at a high standard. We passed the ball extremely well and for the a period of 40mins an excellent Motherwell side struggled to get the ball and when they did we demonstrated good pressing to win it back. The boys worked tirelessly for 90mins and we are certain all spectators would’ve been impressed by their performance. This was an entertaining game with credit going to both teams. Well done all".
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