At least now John Gemmell can relax, safe in the knowledge that he has improved his goal to game ratio ever so slightly after bagging a deserved hat-trick against Elgin. I would be lying through my sugar worn teeth if I said that this match was a classic, but maybe I'm biased because my fingers are in considerable pain as I type thanks to the bitter Glasgow air. Winning was not an adjective that could be aligned with Queen's last season, but now every victory is met with a bit less vigour and a tad more realism. But Paul Martin's climb to the top continued today, and it is a case of "if only" for every Hoops fan who wants him to stay. Due to the weather, QP's encounter with Elgin was somewhat of a spotlight match and even Falkirk boss Ian McCall popped in to see the remainder of the game, hopefully NOT on the lookout for players. Paul Martin, fresh off the brilliant win over Albion Rovers last Saturday, had to make some changes to the team. Tony Quinn was missing, and will be out for the rest of the season with his broken leg, and Steven Canning also missed the match through injury. In their places came Ross Clark and returning captain Danny Ferry. Queen's showed that they meant business early on by making the attacking headway. Danny Ferry, playing in a more left-sided role, linked up well with Steven Moffat whose shot was eventually charged down. Both James Allan and Richard Sinclair gave Johnny Whelan chances to score, but the Scouser was off-target on two occasions. Elgin hoped to give Queen's flashbacks of August's match between the two sides on the opening day when they pushed forward looking for an undeserved goal. Craig Tully, who would have more luck later on, hit an ambitious shot wide of Colin Stewart's goal. One minute later, Queen's broke the deadlock through the unlikely source of John Gemmell. Willie Martin made a good run on the left hand side and his cross was effortlessly flicked into the net by Gemmell past the baffled Pirie. The delighted youngster celebrated with his team-mates who were obviously equally overjoyed to see him break his league duck. What followed wasn't as smooth. Ross Clark and Johnny Whelan both hit shots well wide of the target from long range. Willie Martin fought for every ball, but not even his energy could prevent Elgin's equaliser. Queen's failed to clear a corner and Tully fired a low shot in to the net to level the score. The travelling Elgin fans, in all their scarcity, cheered whilst the Spiders fans cursed QP's static defence. Both teams lost their momentum and the ball was passed back and forth between the two before the interval. James Allan did his best to regain the lead, but the winger could do nothing about the lack of sharpness from his fellow players. The interval brought some well needed warmth to the players, but it probably wasn't a pretty sight in the Queen's dressing room as Paul Martin presumably got fired into the players for their performance in the first-half. The Baltic conditions didn't bring much optimism to the fans' faces at half-time and not even hearing Shania Twain's dulcet tones on the tannoy could arouse much hope. A seemingly rejuvenated Queen's started the second-half off well. A brilliant run from James Allan brought no goal, however, as his cross, a gift of a ball, was met by no-one. Although Ryan McMullan's effort was saved by Stewart, the big goalkeeper was invisible for Elgin's second. A front post cross from David Craig found Craig Tully's head amongst a forest of players. The goal was a shocking one to lose and it looked as if Elgin were going to leave Hampden again with another three points. Queen's replied so quickly, many would have missed the goal. John Gemmell added his second after he was released by Willie Martin's through ball. The big youngster poked a low shot past Pirie and now Elgin were feeling the dejection. Immediately, Queen's found themselves on the attack again. James Allan jinked his way through the Elgin defence and crossed the ball to Gemmell, who couldn't turn in time to convert his shot. Still rattled by these attacks, the Elgin defence made an almighty mistake with just over half an hour remaining. Goalkeeper Pirie charged out of his goal, got stuck in a moment with his defence, and John Gemmell found himself through on goal with no challengers. He missed a sitter last week, but he made sure he didn't this time as he ran the ball over the line for his, and Queen's Park's, third. Both Willie Martin and Ross Clark wanted to put the game beyond doubt, but their shots were well blocked by a shaken Elgin defence. Aside John Gemmell replacing his boots, there was no humour in the last 15 minutes, as Queen's had to hold on to their precious one goal lead. Colin Stewart seemed unsure with crosses all day, and it was up to Damiano Agostini to hit the ball out for a corner after some hesitancy in the QP penalty area in the final stages of the match. Elgin sub Fraser Bremner looked to capitalise on more uncertainty, but he pulled his shot wide. David Ross almost caught Stewart off-guard, and the Kilmarnock man needed two bites to save a stinging shot. Paul Martin brought off Richard Sinclair and James Allan with just over 10 minutes left, and the returning Chris Fisher and John Gallagher were all too eager to replace them. John Gallagher, the oldest player in the side, led by example with some intelligent defending, but Queen's were nearly caught napping in their own penalty area from another corner scenario. Ryan McMullan's cross was met by Bremner who headed the ball towards the top-hand corner of the goal with Stewart helpless. It was up to Willie Martin to head the ball away and Queen's could breathe again. But the Hoops were not out of the woods yet, however. Damiano Agostini conceded a a free-kick which could easily have gone in QP's favour. Kevin Steele's shot went into the arms of Colin Stewart and shortly after the final whistle blew. It was time for the Queen's players to celebrate and I'm sure John Gemmell's champagne for Man Of The Match was promptly opened in the dressing room afterwards. The match was typical of Queen's Park's fighting spirit in recent weeks and if only the Spiders could have started the league on better form. Elgin are to blame for that, but hopefully some pleasant revenge was gained on the back of a battling win. Whoever takes over from Paul Martin has a huge task on their hands, as even the caretaker has developed a reputation for himself in his short spell at the club. The real test will be next week against East Fife. Will Queen's win again in what will surely be Paul Martin's final match in charge? Tune in next week to find out............... Match information |
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