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So, back at Hampden for the start of another season and it was just like we'd never been away, with the opposition scoring after only a few minutes after poor defending by Queens. The fact that the opponents were a top-flight team and that it was only a friendly mean that we won't be worrying too much. This was a decent run-out for Queens against a Hibs side who never over-stretched themselves, simply making sure they won the game. They did so thanks to an early goal by Arpinon, who fired home after Danny Ferry failed to clear, and one after 58 mins by returning defender Ulrik Laursen, who headed home a corner kick. Queens were missing several players, including the injured Borland, and some other key players who were either injured or on holiday. Cowboy took the chance to field a few triallists as he seeks to build up his squad for the new season: starting was Karl Lejman, Moffat and Allan came on and Henderson was an unused sub. With the transfer windows being brought into effect this season, it is imperative to have a large squad at your disposal and no doubt McCormack is fully aware of this. Already some new faces have been brought in and four of these started the match: Agostini looked pretty solid at the back and could well forge a partnership with the impressive Collins. John Gallagher was exposed for the first goal by pace, but provides experience and useful cover for the left-back slot. Paddy Gallagher, like Agostini beginning his second spell at Hampden, was replaced by Allan at half-time and will need to show more, but it is very early days. Darren Magee, who came off the bench, will be a key player, hopefully, when fully fit. Gordon Lappin, signed from Gourock, also started, while his ex-Gourock team-mate Jack came on as a substitute.
Both Steven Canning and Chris Fisher caused Hibs problems, albeit sporadically, with pace and good footwork. Fisher came close early on with a nice run and shot which went just past the post, while Canning sent a left-foot drive just over after brilliantly cutting inside two defenders. Canning had another fine effort late on, but his long-range chip was expertly clawed away from the line by Colgan. If Canning and Fisher can avoid injury and play to their abilities regularly, then Queen's could have two serious assets on their hands.
So Annan on Saturday provide the next warm-up. That is a game Queen's must be expected to win, otherwise there will be much shaking of heads. But now is not a time to be negative. The Queen's fans in the reasonable sized crowd ( no official figure available, I'd say 500-600 ) would have been reasonably happy with this performance, and indeed the result. We weren't hammered after all. Let's just hope we're not saying that in December and January.
Queen's Park: Mitchell, Ferry ( Sinclair ), J. Gallagher, Collins, Agostini ( Moffat ), Lappin ( Bruce ), Canning, Lejman ( Jack ), Gemmell, P. Gallagher ( Allan ), Fisher ( Magee ).
Hibernian: Colgan, Smith, Laursen, Orman ( Byle ), Nicol, Murray, McManus ( Whittaker ), Reid, Luna, Arpinon, O'Neil.
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