Click on link for report. Download 1997/1998 Season 1998/1999 Season Review Download 1998/1999 Season Queens 1 Arbroath 0 31/07/99 Queens 2 Arbroath 3 07/08/99 Queens 1 Berwick 4 10/08/99 Queens 3 Hamilton 0 14/08/99 Queens 1 Hearts 3 18/08/99 Queens 1 Alloa 1 21/08/99 Queens 0 Partick 2 28/08/99 Queens 1 Clyde 1 04/09/99 Queens 0 Stenhousemuir 3 11/09/99 Queens 0 Stranraer 1 18/09/99 Queens 3 Stirling 3 25/09/99 Queens 1 Ross County 1 02/10/99 Queens 3 Hamilton 2 16/10/99 Queens 2 Arbroath 5 23/10/99 Queens 1 Stenhousemuir 2 30/10/99 Queens 0 Stranraer 5 06/11/99 Queens 0 Clyde 3 09/11/99 Queens 1 Partick 2 20/11/99 Queens 0 Ross County 2 27/11/99 Queens 0 Stirling 3 11/12/99 Queens 1 Arbroath 0 18/12/99 Queens 2 Stranraer 1 3/01/00 Queens 3 Montrose 1 8/01/00 Queens 3 Stenhousemuir 1 15/01/00 Queens 2 Stirling 3 22/01/00 Queens 0 Livingston 7 29/01/00 Queens 0 Ross County 2 5/02/00 Queens 4 Partick 5 12/02/00 Queens 1 Hamilton 1 26/02/00 Queens 2 Alloa 1 4/03/00 Queens 0 Stenhousemuir 2 11/03/00 Queens 3 Clyde 0 14/03/00 Queens 0 Stranraer 0 18/03/00 Queens 1 Partick 1 25/03/00 Queens 1 Clyde 3 01/04/00 Queens 2 Stirling 2 08/04/00 Queens 1 Alloa 3 11/04/00 Queens 0 Ross County 3 15/04/00 Queens 2 Arbroath 1 22/04/00 Queens 1 Hamilton 1 29/04/00 Queens 1 Alloa 6 06/05/00 1999/2000 Season Review
1999/2000 Season Review
Well, that wasn't quite what we had expected then!
All looked good in pre-season as Queens went undefeated in their seven warm up games. After last years late run to fourth in the league our expectations were high for the season to come. However, the signs were there in that pre season that this may not be a promotion year, although it certainly didn't look like a relegation struggle year either. Bryce and Thomson had gone to Arbroath, but I felt we could overcome this one. Much more serious than that however was the loss of our new found attacking left back, Jamie McAllister, to Aberdeen, David Mathieson through an injury sustained during a pre season victory over Aberdeen, which turned out to be worse than originally thought, and most seriously of all, Derek Townsley, our only creative player, moving to Motherwell. They were soon to be followed by David Lilley to Aberdeen, and in hindsight, the loss of four Premier League quality players was probably too much for any Second Division team to suffer.
The bookies prediction of how the league would shape up was :
Hamilton 3-1 Ross County 3-1 Clyde 11-2 Partick 6-1 Alloa 7-1 Stirling 7-1 Queens 8-1 Stenhousemuir 12-1 Stranraer 12-1 Arbroath 16-1
At the time I thought they had got it wrong by putting Queens 7th, just shows you shouldn't argue with the bookies, although they got Hamilton slightly wrong!
And so we got down to the serious business, and already I was worried. The League Cup game against Arbroath was played on one of the hottest days I can remember, and this could be used as an excuse, but, despite a 1-0 extra time win, we were dire, although the local press took it as a sign we were going to win the league. When Arbroath came back to Palmerston a week later to begin our league campaign, we actually played a lot better despite going down 3-2 to a Tommy Bryce inspired side. At least we looked a bit more creative. It was to be the last time for a while!
A week later, having squeezed in a 4-1 Challenge Cup defeat at Berwick, which I'm going to skirt over, we went to Firhill for the first time to play Hamilton and were very flattered by a 3-0 victory over a very poor Hamilton side. I still wasn't confident.
The following mid week Queens scared Premier League Hearts when they led 1-0 at half time before fading to a 3-1 defeat. Again the papers got excited, again I had to point out that we were not too bad at stopping another team play but our own play was pretty poor. The unthinkable did happen in this game, however, I awarded Steven Leslie Man of the Match. And so our interest in the cups for the season was over (you're not going to make me mention that game, are you?).
Queens then went into a run which was to typify our season, a string of defeats with the occasional draw and victory over Hamilton, and in October, the one player who was beginning to look like he could make things happen, Paul Harvey, was sold to Motherwell.
Queens form then slumped, as if that was possible, as they went on a run of 7 defeats in a row till the middle of December and make bottom of the table firmly ours.
All this prompted Ken Eadie to finally get his kit on, and along with the signing of Warne Hawke, led to a brief revival of four wins in a row, culminating in our best performance of the season, a 3-1 win over Stenhousemuir, who were now looking like the team we were most likely to catch. However, the next week, a 3-2 defeat against Stirling at Palmerston didn't truly reflect by how much we had been slaughtered. The cup defeat against Livingston the next week did! 7-0, and as the old saying goes, we was lucky to get nil! This was to prove to be Steven Leslie's last game for Queens, how appropriate.
And so our season went back into it's pattern, mainly defeats, the occasional draw and win over Hamilton (and a 3-0 win over champions elect, Clyde, to totally confuse the issue!). By April it was down to Queens, Stenhousemuir, Hamilton and Stirling as to who was going down and with six games to go I did a bit of a prediction thingy which predicted that Queens would survive. And I was right, although I didn't quite predict how correctly.
14th April, 2000.
Hamilton had gone on strike before a game at Stenhousemuir a few weeks earlier and on this day, Queens season was saved as the league decided to punish Hamilton by deducting them 15 points. The following week Queens won at Arbroath, Hamilton lost to Ross County and we were saved. The rest of the season was about politics, as we waited to find out about Hamilton's appeal, but Queens form didn't improve and we would be relegated if Hamilton succeeded. Ironically, our final home game of the season was against Hamilton, and although we only drew 1-1, our biggest home league crowd of the season showed them just why the league would rather have us stay up! With one game to go, the punishment was confirmed and in the most unusual and unsatisfactory of circumstances we had avoid relegation.
My Own Awards :
Player of the Season : Sandy Hodge
Goal of the Season : Steve Mallan v Stirling (25/9/99)
Game of the Season : Stenhousemuir at Palmerston (15/1/00 3-1)
Man of the Match Awards : Steve Mallan 3
Dennis Boyle 3
5 others had 2 awards
9 others each had 1 award (including a girl goalkeeper from the half time shoot in!).
Site Player of the Season :
Sandy Hodge : 3 Votes
Steve Mallan : 2 Votes
John Dickson : 2 Votes
Site Goal of the Season :
Denis Boyle - Partick (A) - 12/2/00 : 4 Votes
Sandy Hodge - Clyde (H) - 14/3/00 : 3 Votes
Only 9 votes received this year, I don't know if the site is just less popular (I still get plenty feedback on other matters) or it just shows the response to this season.
With a couple of games to go, George Rowe and Ken Eadie resigned and it was immediately announced that John Connolly, from North East England side Ashington, would be taking over, the obvious plan to try to tap the potential of the North East for Queens. Mr C. soon made his mark by freeing 9 player (See News Story) and announcing he had signed 7 North East players for next season with another 8 to come. My recommendations from the few players left is :
David Mathieson : Move heaven and earth to keep him, but it could be a struggle, any big team worth their salt should be in for him.
Alistair McMillan : Haven't been convinced by him, was talk of him going to Stoke at one time, don't think we'd miss him too much.
Paul Stewart : Seems like a nice guy but I just Don't think he quite has the ability required.
George Rowe : Suffered under the extra responsibility this year but his experience will be vital.
Kevin Robison : Never really let us down, worthy of another go.
Andy Aitken : Had a poor season, but is still a very good player, and as I have said before, Central Defenders can be made to look bad by lack of support from midfield.
Sandy Hodge : Wasn't convinced by him to start with but really came on to eventually win my Player of the Season award. Really looks like he could develop into a top player.
John Dickson : Our best signing last season, worthy of another go.
