( Canning ) ( McMullan, Steele )
On Saturday, many chances were created by the Hoops, but only one was converted. It was sheer frustration for the Queen's Park faithful as they were led on a rollercoaster of opportunities and squandered chances.
Queen's Park were still hampered by injuries, however. Paul Borland had to be replaced by new-boy John Gallagher and top midfielder Johnny Whelan also missed the game due to an injury. Despite the recent departures of Neil Collins and Stephen Marshall, QP started brightly and could have taken the lead in the first minute. John Gemmell's cross found the unlikely source of Danny Ferry, but he failed to connect with a header. After a fresh and exciting start by the Spiders, Elgin took the lead. Ryan McMullan took the ball past three Queens players and slotted his shot neatly past Mitchell's left hand post. A great goal was scored, probably as good as you will see all season, but Queen's battled back. Tony Quinn fired a swerving shot past a post as the Elgin players sighed with relief. Stuart Jack also got in on the act, and his dipping shot unluckily hit the bar with the goalkeeper stranded. The best chance of the match was missed by Gordon Lappin. A brilliant Steven Canning run and cross found Lappin, but he failed to connect properly and his shot went wide. Martin Pirie, Elgin's goalkeeper and undisputed hero of the hour, was called into action several times. A John Gemmell header was brillantly tipped wide. The big youngster had been causing problems for the Elgin defence all afternoon. Tony Quinn hit a shot wide when it looked certain to hit the back of the net. The Queen's players were obviously exhausted and Elgin pushed forward, but Tony Mitchell saved the Hoops' blushes late on in the first half. His athletics kept the score at one. Steven Canning found himself one-on-one with Pirie, but his shot was tipped onto the top of the net. After an agonising first-half, Queens had nothing to show for all their efforts and they went in at half time trailing 1-0.
In the second half Queen's started where they had left off. Tragedy struck, however, as Elgin won a corner. The resulting corner was thought to be scrambled clear, but Kevin Steele was on hand to hammer a deflected shot past Mitchell. This miscarriage of justice didn't deflate Queen's, but made them more determined. Steven Canning's shot was brilliantly tipped wide by Pirie. The good work paid off though and in the 75 minute, Steven Canning smashed a drive past Pirie and into the net. The QP fans went wild, fully deserving to see a goal. A John Gemmell effort was aimed directly a Pirie who made a lucky save. A hush fell over Hampden as an Elgin free kick went straight to Mitchell. Ross Jackson tried to be a hero, but his shot in injury time went past a post. When the final whistle blew, the Elgin players lept about with joy. They were obviously relieved that they escaped with anything, let alone an undeserved three points.
Despite the defeat, Queen's can take a lot from this match. This was definitely a five-star match for the fans and worthy of a television showing. ( As if! ).
Queen's Park: Mitchell, Ferry ( Jackson ), J. Gallagher, Moffat, Agostini, Quinn, Lappin, Jack ( Fisher ), Gemmell, Canning, Allan. Substitutes not used: Sinclair, Martin, Thomson. Goal: Canning 75.
Booked: Lappin 62, Allan 90.
Elgin City: Pirie, MacDonald, McBride, Hind ( James ), Mackay, Tully, Ross, Love, McMullan, Steele, Craig ( Sanderson ). Substitutes not used: Hamilton, Smith, Bremner.
Goals: McMullan 10, Steele 50.
Booked: Tully 78.
Attendance: 585.