Queens produced a solid display today to thoroughly deserve their 1-0 victory over a side who had won all three previous league games. A magical move four minutes from time was started by Stuart Davidson, he linked with Graham Connell who played the ball on to Peter Weatherson, the forwards carefully weighted flick split the defence which sent Paddy Atkinson through on goal to drive the ball high into the net giving Henry Smith no chance, a fitting finale to what was an entertaining afternoon.
The Queen's side that started today was missing both John O'Neill and Warren Hawke, Mark Patterson and Des McKeown making returns to first team action. Craig Feroz again partnered Peter Weatherson up front and Gordon Connolly played at left wing-back as Paddy Atkinson stepped further into more of a midfield role. On the bench was Stuart Davidson, again returning from injury.
The first half action saw Queens dominate what was largely a midfield battle, both defences were on top although Queens had the bulk of possession and the best of the chances. First to show was Peter Weatherson with a free kick just outside the box following Craig Feroz being bundled to the ground by Rab McKinnon, the former Scotland international earning a yellow card for his efforts.
The first half hour didn't see too many clear cut chances although Jim Thomson had to produce some fancy footwaork as the ball got tangled between his legs on the penalty spot and then Colin Scott had to be on his toes to get donw and push away an Alex Burke twenty five yard drive.
The last fifteen minutes of the half saw some more action as first from a free kick Paddy Atkinson spotted Jim Thomson making a run from deep, JT managed to get a header on target but former Gretna goalie Smith got down at his post without too much trouble.Queens were producing some good pressure and forced a couple of corners in quick succesion without any takers for the ball other than Bankies defenders.
Craig Feroz was having a quiet game but gave a glimpse of what he was to produce later by holding up a ball long enough for him to steady himself before turning and shooting just wide. The last action of the half saw Alan Gray, who had another tremendous match at the back, breaking through the Bankies midfield and planting an excellent ball onto the head of Peter Weatherson, Nellies effort though was just wide.
HALF TIME 0 - 0
The second half started much more quietly than the first with the Bankies making two changes to the formation which enabled them to have probably their best spell of the match, Ally Graham came close with an effort that ended up going just wide and then a goalmouth scramble saw the ball eventually being cleared.
John Connolly responded with a change of his own when he replaced Des McKeown with Jon Sunderland although it was not a straight swap as Gordon Connelly came over to the left wingback position and Jon Sunderland took up his favoured right sided berth.
Queens began to come back into the game and in twenty four minutes Graham Connell put in a terrific solo run which deserved a better finish from the former Queen's Park man.
Feroz has an effort smothered by Smith
A last change to the formation was then made with Stuart Davidson replacing Mark Patterson in a direct swap.
Craig Feroz also upped his game and Queens began to exert maximum pressure on the Bankies back line. The twists and turns of Feroz won a free kick on the edge of the box but Nellie blasted over, then some good work on the left saw the ball heading toward Paddy Atkinson at the back post with the keeper beaten but Paddy ended up flattened and the ball cleared. It was only a matter of time before a goal came and with four minutes left on the clock come it did.
Feroz is held down as JT watches the ball fly past
The best move of the match produced an excellent goal that decided the game and Paddy Atkinson opened his account for this season.
FULL TIME 1 - 0
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