This match started as it finished, with Queens scoring in the opening and the final minutes, in-between however they could not find a way through a stubborn Stirling defence and managed to concede three to the Binos strike force. All in all it was a disappointing performance from a team who just could not manage to break down the neat passing style of the visitors.
Both teams went out to play a similar game, which is natural for Stirling as they rely on the physical presence of Ally Graham to knock the ball down to feed his strike partners. With the omission of Andy Aitken, George Rowe took on the task of marking Graham himself, however as it turned out the big man managed to rise above Rowe for his sides second goal as the ball was flighted over from the left deep into the box. Infact all of the Stirling goals came from moves down their left with Queens right back Ally McMillan looking out of sorts today despite picking up the sponsors Man of the Match award.
Back to the opening minutes. Geordie Rowe picked out Stevie Mallan on the left side with an incisive through ball, Stevie pounced on the opportunity, shrugged off his marker and gave the keeper no chance. Stevie was looking quite lively in his most effective left sided role and was making a few opportunities for Eadie and Hawke, although none clear cut.
Despite Queens early lead, the Albion look quite a useful team and it was no surprise when in the fifteenth minute they equalised with a McQuade tap in after the ball was squared across goal from the left hand side. Stirling were having their fare share of pressure and both sides looked evenly matched with both employing similar tactics.
It was Stirling though that took the lead with a thirty first minute Graham header as the big man picked his spot in the back of the net from a left sided cross ball.
Queens did not seem to have the same fire as last week and whilst forcing the play didn't look like equalising in the remaining minutes of the half, although through Stevie Mallans efforts in chasing down the ball and clashing with their keeper thirty yards of his line, Warren Hawke had an open goal, although it was thirty five yards away, however he couldn't find the target and the score remained 2-1.
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