Denis Boyle : Received a lot of abuse last season but is probably our best prospect.
Geoff Patterson : Only got a couple of games last season but looked a good young player.
Brian Caldwell : Seemed to go out of favour towards the end of the season but looks another good prospect.
Mark Weir : Tried to off load him to Albion Rovers during the season, signed people during the season to replace him, don't think they fancy him but I'm told he still has a year of his contract to run.
Warne Hawke : Possibly our most consistent performer of last season (won the Official Site's Man of the Match Award) and would benefit from more support. Class player.
Steve Mallan : Ditto. The more support bit anyway. Consistently our top scorer and you can't get rid of him, can you?
Saturday, 6th April, 2000 Recreation Ground, Alloa Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 714 Queens 1 Alloa 6 Eadie (88) Christie (31) Little (38) Beaton (40) Walker (48,66) Robison (54 og)
Queens Team : Mathieson, Stewart, Hodge (Gallagher 48), Robison, Aitken, Boyle (Eadie 45), Dickson, McMillan, Adams, Mallan, Weir - unused sub : Hillcoat
As you read this I am sunning myself in Majorca (unless you have found out that I cheated by posting this on the Friday night). For a report on the Alloa game go to the Official Site.
Saturday, 29th April, 2000 Palmerston Park, Dumfries Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 2,084 Queens 1 Hamilton 1 Rowe (48) Quitongo (39)
Queens Team : Mathieson, Robison, Hodge, Rowe, Aitken, Duncan, Adams, McMillan, Hawke, Eadie, Weir (Dickson 70) - unused subs : Gallagher, Kerr
What a strange day. Thanks to the SFA/League, nobody knows what the significance of today's scoreline is. One thing for sure is that Queens can no longer stay up on merit, now being 4 points behind Stenhousemuir with only the one game to play. But how fair was it on Queens that today we were playing a team who a couple of weeks ago would have had nothing to play for today but were put in the position of having to assume that they were fighting for their lives today. Would Hamilton really have put in as much effort if they had known for sure they weren't going to be relegated? I don't think so. Queens fans responded well to Ronnie Bradford's gesture of halving the entry money as 2,084 turned up for our biggest league gate of the season. The sheets had been moved along a section of the new stand to make room for the expected Hamilton support, but in the end they would be lucky if they made up the 84. Still, beats their average home gate! My mate was at his first game of the season and I went to sit with him in the almost full main stand instead of my usual enclosure space. Because I was having a yap to him, I didn't take as many notes as usual (to be honest, there weren't that many to take), but I also thought that the occasion and atmosphere today were probably more important than events on the pitch. To be honest, I think the uncertainty of what was going on also affected the crowd as there wasn't the amount of singing you might have expected, and again, this is something which I feel was caused by the league and FA. So, it may be a couple of weeks before we know our fate, and to be honest, I still think we deserve to go down, but as I have just pointed out, if Hamilton end up not being punished atoll, then we have been unfairly punished over the last couple of weeks.
Queens were very flat in the first half, not showing the spirit you would expect from a team fighting for survival, as they attacked the empty Terregles Street end, which in itself must be off putting when you are needing all the backing available. From my seat in the stand, the crowd didn't look that big at this point and as I said, the atmosphere was also a bit flat. After a non eventful first 10 minutes the first real action came when Hawke found some space in the box but looked to have lost the ball before he went down and made a half hearted appeal for a penalty. Five minutes later Quitongo went on yet another run through the Queens defence, taking over from were he left of at Firhill, but like at Firhill, miss hit his shot which looped into the air, hit the bar and rebounded to safety. The next 15 minutes minutes was very flat as my mates attention turned to the chips that the little boy next to him was eating, to be fair, they were more appetising than the football. In 30 minutes a long range effort from Hamilton had Mathieson scrambling across his goal as the ball went wide. Then came Queens best chance of the half when Weir crossed to the unmarked Hawke at the back post but Warren just couldn't get above the ball and put his header over. Disaster struck in 38 minutes when a left wing cross was flicked on and Quitongo actually connect with a sweet volley to put Hamilton into the lead. Queens heads looked to go down as the rest of the half was played out without incident.
The massed pipes and drums of the 'Queens Town Band' played at half time (OK, there weren't that many of them but it was a nice change and they were good) as the standing crowd made their way round to the covered end, and it was only then that I realised how much the crowd had been expanded on the usual. In all the excitement this week, I hadn't realised that Stirling and Stenhousemuir were playing each other today but it was no surprise to learn that they were drawing 0-0 at half time. I'm sure I saw big Jim Thomson in the stand at half time. Can anyone confirm this?
Queens came out for the second half with all guns blazing, spurred on by the new found enthusiasm of the covered end supporters. 3 minutes into the half, Weir's first attempt at a corner was cleared back out to him and his second cross found George Rowe in the six yard box to do what he used to do so well, head home his first goal of the season. This game showed already that George was definitely affected by his spell as player manager, today was much more like the old George and he was awarded the sponsors Man of the Match award. A minute later Weir had a good effort just over and a couple of minutes later the Hamilton defence made a right hash of it almost allowing Hawke in, although how the ref missed the fact that the keeper had handled the back pass is beyond me. A minute later and Eadie out paced the defence (Yes, Eadie) but just when I'd have put money on him scoring, blazed the ball over. I think Ken was just trying too hard today and it didn't really go too well for him. Queens challenge and the backing of the support then began to fizzle out again and very little happened until the last 5 minutes. Adams, now on the left wing, skinned his man and sent over a beautiful left foot cross (ye, I was surprised too) but Eadie's header brought out the best save of the match from their keeper. Queens had another couple of changes from free kicks, one put over by McMillan and one blasted wide by Rowe, both of which I would have preferred to have seen pumped into a crowded box, but the final whistle came with Queens not really threatening to get the goal which could have proved to be all important.
As the final whistle blew, Alex put on The Great Escape, but nobody seamed to know how to react. Most stayed on to applaud the team of the pitch, some just drifted away, nobody booed, which was good. The looks on the Hamilton fans faces told you they felt the same as us, they just don't know what fate awaits them. What a way to end the season at home. Thanks SFA! When I got back to the car the radio was going on about what a great advert the Forfar-Cowdenbeath game had been for the 3rd Division. I'll tell you one thing, I won't be buying it. If we do go down through, as the song says (nearly) "I'll be back next year" and hopefully a good proportion of today's crowd will join me. In the meantime, we can only sit and wait (And go to Majorca on our Holidays!)
Man of the Match - I'll agree with the sponsors and give it to the born again George Rowe.
Ronnie Bradford's gamble of half-price entrance to Palmerston paid off, with the crowd being almost double our usual home gate. Unfortunately, the so called loyal Hamilton support didn't turn out in the large number that they threatened us with. I reckon there was little more than 75, of whom only a dozen or so were actually demonstrating against the Accies board. Hopefully Queen's got a financial boost from the inflated crowd, with a large queue at the shop both before and after the game, and also extra programme sales.
A pipe band was playing when I entered the Stadium, but it wasn't quite the same as being at Hampden, or even Fir Park for the Challenge Cup Final. Queen's fans got right behind the team from the start, although didn't sound as noisy in the first half as the majority of the Choir appeared to be in the Terregles St. enclosure. Queen's started bright, and seemed to have much of the ball, however Hamilton looked dangerous on the break, especially the diminutive Quitongo. It was Quitongo who had the first real chance of the game when he broke free on the right and lobbed the advancing Mathieson in the 15th minute. However you could hear the sighs of relief around the ground when it clipped the bar and went over. This seemed to lift Hamilton a bit, and they started pressing for a goal. Queens best chance of the half came on the half hour when Warren Hawke couldn't get above a Weir cross, and the ball flew well over the bar. Just as the first half was beginning to look goal-less, Quitongo latched on to a loose ball, and chipped Mathieson somewhat similar to his earlier effort, but this time found the net. The small band of protesters in the Hamilton end were ecstatic, and one fool ended up on the pitch. When you're worried about your team being deducted enough points to be relegate, surely this is the last thing you would do. Certainly, it has left me with even less sympathy for Accies now.
