| ALLEZ LES HOOPS |
| Well, it was by no means pretty, but it was enough and that's more than can be said for a lot of Queen's matches in recent times, where the team, despite being the better side, have failed to pick up points. Another win leaves us in the fourth place position, a spot that will be difficult to maintain, such is the unpredictability of this division. On Saturday, the result was never really in any doubt. Queen's were always going to be on top. Indeed, Shire are a poorly-organised team - much worse than what I expected - and they failed to keep their heads and shape throughout. Of course, this could be attributed to the fact that they are carrying the tag of "Worst Team in Scotland". Tuesday night appeared to have an affect on some players who were a little rusty, which is perfectly understandable. But Brannigan is certainly clamping down hard on some players and letting his actions speak louder than words in his team selection. Jonny Whelan sitting out was maybe not as big a surprise as it perhaps should have been. Last season KB made it clear that he didn't want players to sit back and relax when their places could be occupied by others. Another encouraging sign is the balance we have at the moment. In Paul Harvey and Ally Graham we have two old heads that know the game. It is easier possibly for these players to be used as scapegoats because "they should know better", but with the exception of Graham's red card at Albion Rovers, these criticisms should be left alone for now. But we shouldn't get complacent either. Whilst 7 out of 9 is a good total for any side in this league, we have to remember the calibre of teams we had to play to obtain them. Next week will provide a stiffer challenge in the form of Peterhead. And even though they are trailing just now, I still think they have the same football abilities as last season and should be able to win games providing they come down to skill over mettle. And Queen's should match them in both departments, I believe. Queen's are partial to the odd off-day, but let's remember to give the players credit when they are doing well and not just be on-hand to slag them off. Am I a hypocrite? Well, yes and no. I have criticised the team this season (in the games versus Stirling Albion and Albion Rovers). This is down to the fact that I was infuriated with the way they played because I know that they can do better. However, I think you'll find that my praise of the team in most other matches is more than fair. Queen's have a good team at the moment, better than last season's in some ways, so when they are doing well, let's give them a cheer. It's ok to get a bit mad when they lose a game, but just make sure you're there next week chanting them on in the hope that they'll do better. That's what I think anyway. So if anyone questions my belief in the team or their abilities, just see if I'm not there the next week. I think you'll find that I am. Ratings: Scrimgour 7, Canning 7, McCallum 7 (Gallagher 7), Moffat 7 (Whelan 6), Sinclair 8, Fallon 7, Clark 7 (Menelaws 6), Harvey 7, Graham 8, Reilly 7, McAuley 9. Man of the Match: Steven McAuley Match Rating: *** |