Sunday 22nd November 2009
Queen's Park 15s met St Johnstone F C at Lesser Hampden in a 1.30pm ko. Queen's Park knew this was a tough fixture and emphasised to the players that "concentration" was paramount as St Johnstone would capitalise on any slackness in our play. Queen's however were dealt a blow before the kick-off as Kieran Tolland broke down in the warm up and was unable to take any part in this match.
The 15s weren’t only competing against St Johnstone but were also playing against a blistering strong wind and rain and within 2mins of the kick off Queen's found themselves a goal down. St Johnstone showed determination as they ran down the right flank, winning a 50/50 challenge and then responded to a poor clearance as their right midfielder was allowed time to pass the ball unchallenged to an unmarked teammate who placed the ball low into the bottom right hand corner.
This goal obviously gave St Johnstone players confidence as they kept the ball and when not in possession harassed and chased to ensure no fluency in Queen's play. However David Murray came close to nearly squaring things up when he got his head to an Aiden Connolly cross only for it agonisingly hit off the post.
A further set back was to occur as David Murray took no further part in the game due to injury and was replaced Connor Paton. This did not deter Queen's as they opened their account when a Saints clearance fell to Aiden Connelly who showed good technique, to strike powerfully on the half volley, into the bottom right hand corner.
With the wind behind them Queen's started the second period well. Both Connor Paton and Gavin Mitchell combining well down the right hand side and it was from this area that Raymond Lynch received the ball to jink his way into the penalty area inviting a rash challenge from Saints defender. Penalty awarded. Connor McGuiness stepped up to strike home.
This lead did not last long as again indecision allowed the saints striker to have a free header that hit the back of the net. Saints took a grip of the game and scored two further goals. Queen's coaches looked for a reaction from the players and weren’t disappointed. Queen's worked tirelessly, putting pressure on the saints back line. Lawrence Shankland came close with clever turn and great strike only for an equally great save from their keeper. However on his next attempt he bulleted a strike that rocketed into the top corner.....it was game on.
Would Saints hold on or would Queens’s pressure pay off? The answer came from Connor McGuiness, who in the dying minutes whipped in a dangerous cross that found itself in the back of the Saints net.
Queens’s coaches stated "We are pleased in the manner in which the players finished the game as we penned St Johnstone in their own area showing determination, desire and team spirit to get back into this game. Well done!".
Below are some pictures from today's game
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