The Queen's heads went down a little, but the players were applauded off at the interval, though some booing was reserved for Quitongo, who had let his great skills down a couple of times by conning the Ref. with what was his trademark in his previous spell at Hamilton, the dive. I though Jose had matured a bit after his spell at Hearts, as he impressed me couple of months ago at Firhill. Unfortunately, he appears to have spent too much time with Darren Henderson, who wasn't playing today.
The pipe band played again at half-time, and Alex Wilson managed to dig out a copy of the Great Escape. The band must have been enjoying themselves, as they took their time leaving the pitch when the players were ready to re-start the match, leaving the referee looking very bemused. There was no change at half-time, but Queen's had clearly set out to attack for the second half, and were on the offensive from the whistle. For once Queens' scored the early goal, rather than concede it. We had a succession of corners, before a Mark Weir one ended back at him, and when he crossed in Geordie Rowe got up well to header home a great goal, send the packed covered enclosure wild. This started up the great escape, this seemed to really lift the players. Sandy Hodge started surging forward, with Mark Weir, often dropping back to provide cover for him. Weir and Hodge have been playing well together recently, and I wouldn't mind seeing them doing more of the same next season.
Hamilton started to resort to time wasting, and diving, and they obviously wanted the draw. Quitongo really enraged the crowd when Andy Aitken collided with him during a tackle it was Aitken who went down first, but Quitongo took a look at him, then flung (the only way I can describe it) himself to the ground .He reminded me of a dog rolling in smells with his "I've been hit Sarge" impression on the grass. This prompted the Ref to award Hamilton the freekick, and suddenly Quitongo was better. Now I do hope that Hamilton are relegated, because this was cheating in it's crudest form.
It was all Queen's for the remainder of the game, though it was constantly interrupted for apparent injuries to Hamilton players, and the Commonwealth Diving team must have been getting worried. Sandy Hodge went close, and had a couple of good crosses. Ken Eadie missed the kind of chance that you would have expected him to score, when he was one on one with the keeper. Queen's got another succession of corners near the end, and also a couple of freekicks at the edge of the box, one which McMillan put harmlessly over, and a cracker of a low drive from Geordie Rowe, which was only inches past the post with the keeper well beat.
The final whistle went, and many true fans stayed to give Queen's a standing ovation off the pitch, which seemed gratefully received. Outside the ground the small band of protesters waited patiently for their team and board to emerge. No doubt there would have been many more, had it not been that they had already been employed to head to London for the May Day protests planned there!
Queen's first half performance wasn't great, but the players did work hard enough, barely deserved to be a goal down at the interval. The second half performance was much better, and hopefully John Connelly saw a lot of what we've got. Ally McMillan has played much better the midfield in recent games, Kevin Robison performed well at right back. Mark Weir looked decent on the left wing, but could still chase a little harder. George Rowe got the sponsors man of the match, but my personal choice is Sandy Hodge who was excellent through out, and had a moment of magic with a great run in the first half which unfortunately came to nothing.
e-Doonhamer signing out for 1999-2000.
Gayfield, Arbroath Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 589 Queens 2 Arbroath 1 Hawke (2) Raeside (4) Eadie (13) Crawford (Off 88)
Queens place in the 2nd Division next year has been assured today by our win at Arbroath and Hamilton's defeat to Ross County. I don't know about you, but I feel an amazing anti climax in that this is totally undeserved. Stenhousemuir's win today means they and Stirling are now 5 points ahead of us. Let's hope we can win our final 2 games and overhaul at least one of them so I at least can feel a bit less guilty.
Well, I have now managed to stumble out of my bed and stagger to the computer to try and attempt a match report. Please do not be disappointed if it is not of the usual standard, mind you my usual standard is disappointing too!
The talk in the Tutties Neuk centred on one thing, and one thing only. Yup, you guessed it Silverstone, uh only kidding. Yes, never in our wildest dreams could we have found ourselves needing just a Queen's victory and a Hamilton defeat. This time last week I was thinking "if Arbroath beat us, we are DOWN". This time last week, Arbroath were certainties to beat us. This was one of those days were deep down you knew we were going to win, and Accies would be beat, but you didn't dare say it for fear of tempting fate. The celebrations began shortly after 1pm when, in my view, the most loyal supporters in the world, the Doonhamers Travel Club poured of the bus at the door to the Tutties Neuk, into the bar and turned it into a little part of Dumfries. Reading fan profiles in Queens' match programme will tell you that this is many fan's favourite destination, and it is easy to see why, while many pubs do not prepare themselves for an influx of Doonhamers, the host of Tutties' Nuek always has plenty of good looking female staff willing to satisfy our thirst. I think many of the celebrations to follow were more in line that we are going back to the Tutties' next season, rather than that we were saved!
What was the line-up going to be today? Well it began to be answered when Steven Leslie, Bryan Caldwell and Denis Boyle arrived in the pub, they couldn't divulge the team, but knew that they weren't in it. Leslie and Boyle have both found themselves in the past to be criticised for lack of commitment, but when they come in to a pub, and take time to talk to fans, smiling and greeting them like friends, you cannot doubt their commitment to Queens'. A while later Ronnie Bradford came in with Craig Paterson, and another chap whose name escapes me. It was nice and touching to see Ronnie come in and greet the fan's, especially as he has not had his troubles to seek with his own recent illness. Indeed, he still doesn't look 100%, but I'm sure once he regains his health we have a Chairman fitting to fill the boots of Norman Blount.
I left the pub at 2:55pm, and was in the ground in time to see the kick-off. A mist had descended across Gayfield and I wondered aloud if the game would finish. The first player in a Queen's shirt I saw was Eadie, so that answered the question of who would be up front with Hawke. The majority of Queen's fans were at the north end of the ground, I couldn't see them but I could hear the theme tune to "the Great Escape". The game began with Queen's shooting south, and the fans were only half way round the terracing when Warren Hawke picked up on a defensive error to coolly lob Hinchcliffe, the ball hadn't even hit the back of the net and bedlam had let loose. Hawke ran across to the fans still making their way round and almost joined them. The Great Escape increased by several decibels, and rarely lowered in volume for the rest of the game. As the fans finally got behind the goal, there was much hand shaking, hugging and smiles wider than the Nith. Arbroath went right up the pitch and scored, the mist obscured most of it for me, but I saw a low cross going in, and then the ball rustling the back of the net. The Great Escape didn't even stutter, indeed I heard one fan exclaim "they've just scored you know" and another retort "so?". This was going to be our day.
Queen's moved forward with wave after wave of attack, the players were really responding to the fans. Then news came through that Hamilton had dropped behind at Firhill, and again bedlam ensued on the terracing. I don't know if this news filtered through to the players, but they certainly began attacking with even more gusto. It was only a matter of minutes before we were back in the lead, After some good football from Queen's an Arbroath player managed to clear the ball out for a throw, in line with the eighteen yard line, Sandy Hodge came up to take it, and launched it into the box Geordie Cloy style, Eadie took the credit for the goal, but it was only the deftest of touches with his head, and it was in the back of the net. The fans chanted "Eadie, Eadie," then it became "Egor, Egor" and with out so much as an intake of air "the great escape" began again. Queen's really started turning the screw, and I began to wonder if it was going to be a rout, Hinchcliffe was in magnificent form as he denied Queen's time and time again. Shots whizzed by the post and over the bar, Queen's were determined to finish the issue of relegation off. News filtered through of another goal at Firhill, initially it was suggested that Accies' had equalised, but it was more joy when we heard it was two nil to County. The decibels went up again, fans were running about, bouncing up and down the terracing. Women in their fifties were clapping along to "the Great Escape", several fans went topless, unfortunately they were all male. Kids little more than toddlers were smiling and laughing at their fathers celebrations. Of course I remained calm and uninvolved in the party that was going on round about me. Not!
The referee was again shocking, he was awarding US everything. The icing on the cake was the penalty award, Hawke ran into the box with the ball, but pushed it just too far in front to catch, the Arbroath defender appeared to put his hand on Hawke's back, and he stumbled, with the ball already lost, he landed on the pitch and looked disbelieved himself as the ref pointed to the spot. Hawke hadn't dived, but it wasn't a penalty. Surprisingly it was Dickson, and not Eadie, who placed the ball on the spot and took a step back. He ran up and sent the keeper the wrong way, but watched with disbelief as the ball clanged the outside of the post and went by. Arbroath must have felt justice had been done.
