| ALLEZ LES HOOPS |
| Maybe we should look on the bright side: we didn't lose and we're still unbeaten in our last three games. Those that saw yesterday's game, however, will be forced to admit that there really wasn't much else to take, apart from the point, from this game. The first half was an open contest with both sides creating a few chances, but in contrast, the second period saw Montrose rarely venture out of their own half. And despite this, Queen's struggled to break them down. Why? Well, there were a few reasons, but after wins at Inverness and Cowdenbeath, we really shouldn't be going over these again. The main factor, bizarre as it seems, it that the game is played at home, a venue where Queen's rarely keep up a consistent performance. Yesterday was the same. After Montrose equalised, Queen's broke down and didn't show any of the drive they are capable of. And there were a few disgruntled yells from the gallery yesterday, too, and can you really blame them? Home displays really have to improve if the team want to progress. Yesterday Montrose were there for the taking yet Queen's couldn't capitalise and that must be a worry for Kenny Brannigan. For those that go to all Queen's matches this is even more frustrating. Why is it we see superhuman displays against bigger clubs away from home only to come back and draw with below-par outfits like Montrose? How they managed to beat Albion Rovers and Stirling Albion is a real mystery. Sadly with the exception of a few (namely Ferry, Fallon and Clark), the team lacked ideas and drive. How do you heal these home deficiencies? It's up to the players to forget where they are playing and push and push until they create something infront of goal on a regular basis and not just in last 10 minute bursts. It's up to the players to keep their concentration at all times and not concede possession at the back or forget how to mark at set-pieces. There's only so much Kenny Brannigan can do. It's up to the players to do the job they do so well away from home. Once again, I find myself saying this, but I'll say it anyway: I believe that the team have great talent and with a little bit more urgency and concentration they can succeed on a regular basis. Derek Scrimgour: Wasn't at fault for the goal, and was a spectator for the entire second half. Dealt well with what came his way. 6 Danny Ferry: This was a good performance from Danny. Despite some helter-skelter defending, he never gave up and tried to create chances with crosses at the end. His set-pieces are improving greatly. 7 Steven Moffat: Was amazingly left in acres of space by the Montrose defence and this is what led to the goal. A good first half performance, but fell away in the second. 6 Replaced by Thompson 6 Steven Reilly: Good first half, but not so good after the break. Also needs to watch his temper as a two footed challenge in the first half could have been more severely punished. 6 Richard Sinclair: A solid display. 7 Steven Fallon: A good consistent display yet not really required at all in the second half as Montrose failed to threaten. 7 Ross Clark: Another good performance but could have imposed himself more late on in the game with his fine attacking skills. 7 Steven Canning: A bad day for Canning who didn't follow up on last week's fine performance and goal. Consistency still seems to be a problem. 6 Replaced by Paul Harvey who came close with a good free-kick. 6 Ally Graham: Had some clever knock-downs in the first half, but didn't really get the service in the second half. Nearly scored with a header near the end. 6 Jonny Whelan: A slightly less-solid performance than usual from Jonny who looked a little slow at times. Organising skills still essential in the absence of Agostini. 6 Steven McAuley: A good opportunistic goal from McAuley, and his first for the club. 6 Replaced by David Menelaws who missed two good chances, the first, a one-on-one with the goalkeeper that should have been converted. His header at the end was a little more unfortunate, but he really should have got on the scoresheet yesterday. 5 Match Rating: No Stars Man of the Match: Danny Ferry |