Sunday 3rd August 2009
Queens Park 15’s continued their preparations for the new season by travelling away for an hard test against a strong Kilmarnock side. Not only would this game be played at a good tempo, Kilmarnock would be strong physically and sharp therefore we highlighted to the players the importance of having good organised pressure on the ball and maintaining high-quality periods of possession.
With every game we look for a good start, and on the back of our victory over Rangers, Queen's started the game at a very high tempo. How long this could be maintained for? Queen's had the better of the first period as they pressed the Kilmarnock players to regain possession and created some good opportunities.
Similar to the first period the 15s kept good possession and produced some goal scoring opportunities. However Kilmarnock, not really being a goal threat so far in the game, broke away to score with a good strike.
To freshen things up Queen's made some changes and one of these changes, Raymond Lynch, proved to be the catalyst. Raymond’s first touches created the equaliser as he fought his way through several Killie players to put in a deadly cross into the six yard box which ended up in the net as Killie defender tried to clear the ball.
This spurred Queen's onto what would be a memorable performance. Craig Johnston and Raymond were becoming more of a handful, resulting with two goals from Craig.
With the confidence evident in their play, Queen's continued to play at a very high tempo which caused Kilmarnock to tire as they struggled to get out of their own half or have any periods of possession. Queen's tempo never dipped as they continued to create chance after chance and were rewarded with more goals.
This performance received praise from the Kilmarnock coach who highlighted our work rate and the tempo of our play which was consistent throughout the game.
Queens’s coaches praised all of their players for a very creditable performance. Although we don’t like to single out players but am certain no one would begrudge me from singling out Aiden Connolly, Lawrence Shankland and Conner McGuiness along with the front two Craig and Raymond. Outstanding performance – well done!!
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