The remainder of the half was played with Arbroath camped in their own half. The Great Escape continued unabated, though one or two fans appeared to be flagging, the beer in the Tutties' Neuk beginning to take effect. The half-time whistle went, and the roof was almost raised off the terracing. There was complete silence for half-time results, until the Hamilton result came through, and once again celebrations started up all round the North end of the ground. One fan complained he couldn't hear the rest of the results, but nobody cared, there were only two games that mattered.
The second half was a bit of an anti-climax, most of the game was played in the midfield, and the game appeared to be meaningless. The singing in the Queens' end never stopped, as fans began digging out the old classics;- From the Bonnie Banks...; We may travel by the railwayline...; Order, order, we are the border; We drink beer, we drink wine, we are the Scottish Borderline. I think you get the picture. At times the mist completely obscured the opposite end of the ground, and I began to worry that the ref might decide the game was unplayable. Tam Bryce came on for Arbroath, and seemed to re-ignite them. Indeed he had the best chance of the second forty-five when Mathieson appeared to turn a great effort over. We got more nervous as the game went on, it was turning from The Great Escape to The Longest Day as time seemed to stand still. Our heads were lifted when we heard that Ross County had scored again. The referee must have sensed how nervous the fans were, because he gave us hope when he showed the red-card to an Arbroath man to finish the game for them. It hadn't been a dirty game, and although it was bad tackle from John Crawford on Hawke, it was not malicious, more clumsy. Hawke, and other players attempted to persuade the referee that his action was over the top, but Crawford still walked. Minutes later it was all over, the fans were singing with renewed gusto. McMillan, Hodge and Hawke turned to the fans raised their hands above theirs heads and began marching over, other players were heading for the tunnel, only to find Geordie Rowe turning them around and sending them to the fans. A well known loyal Queen's fan had stressed in the final minutes that no fan should go on the pitch, for fear of a reprimand from the SFL, and thankfully no one did. The fans were bouncing on the terracing, and the players saluted them.
As I left the ground, en-masse with the choir, George Rowe's father came up grinning from ear to ear informing us all that County had won three nil. Oh what a day!
My capacity for alcohol suddenly increased last night, and it was heading for four am when I hit the sack.
The man of the match yesterday is a collective one, the team were magnificent, but were outshone by the supporters. The support made me proud to be a Queen's fan, I don't know how we managed to sing for two hours and more, we just did. I feel sorry for the Hamilton supporters, and players, but at the end of the day their board deserves the punishment that was dished out.
Do do do do, do do do do. do do do do do!
e-Doonhamer. nursing a hangover.
Saturday, 15th April, 2000 Palmerston Park, Dumfries Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 1,010 Queens 0 Ross County 3 Irving (38) Bone (61) Kinnaird (71)
Queens Team : Mathieson, McMillan (Adams 77), Hodge, Robison, Aitken, Duncan, Dickson, Boyle (Kerr 56), Hawke, Rowe, Weir - unused sub - Gallagher
I suppose it's quite appropriate that one of our worst performances of the season (and it had a few to beat) has more than likely hammered the final nail into our coffin. Long before the end of the game, the rapidly emptying ground had taken on the atmosphere of a funeral parlour. We are as good as resigned to our fate, although I'm sure more than me heard that Stenny had lost 7-0 at Clyde and thought, 'maybe just a little chance'. Such is being a Queens fan. I was wrong in my preview (no, it's true) in that Andy Aitken had finished his suspension and returned to the centre of the defence. George Rowe said in the paper that the suspended Steve Mallan would be replaced from within the squad and since the transfer deadline passed some weeks ago I suppose that made sense! By the way, Jim McCormick stood in for me for the Border T.V. interview -:). I was thinking outside as I wandered around with my £10.00 allowance how much better an idea Stirling had on the program selling front, i.e. ambush you cash in hand as you enter the ground. I had to do without a program this week due to my lack of change. Why not sell some inside the ground?
The question of how George Rowe, Kevin Robison and Andy Aitken would combine was soon answered when Robison and Aitken went into central defence and Rowe went to right midfield, it looked like to take care of danger man Paul Kinnaird, although a lot of good that did. Queens threatened first in what was actually to be quite an even first half when Hawke and his forward partner (to start with anyway) Dickson, almost pulled of a cute 1-2 on the edge of the box. Straight away, McMillan totally miss hit a cross but Rowe chased it to the line and hooked the ball across for Hawke to head comfortably into Henry Smith/Nicky Walker's hands (whichever one it was, I can never tell them apart!). The travelling Ross supporters (about 40 made the long journey) thought they had taken the lead after 11 minutes, as did I, but it turned out that Mathieson had turned the ball into the side netting following a goalmouth scramble. Then a complete miss hit by Robison presented a chance which Mathieson saved comfortably. In 15 minutes McMillan was yellow carded for a late and wild challenge and Paul Kinnaird took the opportunity of the break in play to start an argument with a guy in front of me in the enclosure. I don't know if he has a good memory or what but he actually had an argument with the same guy in the last Palmerston encounter. And he's not one of our louder fans. A 30th minute scramble from a Queens corner almost saw Rowe bundle the ball over the line. A minute later at the other end McMillan stopped to claim a free kick and almost let Kinnaird in but Aitken did well to clear the danger. Then another of those crazy refereeing decisions that we seem to see all too often. A defender leapt at Warren Hawke from about 5 yards away and flew right through him as he almost broke him in half. However, it turns out that he was forced to launch this assault because Hawke had made a back for him! The 34th minute saw yet another goalmouth scramble, this time Hodge's shot ended in the side netting. Another 5 minutes passed before Robison missed a long clearance allowing a 2 on 2 situation to develop but the pass was too far and Queens got it away for a corner. From the corner, Queens defensive frailties showed again as Irving rose unchallenged to head home an easy goal. Round about this time Rowe and Dickson made the obvious switch of positions. A minute from half time a nice Queens move finished with Hawke creating space for Weir on the left edge of the box but the shot was easily saved. Weir was then decapitated by Irving but this didn't even earn the big sheep farmer (was that what they called him?) a talking too. Nobody was too surprised then when we went in 1-0 down at half time despite having put up a not too bad showing.
There was yet another half time shoot out between two school sides. This was a good idea to start with but they are starting too spread it a little thin. How about some dancing girls next time?
Queens started the second half with a nice spell of sustained pressure which was eventually brought to an end when Rowe was penalised by the ref for ..........., well, you tell me. Then, just in front of us, 2 Ross players absolutely waked into one another in what looked like a very nasty clash of heads. I don't blame Neil Cooper for coming onto the pitch to see how his players were, and some of the Queens support were out of order for getting onto him for doing so, but he was out of order to then conduct a team meeting on the pitch, and the ref was out of order for not stopping it. Cooper then conducted a running argument with the fans for much of the rest of the game (he'd already had a couple of little run ins before this). There are some arses in Scottish Football but Neil Cooper has to be the biggest one! Anyway, back to the fate of the 2 players, they both had to go off, one was replaced straight away and I think had to go to hospital (hope he's OK, as I said, some Queens fans were out of order to be more concerned with Cooper on the pitch than his condition) while the other guy reappeared after about 5 minutes. Queens responded by bringing Kerr on for the ineffectual Boyle (dam, I thought I'd got that Sunday Post talk out of my system). The game had now become quite dull (or did I just miss it all while I was having a chat with a mate?) but the next action was the killer blow. A left wing cross saw Bone about a yard out with a free header. Mathieson parried his first header but Bone was on hand to easily tuck away the rebound. Ten minutes later it was Kinnaird's turn to be awarded the freedom of Palmerston as he had all the time in the world to put away number three from the left edge of the box. And that was about that. As the stands emptied rapidamundo Adams replaced McMillan, meaning Rowe now occupied his 3rd position of the day at right back, but it was much too little much too late. Allan Kerr, however, nearly ruined my Goal of the Season poll when he first timed a Charlie Adams lay off with a full volley from about 40 yards which would have finished all the voting if it hadn't been stopped by the post. And it would have been totally meaningless. And that ass, Cooper, with his team 3 up and heading for promotion, still wasn't happy and continued to argue with supporters. I actually felt sorry for him. By the time the game finished there weren't many of the still loyal 1,000 Queens fans left in the ground to boo the team off.
