Jim White saw red in 77 minutes following a trivial challenge, but I would have sooner given the Morton players involved the Oscar for play-acting. It's a real shame to see your old manager come back to his old home and field a team with that type of mentality. Morton, however, were obviously a flustered and frustrated team and they couldn't afford to come away from Hampden with anything less than the points. On a more tasteful note, Morton took the game with a brilliant strike from John Adam. He showed the rest of the team a little thing or two about playing the game they way it should be played with a beautiful 25 yard effort.
Queen's were undoubtedly disappointing. I suppose it was an indication to see if Queen's have the same spirit under Brannigan as they did with Martin and Cowboy in charge, but it was all a bit of a let-down in the end. Injuries didn't help either, though, and key player Agostini was out through illness. Ross Clark was pushed further back, but when Johnny Whelan had to come off through injury, Paddy Gallagher was more or less the only man in the middle of the park. Players out on Saturday read as follows: Quinn, Moffat, Agostini, Dunning, Martin. All five of these players are crucial to the team's success and so perhaps it was no surprise that Queen's couldn't contest as fierce a battle as they did earlier on in the season.
Oh, and Tony Mitchell was back in goal.
That's right, Tony Mitchell was back in goal for Queen's as Derek Scrimgour and Mark Cairns were both on holiday - not together hopefully. Tony was awarded the man-of-the-match prize for playing a better match than he has been recently used to. After a very shaky start, in which he failed to collect a simple cross, Mitchell went on to make two excellent stops, one in each half. I doubt if he will feature again in the side, but if this is a last game, it's a good one. 8
Danny Ferry had a disappointing game for the Spiders, but his effort is still very much valued at the back. Let's hope he can get back to top form soon. 6
Ross Clark was moved back to almost the right hand side of defence and so we didn't see much of him. Clark is certainly more suited in his midfield role. 6
Jim White was a crucial member of the team at the back for Queen's in the first-half but deservedly acquired a booking for a stupid late challenge. His effort is admired, but he will have to watch where he putting the boot in future as referees in this league are probably stricter - in some cases - than they should be. Unfairly dismissed, but played well. 7
Richard Sinclair, like White, will have to watch out for the referees in future, but I think some challenges may have looked worse than they actual were, thanks to some Morton acrobatics. 7
Steven Fallon tried to link up with James Allan, but nothing worked all afternoon. Kept a cool head in some difficult situations. 7
Stuart Kettlewell played like an veteran, showing no signs of immaturity and every indication that he will go on to become a great player at the club. Fought hard in midfield, but both his light weight and good nature were exploited by some hard challenges in midfield that went unpunished. 8 Replaced by Steven Canning 6
Johnny Whelan looked to have been playing with an injury and was replaced by Paddy Gallagher (6) on 61 minutes. Whelan is such a valuable player that Queen's need him in the side every week they play. 7
John Gemmell had no joy up-front and couldn't get the space to have a go at goal. There will be better days. 6 David Menelaws(6).
David McCallum played another tidy game in midfield and has shown that he is an excellent player from a dead ball situation. 7
James Allan was not at his best and has yet to show Brannigan the sort of form that he had earlier on in the season. Give us a goal at Gretna, eh, Jimmy? 6
Man of the Match: Stuart Kettlewell
Match Rating: **