( report continued )
Morton's discipline now deserted them as they were clearly angered at the penalty award and the loss of their lead. With tempers getting frayed, in the stands and on the pitch, MacGregor scythed down Dunning on the right touchline as the substitute made for the bye-line and was lucky to only be booked. Steven Canning headed the free-kick over the bar but better timing could have seen Queen's gain a dramatic winner.
The temperature, already hot, almost reached boiling point as the match moved into stoppage time. Bannerman made contact with Fallon in an off-the-ball incident as Stewart safely gathered a long ball. The referee, predictably, missed the incident, as did the assistant within the Queen's Park half. As Stewart threw the ball out for Fallon to receive attention from Robert Findlay, John Maisano chased after it and made it clear that Morton intended to keep possession at the throw. John McCormack, a few yards away, chose not to argue, perhaps understandably, but his refusal to allow sportsmanship to win the day will have disappointed some. As Fallon was led off, Morton played on with the boos of the Queen's Park fans just above them ringing in their ears, but thankfully for Queen's it came to nothing.
Play ended with Queen's again pleased to have gained a point and made some ground on Montrose, Elgin and Gretna, but with regrets that it hadn't been three. We still have problems in front of goal, and the sooner these are solved the more complete a team we will be. Having said that, Queen's certainly showed John McCormack that they are no worse without him, and although Paul Martin will not be taking the coach's job on a permanent basis, he deserves fulsome praise for steadying the ship over the last few weeks. As far as Morton go, Queen's fans will be disappointed with the attitude shown at times by their players, as the match descended into something of a battle during the second half. However it would be a shame if we allowed John McCormack's successes and our fond memories of his Hampden years be overshadowed by events involving any club he manages now or in the future. I won't be backing Morton for promotion, but this is certainly not because John has moved there.
We now move into the Christmas period, and have two very tough away matches coming up. It would be good to have Danny Ferry back for the trip to Methil just after Christmas, but first come Albion Rovers next week. Paul Martin will be keen to put one over on the team he used to represent, and knock them off their perch at the top of the table. Play this way again, and it could just happen.
Morton: Coyle, Collins, Bottiglieri, MacGregor, Gaughan, M. Maisano, MacDonald ( Bannerman ), J. Maisano, Williams, Hawke, Uotinen. Substitutes not used: McGurn, Reilly, Smith, Struthers.
Booked: J. Maisano, Bottiglieri, Coyle, Collins, MacGregor, Bannerman.
Goal: Williams 58.
Queen's Park: Stewart, Sinclair, Canning, Moffat, Agostini, Fallon, Martin, Whelan, Gemmell ( Dunning ), Quinn, Allan. Substitutes not used: Clark, Crozier, J. Gallagher, Mitchell.
Booked: Allan, Quinn.
Goal: Moffat penalty 82.
Attendance: 1,630.