At least one good thing happened today,on the way home. I usually sit for ages waiting to get onto Terregles Street and then Castle Douglas Road as a queue of stationery traffic steadfastly refuse to let me into the line. However, today I was allowed out at both junctions without having to wait! And so, SWIFT MOBILE TAXIS have earned themselves a free mention and I'll be looking them up the next time I need a taxi (don't get over exited, it's not that often), sorry, I don't know who the other person was but thanks anyway. Stenhousemuir's Livingston like performance at Clyde at least left us with some hope, but I think most of us now accept it's Albion Rovers next year.
Man of the Match - Sponsors went for Andy Aitken (he did have a good spell in the first half) but I'm finding it very difficult to think of anyone who deserved this accolade so for the second time this year I'm not awarding one.
The performance was so bad yesterday that I'm struggling, but here goes: -
There were a number of changes on the park for Queen's today, everyone had expected Andy Aitken and Geordie Rowe to return from suspension, but no one expected us to have a new centre forward! Rowe picked himself for the number ten shirt, replacing the suspended Stevie Mallan, who watched the game from the enclosure along side Marc Cleeland and Steven Leslie. These guys aren't getting picked (Leslie's injured) but at least they are making the effort to support the team.
The game started fairly slowly, and the opening period really had nothing worth noting. Despite Geordie's shirt number, he was actually playing on the right wing, with Dickson playing up front along side Hawke. This really wasn't working as Rowe seemed to be pulled further and further back covering the defence were McMillan was having a particularly poor game. This also appeared to pull Dickson out to the right, leaving Hawke as our sole attacker. Queen's seemed intent on pumping high balls into Hawke, however this was largely ineffectual (oh,oh Stuart's Sunday post talk is spreading), as the County defence had about 3 large defenders built like cart horses snuffing everything out. One notable weakness of County was Nick Walker in goals who struggled with the high crosses coming in from John Dickson. Walker dropped the ball at least three times in the first forty-five, each time sparking off a goalmouth scramble which the Ross County defenders eventually managed to clear a few times. Mark Weir also hit the side netting in our only other real chance of the half. Geordie had promised 14 players with the attitude of Archie Bell(?!) in his programme notes, however the team was really lacklustre, with a number of players out of position. The first half really was a bore, and it was hard to pay attention to the match. The ground lacked atmosphere, with only 30 or 40 travelling fans in the away end of the new stand. I know it's a hell of a trip, but when your team is on the verge of clinching promotion, surely you make an effort? It was reassuring to see Andy Aitken back in defence, and just to prove his worth he made two or three crucial tackles to keep the scoreline level. Neither team was playing well, but it was no surprise when Brian Irvine opened the scoring in the 38th minute when he headed home a Kinnaird cross.
The feeling at half time was that we were perhaps a bit unfortunate to be a goal down, but I must confess that I didn't have much hope of us getting 3 points at this stage. The referee was another shocker, but his mistakes were fairly even with both teams getting a number of freekicks which baffled everybody. However he infuriated the home support early on when he booked McMillan for a late tackle on Mark Duthie. He was late, but there was absolutely no contact, and Duthie cried out in pain BEFORE the tackle was made. I remember a similar incident at our first game at Stranraer when a Queens' player (Rowe, I think) was booked after a Stranraer player screamed and performed an acrobatic dive right in front of the referee. I have no idea who he was, as the programme said he was Martindale, but the teamsheet named him as Smith.
Queens' had a bit of a flurry at the start of the second half, with Weir and Hodge both getting a couple of decent crosses in from the left. Then came a sickening incident when two Ross County players clashed heads and lay lifeless on the pitch. Credit to the referee, he stopped the game immediately and summoned the stretcher. The first player managed to get to his feet, but Brian Irvine remained motionless on the pitch. After treatment both players left the pitch, Irvine on the stretcher and the other player ushered of by the physio. The players were applauded off by the majority of the crowd, but Neale Copper infuriated the home support by remaining on the pitch to conduct a team talk. The referee was at first oblivious to this, but eventually shepherded him off. Irvine was replaced immediately, but I'm not sure what happened with the second player. They was again nothing really notable after this until the hour mark when that constant thorn in our side, Alex Bone, put the Dingwall side two up. Mathieson couldn't hold a shot from a County player and Bone gratefully blasted the rebound home. The move had all began with a mistake from Kerr, who had only just come on to replace Boyle. It was all over as a contest, and fans began heading for the exits. Ten minutes later, County extended their lead when Paul Kinnaird, another man who always performs well against us, thundered home a long ball past the despairing Mathieson. The heads were hanging low now, and the remainder of the game was uneventful, though every time County attacked you felt they may add another goal. Kerr had a late shot hit the post, but we wouldn't have deserved the goal, and it would have flattered Kerr who has been really poor in the last couple of games. When the final whistle went there were a few boos, mostly from the stand surprise, surprise. I left the ground with ease, as the majority of the crowd were long gone.
This match really summed up our season, and I'm afraid that although we can still avoid relegation, it is very unlikely, and would probably also be undeserved. We really missed Stevie Mallan today, and I can't see where we will get goals from while he serves out his suspension. It almost seems a chore in picking man of the match, as barely anyone gets pass marks. Hodge and Weir were reliable on the left side, Mathieson made a number of good saves, and Warren Hawke put himself about a bit up front, but was obviously missing Mallan. Only Andy Aitken deserves the award though, and he was also the sponsors choice. He kept trying, and forayed forward on a few occasions to give the attack some support. I'm afraid it will be unlikely to be with us next season, as surely a bigger club will snap up this great young player.
The significance of the result was compounded when I heard that Stenhousemuir had been humped seven nil by Clyde. Had we reversed the score against County then we would have had a fighting chance of staying up. On the subject of Clyde, they only had 23 more of a crowd than us for their game, and I find that really disappointing for a team who are about to be crowned champions.
e-Doonhamer.
Tuesday, 11th April, 2000 Recreation Park, Alloa Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : Queens 1 Alloa 3 Mallan (89) Nish (59,65) Cameron (78)
Queens Team : Mathieson, McMillan, Hodge, Robison, Kerr, Duncan, Adams, Gallagher, Hawke, Mallan, Weir. Subs: - Dickson, Stewart and Boyle.
Two reports from a Tuesday night away game, wow! e-Doonhamer was not sure if he would be able to make the game so the guy who has probably been involved in as much controvosy as anyone on the Official Message Board, Ewan Lithgow, has agreed to help out with a report.
First up : e-Doonhamer
Alloa 3 Queen's 1. It doesn't look good, does it? However that's only half the story, and had we taken some of our first half chances, we could have been celebrating tonight.
The defence remained the same as Saturday's line up with McMillan replacing the injured Stewart at right back. In midfield, a couple of surprises as Adams replaced Dickson on the right wing, and Denis Boyle surprisingly dropped to the bench. Weir playing out on the left instead.
Queen's were almost a goal down after less than 30 seconds, as Alloa took advantage of the kick off and shooting down hill immediately. The fans were still moving behind the respective opposition goals, when an Alloa player smacked a shot just over the bar. The next ten minutes or so were uneventful as the ball seemed to be punted from one end of the park to the other, with neither side creating much. Queen's though had a couple of early chances, though nothing to trouble the keeper. Queen's started to improve, as the 4-4-2 set up started to work, with Sandy Hodge giving some good runs up the left wing, and looking comfortable working with Mark Weir, who put one or two early crosses into the box to test the keeper. At the other side of the park though Charlie Adams looked uncomfortable as a right wing, and got caught in possession a few times. This upset a few of the fairly large travelling support, who started to abuse him everytime he had the ball. Oh dear, some people never learn! Charlie actually put in a fair bit of effort, he is just not suited to that role. It was Chico himself who had the best chance of the half, when he lobbed a defender and the ball beat the keeper who was relieved to hear the ball clatter the crossbar.
Alloa pulled one or two fine saves from Mathieson at the other end of the park, as they looked sharp on the break. Either Robison or Duncan (I'm not sure) saved us with a goal line clearance, but it was the Doonhamers who had most of the possession and we could have been at least three up at half time, Stevie Mallan saw the ball get the wrong side of the post after some good work with him and Hawke, and Mark Weir was also unlucky with a good effort. The keeper did well to catch a high Mark Weir cross with Hawke waiting at the far post, and he would surely have scored with the head had the on loan keeper not risen for the ball. When the whistle went for half time, it was Queen's who went in with their heads high, and the applause of the support behind them, the only thing missing was a goal.
