| ALLEZ LES HOOPS |
| Although this was a game Queen's were never in any danger of losing, manager Kenny Brannigan will be worried that his team couldn't capatalise on the one man advantage over a depleted Cowdenbeath side. That said, some of the play in the middle of the park was brilliant with Clark and Moffat always on the same wavelength. The second half was a touch scrappier with both teams struggling to get the ball down and play football, but in general Queen's were mostly in control of the match against a Cowdenbeath team that had very little to offer up-front. Despite its raggedness, this match was an enjoyable one thanks to the openness of play and the clear talents that come from both sides. Despite their impotent forward line, Cowdenbeath have a team that are capable of stringing a few passes together. It's a shame then, that they won't be able to progress any further without a competent strike-force. At times, Cowdenbeath played like Queen's of seasons past, struggling to finish off moves despite possessing players of reasonable footballing ability. It would seem, however, that Queen's have found a better balance throughout the team. Last season the problem was goals, even though the team usually supplied many attacking moves.There wasn't anyone in the team who could finish moves convincingly, but in Graham, Carroll and Carcary, it would seem that we have sorted those problems out. Menelaws and McAuley are yet to score so far, but a goal from both players should boost confidence. Confidence is important for a lot of players which was evident on Saturday. After a good performance against Albion Rovers, Steven Canning didn't follow up his form against Stirling Albion. But on Saturday it was clear the was much more confident in his own abilities and he showed why he can be one of the best footballers at the club. His goal was a fine effort, a superbly struck shot that the goalkeeper had no chance of saving, but what we need now is for Stevie to produce this stylish play in every game, because we all know what he is capable of, yet his performances vary too much. But it was encouraging to see Queen's pick up a solid, if not stylish win, over one of the lesser sides in the division. With all respect to Keith Wright's team they will not be one of the promotion contenders this season. Last term the problem wasn't with the bigger sides, but with the likes of East Stirling, Montrose and Elgin. The next two games will be a real test. Montrose, despite scoring two big wins in the league and cup, are not a team of any great style, and Queen's should overthrow them simply because they are the better team. After this game, Queen's will play East Stirling which should be another three points, if Queen's have turned the corner. Ratings: Scrimgour 7, Ferry 7, Moffat 8, Canning 8, Sinclair 8, Fallon 8, Clark 8, Reilly 7 (Harvey 7), Graham 7, Whelan 7, McAuley 7 (Carcary 7) Man of the Match: Steven Canning Match Rating: *** |