This match served two purposes, firstly to allow Queens the chance to look at two new trialists from the North East of England and the Ukrainian trialist, whilst secondly allowing Annan to get much needed first team match practice after a few blank weekends ahead of their crucial Qualifying Cup match at Threave next Saturday. Both sides would agree that it was a useful workout that was well contested and certainly fulfilled its purpose.
The two Geordie trialists, one a right sided midfielder and the other a left sided striker lasted only 45 minutes before Iain Scott replaced them, the Ukrainian midfielder looked the most skilful of the three and did not look out of place in the side with a number of good touches shown from the lad.
The game itself was evenly contested throughout with Queens making the bulk of the chances in the first half but Annan having more of the game in the second. David McNiven opened the scoring as he pounced onto a long ball through the middle and capitalised upon some confusion between the Annan keeper and their big number 5 to force the ball home.
Annan almost got back into the game as veteran Marcus Thomson was presented with a free header in the six yard box from a John MacBeth cross, but the striker could only nod the ball over the bar. Shortly after Eric Paton pulled up as he chased a ball and after a few minutes with only ten men on the pitch Scott Robertson was introduced into midfield with Gary Wood moving into the right back slot.
With ten minutes of the half left Stuart Hill scored the second with a stooping almost diving header that looped up and over the Annan keeper following a free kick on the edge of the box.
The changes at half time saw Stuart McColm replace Trialist C, Stephen Payne replace Trialist A and Willie Gibson replace Stuart McGrady.
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