With Queen's attacking down hill for the second half, we were looking for even more pressure on the Alloa defence. We weren't disappointed, as Queen's followed the example of Alloa and went on the offensive right away some more great work on the left by Hodge and Weir, almost saw us take the lead. From this point though, Alloa started to find their feet, and David Mathieson was forced into a string of fine saves, as the midfield of Queen's seemed to lose the plot. Kerr was having a poor game by now, and Alloa started taking the ball to Queen's through the centre, before knocking the ball on to the wings. Alloa were still counter attacking, but it was working well , and in the 58th minute Colin Nish took advantage of some poor defending to knock the ball home. The effect of this was, perhaps, disastrous. Firstly, the heads of the Queen's players went down, and secondly some so called fans started really getting on the backs of the players, Charlie Adams for the second game running coming in for a torrent of abuse, despite the fact that he was playing out of position. The fans were calling for a substitution, and it wasn't long in coming. Dickson came on, rather surprisingly replacing Hawke. This upset some of the fans even more, with some now venting anger and frustration at Ken Eadie. What was more surprising was that Dickson didn't switch with Adams, but filled in Hawke's position up front. Little more that sixty seconds later Nish got his second, and more or less finished the game. Alan Kerr seemed to be caught out again, and Alloa raced forward. Our defence was all at sea and Nish blasted the ball into the back of the net. Queen's kept trying though, and Mallan, Hodge and Weir kept on running, and kept on chasing every ball. Adams was still trying too, but was damned for not chasing balls, and damned if he did! It is little wonder he didn't perform with some of the abuse he was getting, and one fan in particular even tried to have an argument with him. This chap has a thing about Adams anyway, but it was encouraging some of the youths in the support to have a go as well. The fans seemed divided at this point, as some suggested a number of substitutions, while others tried to lift the team. What actually cooled this down was a sudden down pour which moved everybody, bar the ball boys,under the cover of the enclosure. Just before this we almost got back in the game when a great shot from Gallagher (I think) was palmed of the post by the keeper, and out of play. The Queen's support was incensed when the referee (Mr Toner, who needs no introduction) gave a bye kick.
Queen's kept plodding away, but some of the spirit was gone, and it was no surprise when the defence was breached again and Alloa's top scorer Cameron got in on the act. The game was finished now, and as one wag shouted, we could only go for pride. Adams started to relax a bit, and with the fans off his back had one or two nice touches, which the majority applauded. A few chances were created, though Alloa had a shot just over the bar, and one or two just by the post. Kerr really began to look lost in midfield, and this took the heat off Adams. In the final minute, Queens' got a consolation, when a great cross from Charlie Adams (I'm pretty sure) beat the defence, and Mallan got behind the last man, and looped a brilliant header over the keeper, and into the back of the net. Stevie, you may just have got your goal of the season! Though I know it will not matter to you as we gained nothing bar pride from it. This started an amazing 60 seconds when Queen's could have got another two goals as first a long pass back seemed to deflect of a Queen's player, and then another chance was saved.The final whistle went though, and we are now staring relegation in the face, ruing missed chances in the first half. Many Queens' fans had stayed to the bitter end, and applauded the team, and in particular Stevie Mallan off the park.
It was vital we won tonight and we didn't, however despite the bleak prospects now, it ain' over till it's over. We must continue to get behind the team. The players mustn't let the criticism get to them, for a for one though this was a good performance overall. One things for sure we showed for a could part of the game that we are more than a match for another of the promotion candidates, and it is almost unbelievable that there may be two divisions between these two sides next season. We must bounce back on Saturday, and the boo boys should shut up, or ship out. The team needs passion and commitment and much of this begins on the terracing, if you are on the backs of your own players from the start, it must affect them. Think about it!
Man of the Match? Quite hard tonight, because despite the result there were some very good performances. Sandy Hodge was excellent with his running forward, especially when he runs at players, Mark Weir combined well with Hodge, and often when Hodge ventured forward Weir would drop back to cover for him. Hawke had a good first half, though he did seem to tire quickly in the second half. Dickson played well when he came on, though it would surely have worked better if he had swapped roles with Adams. Chico worked his socks off, and didn't deserve the abuse he got, however he coped with it well and by the end the boo boys were shut up by the support Charlie got. Stevie Mallan is once again my man of the match, he laid off a good few chances, on the ball he was magnificent, turning defenders inside out, and in the first half constantly switching with Hawke to confuse the Alloa defence. He also applauded the Queen's support at the end, though some barely deserved it.
e-Doonhamer.
And Ewan's view
Relegation Day Approaches!
The phrase "a game of two halves" is very much overused in football commentary. None the less it has too often been the story our season and this game was as good an example as any. At half time in this match the score stood at 0-0 but Queens could legitimately claim to have dominated the half, at least in terms of possession. By full time we had lost 3-1 and, if we are truly honest, that scoreline flattered us much more than "The Wasps".
Queens started the match having made three changes from Saturday's side. McMillan replaced the injured Paul Stewart at right back ( though Stewart was fit enough for a place on the bench ) and Mark Weir and John Gallagher started in place of Dennis Boyle and John Dickson. This meant Charlie Adams moving to the right side of the midfield.
The first half saw Queens control most of the possession as Alloa looked a pale shadow of the side which won the Challenge Cup and started the season so well. However, they are still a very quick side and frequently outpaced us on the break. The first 20 minutes or so saw the two sides feeling each other out but the pick of the chances in this period fell on the quarter hour mark to Stevie Mallan who latched on to a mis-hit shot but hammered it just over the bar. However, from halfway through the half onwards the match lurched from end to end so often that I barely had time to note the chances down. First Weir, of all people, made a good challenge when left as last man in the defence, then Martin Cameron rounded Mathieson only to be forced too wide and "Smiler" recovered. Mallan was wide left with a twenty yard effort, Weir stumbled through Alloa's defence and forced a good save from Colin Stewart low to his left, Hawke skied an effort from Kevin Robison's right wing cross and Cameron just failed to connect with an open goal gaping after McMillan was skinned on the left. On 32 minutes, Adams had a shot deflected over the 'keeper and on to the crossbar after good work by Mallan and Hawke and, 3 minutes later, a great reversed pass by Hawke released Weir whose cross was headed just wide by Mallan. Within a minute though Martin Cameron was clean through on goal after Robison missed his header but pulled the shot wide right and, before the half was over, Mark Weir somehow contrived to slice a clearance up and over his own bar when seemingly standing under it!
If all the above seems frantic then it's only because it was. However, as we laughed at Alloa's pathetic floodlights during the half time interval, we remained quite confident that goals would come. The first half's clear chances had been more or less shared but Queens had looked the better football side throughout despite looking vulnerable to the quick break.
The second half was a different story entirely. Alloa dominated from start to finish, were first to every loose ball and could quite easily have scored at least double the three goals they did get. Five minutes into the period Mathieson had to react quickly to tip a cross over the bar and, from the resultant corner, the ball was headed down on to the ground and bounced up over the bar with the defence nowhere. Three minutes later Alloa broke upfield 3 against 1 but wasted the chance when the ball carrier shot instead of squaring the ball. This was to be our final warning. On 58 minutes, Warren Hawke misplaced a lay off and Alloa's COLIN NISH seized upon the loose ball. Advancing through the Queens half untouched, he found a path opening up in front of him and strode through to beat David Mathieson low to the 'keepers left.
We so nearly equalised two minutes later thanks to a piece of opportunism by John Gallagher. The ball broke to him fully 40 yards out but seeing Colin Stewart off his line he hit it sweetly first time, only to see it strike the angle of crossbar and post, bounce off the back-peddling goalkeeper and go wide. This should clearly have been a corner but the referee gave a goal kick and, as we argued the decision, Alloa broke upfield and Martin Cameron again lashed over when clear. Within 60 seconds he hit another good chance over and the Queens management decided a change was required. When it came however, it was a surprising one - Dickson for Hawke. Most of us had probably expected Dickson's arrival to be sooner rather than later but I can only suppose that Hawke had picked up a knock. He wasn't having his best game but had been better than most and the far more obvious change would have been a straight switch with the ineffective Adams. Even more surprising was that Dickson went straight up front for Hawke with Adams staying wide right. It was another quarter hour before they switched. Within a minute of the change Alloa clinched the points with a second goal. Kerr, who had a very poor game, lost the ball carelessly in his own half and Cameron got clear in on Mathieson yet again. David made a fine low stop from his shot but was left helpless as COLIN NISH steered in the rebound.
