LATEST MATCH SUMMARY

Match Date 14:11:98

Queen of the South 2 Inverness Caley Thistle 2

Mathieson
McLeodTownsleyThomsonAitken
NesovicCleelandLeslieMcAllister
EadieBailey

Manager Rowan Alexander had called for a fully committed display from his troops today and the players responded in the best fashion possible. A somewhat makeshift side saw midfield maestro Derek Townsley tasked with partnering Jim Thomson in the heart of the defence, not such a surprise as Deggsie has played in that role regularly at previous club Gretna, a bigger surprise for the fans was the inclusion of JT who has made a remarkable recovery from the injury sustained against Livingston and looked as good as new throughout the game. After the departure of Graeme Love, young Andy Aitken has taken over the left back position and long term injury casualty James McLeod made a welcome return to first team action at right back. The midfield was not too unfamiliar with the hardworking pairing of Leslie and Cleeland in the middle with wide support from Jamie McAllister and Alex Nesovic. That left Ken Eadie, returning from suspension and Lee Bailey starting the game up front. All three substitutes were used, Caldwell replaced McAllister, Mallan replaced Bailey, immediately after scoring and Weir replaced Nesovic at the same time.

The game itself was end to end action throughout, with Queens initially under the cosh and conceding a number of early corners. The "first time out" partnership of Thomson and Townsley soaked up this early pressure well and looked more than capable of absorbing anything going their way. They were ably supported by both Aitken and McLeod who ventured forward at every opportunity. The first goal came in thirty two minutes when a midfield pass from Leslie was just too short to reach Jim McLeod and was pounced on by the Caley strike force. With Queens defence back-pedaling Caley's Paul Sheerin advanced on goal and gave David Mathieson no chance with a clinical finish.

Far from being down hearted Queens immediately launched an attack forward and were rewarded with a penalty when Caley keeper Jim Calder brought down Alex Nesovic in a one to one when Naz was clean through. The referee decided that the penalty was punishment enough even though Calder was last man. Mr. reliable Ken Eadie stepped forward and coolly despatched the ball into the right hand side of the net at the Glasgow road end. The first half continued at breakneck pace with both sides making good chances but Caley finding David Mathieson on top form.

The second half picked up where the first had left off, only now it was Queens exerting the pressure, midway through the half young Brian Caldwell was brought on to replace Jamie McAllister and within five minutes had made his presence felt. Cutting in from the left Caldwell made it to the goal line and sent over a tremendous cross which Lee Bailey caught on an angular volley and hit the back of the net from an extremely acute angle. Bailey, who prior to the goal had not quite developed his partnership with Eadie, was immediately substituted, his last kick being the one that hit the back of the net.

Within two minutes though Caley equalised when McLean forced his way through the middle of Queens defence in a robust manner that left the fans and it seemed some Queens players waiting for the referee to blow his whistle, he did infact blow his whistle but only to signify that Caley had scored. A disappointing ending to a game that Queens really did show that they can be as committed as anyone. Next week the fans will be wanting more of the same, which would surely see Queens collect the points.

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