| ALLEZ LES HOOPS |
| It was exciting, scary, intense and gutting, but no-one left today's game against St. Mirren with doubts about Queen's Park's abilities on the field in terms of physical and mental determination. After 3 long months, the new season was upon us and it was one hell of a game to start with. Going into the match, most fans were wanting a good fighting display - after 30 minutes they wanted the next round. It was with some astonishment that both sets of fans looked on as Queen's Park showed St Mirren a thing or two about football and the way it should be played. In the intense start to the match, Queen's didn't fold and played some excellent football, Menelaws and Ally Graham causing havoc up-front. The Saints were undoubtedly caught off guard, fumbling under pressure, although it was quite incredible to see the Spiders take the lead. Ross Clark's brave play, which he kept up throughout, earned him an early goal. Cue sensational celebrations from the Queen's fans. And it wasn't long before the Hoops doubled their lead, Ally Graham flighting a beautiful freekick past the static Hinchcliffe. Both sides couldn't believe what was happening. Sadly a mixture of intense pressure and dodgy officiating allowed St. Mirren to get back into the game and equalise in the final minute. Queen's did superbly to keep a clean sheet in the first half, with Fallon and Agostini playing like professionals, but the constant defending of set-pieces and corners pinned the team back and they eventually succumbed to the eternal attacking. It was a tremendous piece of play from hate-figure Mark Crilly which set St. Mirren up for the remainder of the second half, but just as it looked as though Queen's had pulled off the result of the season, Willie Young pointed to the spot after a dubious looking challenge on a St Mirren player and Brian McGinty made no mistake with the penalty. By this time, Queen's were dead on their feet, hoping for the game to end and it was a real shame that fitness was the decider in a game where Queen's had played some terrific football and defended like warriors. The extra-time period was played at pre-season pace with St. Mirren scoring a very early winner and Queen's failing to put any serious pressure on their goal. When the final whistle blew, however, every Queen's fan knew they had witness something really special, a match and, most importantly, a performance that they will not soon forget. With Tony Quinn injured and Jonny Whelan with work commitments, Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Reilly slotted into the midfield. Derek Scrimgour also made his Queen's Park debut, several months after joining, against his old club. Derek Scrimgour: After a shaky start, Derek came onto a good game, making some excellent catches from difficult crosses and one superb point-blank stop during the second half. His distribution seems to be of the highest order, but Kenny Brannigan will have to sign a new goalkeeper soon if he wants back up for the new number one 'keeper. 7 Allan Dunning: Allan put in a strong performance, running well, but was eventually replaced by Steven Canning, who also did well on the right at keeping St. Mirren at bay. Both gain 7s. David McCallum: David played well in midfield, but unfortunately picked up a bad knock and was replaced by Danny Ferry, who looked a little rusty at the back, but still gave 100% as usual. Both gain 6s. Richard Sinclair: Did what was asked of him and fought for the ball at every opportunity. 7 Damiano Agostini: A truly incredible performance from Damiano who fought all over the park on both sides. Headed away everything that came his way and cleared everything with coolness and accuracy. If he keeps this form up, he'll be surely promoted in footballing terms. 9 Steven Fallon: Another excellent performance from Fallon who kept cool under pressure at all times. Like Agostini, made St. Mirren's defenders look mediocre at best. 8 Ross Clark: Simply sensational. Scored a brave opener and fought for every ball that came his way; fearless to the end. Such an important player. 8 Stuart Kettlewell: A good outing from the youngster who kept calm in some heated situations. Like Clark, he's not afraid to go in where it hurts and this is greatly acknowledged by all Queen's fans. 7 Ally Graham: Third Division signing of the year? You heard it here first! He has such a massive influence on all members of the team and certainly got the best out of David Menelaws. His free-kick was perfect, a Beckham special ( and we got him for free!! ) and his work throughout was crafty and intelligent. I don't want to jump to any conclusions, but if he keeps playing the way he does, expect 20 goals from him this season. 8 Steven Reilly: A good display from the new signing, playing some neat passes and forging his way through the St. Mirren midfield. Another promising player. 8 David Menelaws: Played one of his best games so far in a Queen's jersey, running onto to Graham's knock-ons and flicks. Replaced by Steven McAuley who showed some excellent ball control and nice turns. Both gain 8s. Man of the Match: Damiano Agostini |