If there was any doubt at all about the result it was removed in the 78th minute. Ally McMillan broke into the Alloa box but was brushed off the ball and "The Wasps" again broke quickly into the space he had vacated, beginning a move which finished with Colin Nish having a shot deflected wide. From the resultant corner Nish rose unchallenged to head towards Mathieson's left hand post. The header was going just wide but MARTIN CAMERON rose to nod the ball over the line.
Alloa dominated the remaining time without really threatening to score again until, in the last minute, Queens grabbed a consolation when Ally McMillan's long cross from just inside the half found STEVIE MALLAN running in to head home from about 15 yards out. There was still time for him to almost add another when a charged down defensive clearance flew back past Colin Stewart but just eluded the post. This really would have flattered us though.
Queens had Kerr and Mallan booked for late challenges and Mathieson for pushing Colin Nish in retaliation after the striker had charged in to him at a corner.
With four games remaining Queens now need to win at least three of them, maybe all four, to have any chance of avoiding the drop and top scorer Stevie Mallan will miss the next three games through suspension.
Man Of The Match - David Mathieson - for performing heroics to keep the score down and being blameless for all three goals.
Saturday, 8th April, 2000 Forthbank, Stirling Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 520 Queens 2 Stirling 2 Adams (8,75) Graham (19,44) Woods (Off 90)
Queens Team : Mathieson, Stewart (McMillan), Hodge, Robison, Kerr (Gallagher), Duncan, Dickson (Weir), Boyle, Hawke, Mallan, Adams
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me! Quarter to five, Saturday afternoon, Forthbank, Stirling, 2-2, Steve Mallan is clear of the last defender and bearing down on the stand in keeper. Stenhousemuir were one down the last I heard. Even the ref., who is straight from the Bernie Eccleston school of fair play, (he gave Stirling more decisions than Ferrari!!), can't think of a reason to chock this one off, the Queens fans have risen as one man to celebrate. Well, read on.
Arrived nice and early in Stirling, took the wife and mother-in-law into the town centre for some shopping (Brownie points!!), drove out to the ground, and arrived around 2:00. Now, it's much better playing a team from another town, as opposed to the trip to the village league I made a couple of weeks ago, and the stadium is well set up with plenty parking available, but there isn't a hell of a lot to keep you occupied for an hour out there. So I sat in the car, listening to the radio, watching a couple of guys shoot some hoops (gee, it is Americanised), thought about going to watch the hockey match going on behind the ground but changed my mind. Then a double decker bus pulled up with the words Forthbank Stadium on the front, wow, I thought, this is some set up. Then out of the bus poured ......... 3 Stirling fans. And once inside, I realised they made up half their support! Really good program for sale inside the ground (cunningly priced at £1.00 so they can take the change from your £9.00 entry money), but I have to say, while the ground is really functional, it's got no sole man!!
Queens started the game in their 'home' formation of 4-3-3, Mallan filling the left sided role. Duncan dropped back to cover for the suspended Aitken and Kerr took his place in midfield. McMillan reappeared on the bench along with Weir and Gallagher, but interestingly, there is still no sign of Cleeland or Leslie. There were a few growns when it was realised Adams was to play up front, but a quick look above will show that worked out not too bad.
The makeshift nature of the Queens defence was soon exposed when Graham easily beat Duncan in the box, but Duncan managed to deflect the shot over the bar. Mathieson was then forced into early action after Stewart made a mess of a clearance. Queens first chance came from a long Hodge throw, the balling eventually coming back to a Queens player (I wrote down Gallagher but since he was still on the bench, I doubt it!) who shot narrowly wide. Queens defence was all at sea again as a left wing free kick was allowed all the way through to McGrillen, all alone and 3 yards out, but he managed to sky it over the bar. It was then Queens turn to break forward, Dickson hit the bye line and crossed to the far post, Hawke won the ball and knocked it back to where Charlie Adams was gleefully waiting a yard out to put Queens 1-0 up. And remember, we had only played 8 minutes at this stage. Queens defence again looked dodgy as a ball spun over Mathieson but landed on the roof of the net. Around this time, the man in black (and his assistants) were really annoying the Queens fans (I've got to be polite) and this was confounded when Hawke was pushed in the back when clean through and awarded nothing. I was still noting this incident when I looked up to see the ball coming in from the left wing, hitting Graham's head, and sneaking past Mathieson for the equaliser. Soon after, Robison was easily beaten in the area but Mathieson pulled of a quite remarkable point blank save to keep the scores level. The resultant corner also led to panic in the defence and the ball being scrambled of the line. Queens then had a penalty appeal turned down when Adams was assaulted in the box, but, apparently, that's allowed. Queens suicidal streak surfaced again when Kerr was dispossessed by McGrillen but his chip went narrowly over. After this for a while, Queens took control of things as Stirling went into their full time wasting routine. This period was spoiled however, and I'm afraid to say, I think a section of the Queens support was responsible for it. Their less than constructive criticism clearly started to get to the players and their heads went down. Denis Boyle was the main target for abuse, but he shouldn't really have reacted by giving his detractors a one fingered salute (twice!). I have to say, if this is how we treat our promising 18 year olds, we don't deserve them. The guys criticising him are probably the same ones who wanted Mathieson dropped after the Partick game! With the heads down, the ref gave them yet another dodgy decision, this time a free kick 20 yards out, dead centre. Mathieson and Hawke desperately tried to organise a wall as the rest of the team squabbled, but to no avail as Ally Graham proved he isn't just a big rumble with a beautiful left foot shot round the wall and into the corner. And so, a half that had looked good for so long ended with us 2-1 down.
Early in the second half McGrillan was one on one with Robison but Mathieson turned over his shot from the edge of the box. More slackness in the Queens defence led to another chance for McGrillen to miss (my god, he's inconsistent!). I was writing this down as the volume was turned up around me as Sandy Hodge went on one of his trade mark runs forward, for the first and last time in the game. On this occasion his attempt to chip the keeper was just not quite high enough and he managed to push the ball into the air and gather at the second attempt. Steve Mallan was then the next victim of the ref, when he was booked, apparently for being fouled! Desperation then began to rear it's ugly head slightly as the double substitution of Stewart and Kerr for McMillan and Gallagher was quickly followed by Weir for Dickson, and apparently three left wingers. Maybe it was a cunning ploy by Eadie to ease the pressure on the players as he became the target for the boo boys. Queens rearranged with Adams on the right, Weir on the left, Gallagher in the middle and Mallan up front with Hawke. Hawke was brilliant in the air again today and yet another knock down caused panic in the dodgiest defence in the league as the attempted clearance cannoned of Hodge but into the keepers relieved hands. I was a bit disappointed in Queens soon after when they didn't return the ball to Stirling after it was put out of play for treatment to an injured player. Sure, they were getting frustrated as Stirling were back in the time wasting groove, but there's no need to sully our reputation as well. This bit of gamesmanship resulted in a free header for Hawke six yards out but I'm pleased to say he missed. Hawke won yet another header when he got on the end of a Weir cross but put it over. It was hectic stuff, and Queens got their reward when Mallan battled to win a high ball, Hawke, would you believe, knocked the ball down, and Adams turned nicely to turn the ball home. Suddenly, decisions were going Queens way and we started to go all out for the winner. The game was delayed yet again, this time rightly, when their keeper was left out cold after a clash with Hawke. It looked bad as the stretcher was called for but then he got up and it looked like just another time wasting incident, but their doctor, I presume, came on and decided he had to go of to be replaced by an outfield man. But, another 5 minutes was gone. Queens then got carried away going forwarded and were almost caught when their bald number 6, who had played well all game, went through the defence only to see Allistair McMillan, who's introduction had definitely helped, clear the ball off the line. Then came that chance. Quick thinking by Queens saw a free kick taken quickly and Mallan away and clear of the last man and bearing down on the stand in keeper. To be fair, nine times out of ten, his decision to square the ball to the other free man would have been correct, but as the free man was Weir, perhaps Marv should have taken on the responsibility himself. Anyway, the chance was gone, Stenhousemuir scored twice in the last ten minutes, the world's against me! There was still time for Mallan to miss hit another chance, McMillan to totally waste a chance from a free kick by floating it aimlessly over the bar (tension showing?), their number 12 to totally out pace Duncan only to be denied by Mathieson closing the angle (and then they had the cheek to moan at the ref for not giving a penalty), and then their man of the match, the bald number 6, to get himself sent off for kicking the ball away (second yellow). After the allotted injury time the game was over. Few!
