| ALLEZ LES HOOPS |
| On paper it looked farcical: three penalties and a player dismissed. But in reality, yesterday's officiating from Ian Fyfe was one of the bravest displays seen at a Queen's match in quite some time. All three penalties awarded were certain spot-kicks and John Gallagher's red card was a mercy killing on his behalf and well merited considering he conceded the first penalty with a rugby challenge in the second minute. James White should have walked to, but perhaps Fyfe took pity on the poor northerners who were outclassed for the entire 90 and struggled to keep up with a rampant and energetic Queen's side. Whatever assumptions many people may have made about Kenny Brannigan's tactical knowledge were exhumed yesterday. If opposition managers expect Kenny to play the long-ball game, then they have another thing coming. Overall, it was a fine display. The midfield was largely inpenetrable. Reilly, Clark and Whelan rocks in the centre. In defence, Agostini, Sinclair and Fallon were untroubled and Dunning and Ferry coped well with whatever Elgin had to offer, which wasn't very much. David Robertson has a big task on his hands if he wants to improve on last season. Yesterday, their lumbering defence and dull attack was severely exploited by the energy of the youthful Queen's side - and Ally Graham. Derek Scrimgour: Largely a spectator, Scrimgour was perhaps a little slow to come out for the first goal, but helpless for Elgin's second which didn't really matter. He looked a little lost at corner scenarios, but this could be attributed to the fact that he was redundant for most of yesterday's game. 6 Allan Dunning: Showed some fine bursts of speed and was replaced by an equally eager Stuart Kettlewell. Dunning: 7 Kettlewell: 6 Danny Ferry: A good display from Ferry yesterday. He still looked a little awkward on the left, having to switch to his right foot quite regularly, but he was always there when help was needed, especially for the likes of Clark and Menelaws. 7 Richard Sinclair: Untroubled, but caught in possession a few times. 6 Damiano Agostini: We must be taking him for granted because he was hardly noticed, which is testament to his no-nonsense style. Made Jamie White look like a proper "amateur". 8 Replaced by Moffat just before the end 6 Steven Fallon: Took real initiative yesterday which was shown by his willingness to attack, particularly with the fifth goal where he threaded a beautiful pass through to Jonny Whelan for the player to score. 8 Ross Clark: Another brave display and once Gallagher had been dismissed he really started to play quick attacking football, linking well with Graham and Menelaws and Carcary. 8 Steven Reilly: Man of the match by a mile, Reilly took all three penalties with unreal calmness. In this day and age where spoilt pros are missing penalties left, right and centre, it was encouraging to see a Queen's player approach a high-pressure situation with such composure. Also, he was at the core of every single attack, orbiting the midfield area with great consistency and pushing forward regularly. A terrific signing by Brannigan. 9 Ally Graham: Quieter than the games in the last couple of weeks, but still effective in the air. I think he was a bit miffed not to get on the score-sheet. Typical striker! 7 Jonny Whelan: Just when you think it's maybe not his day, he comes up with two stunning goals and another typical workman-like performance. 8 David Menelaws: A decent outing from Menelaws who gained Queen's's first penalty. Replaced by young forward Derek Carcary who showed some nice touches when he came on. Both gain 7s. Man of the Match: Steven Reilly Match Rating: **** - a joy to watch. |