| 0-0 and not much more to report following a very disappointing day's entertainment at Hampden. Billy Stark stayed with the same team which overwhelmed Albion Rovers on Tuesday night, with Jonny Whelan still in defence and Tony Quinn in the heart of the midfield. Previous encounters against Stenhousemuir this season have been gripping, if not technically exceptional, but yesterday bucked the trend as neither team looked like scoring. Perhaps the only moment of interest came when it was announced that Danny Ferry was set to make his 300th appearance for Queen's, a remarkable achievement for a man of 28. Danny didn't have his best game for the Spiders but few would grudge him his sponsor's man-of-the-match award after such an all-round lacklustre performance. Stenny seemed to lack the threat up-front in the absence of veteran Paul McGrillen and Frankie Carroll and Paul Harvey never really connected with the midfield as final ball after final ball went astray for the Spiders. The game was played out in a cautious pace with both teams passing well but generally finding difficulty in penetratating the midfield. It was a stark contrast from the tactics which Albion Rovers used on Tuesday. The young journalists in attendance would hardly have been filling their notepads furiously with much in the way of goal-scoring chances either. Most of the action came in the second half as Stenny were denied a penalty in the opening minute when Joe Savage went down under a David Crawford challenge. Comeback referee Stuart Dougal saw nothing wrong with the goalkeeper's interception and waved the game on. The only real Queen's chance came with 75 on the clock as the hardworking Carroll tried a shot from a difficult angle which was deflected wide by the Stenny defence with goalkeeper Willie McCulloch scrambling to reach the attempt. Billy Stark brought on Ally Graham towards the end but it was difficult for Queen's to change tactics after trying so long to play the ball on the deck through to the attack. So amidst all the mediocrity, at least we didn't lose and it was another cleansheet for David Crawford who seemed chuffed as he left the pitch. His opposite number followed him wearing the Queen's Park orange and blue goalkeeper jersey. Presumably, there was either a colour clash or maybe the kitman forgot. Regardless, it was one of the few moments of entertainment on another bitterly cold day at Hampden. Danny Ferry posed with the champagne, the nets came down, and we all went home, some via the social club. Gretna next week will be a more open game as the millionaire elect have already won promotion but still have the championship on their agenda. At least we didn't lose. |
| Queen's Park Stenhousemuir |
| 0 0 |
| Queen's Park: David Crawford, Alan Trouten, Shaun Molloy ( Richard Sinclair 70 ), Gavin Rushford, Jonny Whelan, Paul Harvey, Stuart Kettlewell, Tony Quinn, Danny Ferry, Frankie Carroll, Mark Ferry ( Ally Graham 70 ). Substitutes Not Used: Brian Blair, Ross Clark, Alex Cowie (GK). Booked: Sinclair Stenhousemuir: Willie McCulloch, Steven Fallon, Robbie Henderson, Greig McCulloch, Steven McGregor, Paul Murphy, Martin Lauchlan ( Kevin Struthers 71 ), Thomas Sinclair, Joe Savage, John Paul McBride ( Craig Menzies 89 ), Tony Smith ( David McInally 63 ). Substitutes Not Used: Stuart Easton, John Kirkham (GK) Booked: McGregor Referee: Stuart Dougal Attendance: 512 |