On the way out a guy told me his companion had come all the way from Dartford for the game. I don't what he was in for, but if he keeps making journeys like that to watch the Queens, he won't be getting out soon (or is that Dartmoor?)(Yes, I know it is, it's a joke!). I got back into the car and the clock only said 4:50. Now, bear in mind what I'd said about all the lost time and you may get the idea that the ref perhaps didn't play as much injury time as he should have. And you may be right to think that. The radio was still reporting Stenny 1-0 down at this stage but 5 minutes later they had won 2-1, Hamilton had got a draw, and we were right in it. Best for Queens were Mathieson, McMillan, Mallan, Hawke and despite the opinions of some, Boyle. Graham and baldy did particularly well for them.
Man of the Match - Warren Hawke
The Queen's team bore a rather different look this week, with the suspension of Aitken forcing Duncan into the back four and Kerr on in midfield in Duncan's usual place. Queen's had travelled with another big support despite last weeks defeat, and when you look at the home support of Stirling, you wonder how we find ourselves where we are, and how teams like Stirling, Stenhousemuir etc. survive financially.
The game started slowly, with Stirling obviously intent in letting us do the running. From the start though it was obvious that the main threat would come from the pairing of McGrillen and Graham. Every time Stirling broke through our makeshift defence you felt that one of the pair was capable of scoring. However, it was Queen's who opened the scoring on the eighth minute, when Dickson went on a great run down the right wing, and put a cracking cross over the face of the goal, where it found Hawke, who knocked it down in front of Adams. Charlie couldn't miss, and the travelling support went wild. A short while after this, in another Queen's break, Adams clashed with the keeper, who went down injured. Adams rightly put the ball out of play, however he proved that he isn't in the top range of the mensa IQ bracket when he attempted to take the throw-in following treatment to the keeper! It should be noted that Stirling didn't return the ball to Queen's, but instead tried to set up an attack. Stirling were now pushing forward with commitment, as they realised they were in danger of being pulled into the relegation dogfight. Mathieson was forced into a number of fine saves, as the defence failed to cope with McGrillen. You don't realise how much Andy Aitken does in defence, and how well he controls it till he is missing. It took Stirling till the 19th minute before they got the inevitable, when a fine move started by McGrillen, was finished with Graham putting the ball in the back of the net. Queen's were really struggling at this point, and it wasn't helped by the fact that a number of fans were starting to get on the backs of the players. Dennis Boyle found himself the victim of a prolonged verbal attack by someone who obviously hasn't seen too many games this season. He suggested that Boyle wasn't a fit player to play in the royal blue, despite the fact that in the last few weeks, it has been Boyle who has commanded the midfield in an excellent manner. Bearing in mind that he is only 18, Boyle eventually cracked, and allegedly made a gesture at the fan, who retorted that Ray Stewart had been sacked at Livingston for this. Actually, Mr Smartarse, it was Marc Millar, who promptly found himself playing in the SPL!
Queen's managed to hold on, and made a couple of half chances themselves, but Stirling eventually took the lead right at the end of the 45, from a disputed freekick. The wall failed to organise itself correctly, leaving the goal invitingly open, and Ally Graham cheerfully took full advantage, burying the ball in the back of the net. Almost immediately, the referee signalled the end of the half, playing no injury time whatsoever, despite there having been a few stoppages. We were however cheered by the fact that Alloa where beating Stenny just a few miles away.
Surprisingly there were no changes at half time, despite the fact that we had McMillan on the bench. Stirling started on the offensive right away, but the defence appeared to be better organised, and Queen's started closing down players quicker. There were a few chances went a begging, and the fans started giving more abuse to the players, Charlie Adams unfairly shouldering a lot of the criticism. As the game wore on, Queen's started to take control, and it was helped when McMillan came on to replace the injured Stewart. He was an imposing figure, and the Queen's defence looked more at ease with his presence. Gallagher also came on to replace Kerr, who had been unusually quiet in midfield. A short time later Weir was brought on to replace Dickson, the fans were bewildered, with some in their wisdom calling for Eadie's head. I would suggest that Dickson is carrying some sort of injury, as he has been replaced in the last couple of matches, and he visibly tired in the second half. The forward line reorganised, and we appeared to be playing with four up front. Queen's eventually got the goal we deserved when Hawke again set up Adams, and he fired home as the Stirling defence crumbled. Charlie, ran along the pitch taking the adulation of the fans singing Chico, Chico. The same fans who had berated him minutes earlier. Stirling players were dropping to the ground like sacks of potatoes, though to be fair there were some fierce tackles going in. The Stirling support were angered when Queens failed to return a ball which had been put out for an injury to be attended to. However Stirling themselves had set the precedent in the first half, and we are literally fighting for our lives. The referee, was having a better second half, and we even got some dodgy decisions from him. However he upset the support, when a Stirling player and Stevie Mallan both went down injured following a 50-50 clash Stevie found himself in the book. Stevie had a great chance following a quick freekick in Queen's box, he found himself on the break with only the keeper to beat, however he squared to Weir, who couldn't connect properly and the chance was wasted. Stevie had commented in The Sun last week that he had never won the goal of the season award from Queen's fans, this was a great opportunity for him to change that, but you can't blame him for trying to be unselfish.
Things were looking up when the Stirling keeper failed to recover from a head knock and was replaced by an outfield player. However we failed to really test the stand-in keeper in the remaining ten minutes, we were also helped when Stirling number 6, who had had a good game walked for his second yellow. It seemed a bit harsh, as this hadn't been a dirty game, but in our position we have got to take these opportunities. However we had no time to take advantage as the referee rather abruptly ended the game, leaving Queen's fans bewildered as to what had happened to the five minutes wasted when the keeper was injured, and several other stoppages. The stadium announcer broadcast that Alloa had beaten Stenny, but it was despair when Radio Scotland announced that they had scored twice in the closing minutes, and we are 5 points adrift at the bottom.
Man of the Match? Charlie Adams for taking his chances, and doing a lot more than many of the fans would give him credit for.
Queen's played a lot better than last week, and we dominated the most of the second half, but we are now a lot worse off, and must now set our sights on catching Hamilton, who look likely to have three points deducted, and have still to come to Palmerston.
It time for us all to get right behind the team and give our all in support of the players, and hopefully they will reward us with what is looking like the unlikely. Slagging off individuals is counter productive, especially when there is no changes that can be made. A lot of the criticism yesterday was unfair, do we really wanted to put talented 18 year olds out of the team because they didn't have one of their better games? The people who were calling for Ken Eadie's P45, are the same ones singing his praises this time last year. Ken and Geordie could have so easily walked away this season when things started going wrong on the pitch, but they are committed to beating the drop, and will stay to the bitter end. They deserve our support, and if you don't want to see us go down then you'd better bloody well get right behind the team! As the song goes "united we stand, divided we fall".
e-Doonhamer.
Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld
Scottish League, Division 2
Attendance : 1,099
Queens 1 Clyde 3
Kerr (83) Carrigan (13 pen, 77)
Barratt (46)
Queens Team : Mathieson, Stewart, Hodge, Robison, Aitken, Duncan, Dickson (Adams 68), Boyle, Hawke, Mallan, Gallagher (Kerr 55) : unused sub -Weir
You can be forgiven for having a feeling of deja vu after today's game, because so much of what went on today was reminiscent of past Queen's matches recently, and especially games against Clyde in the last two seasons. I'm glad we're seeing the back of this ground for a season, at least.
It was funny, but having visited the nearest watering hole, Broadwood Farm, before the game on a number of occasions, I can't ever recall of seeing more than one or two Clyde fans enjoying a pre-match pint. Today however it was packed, well there was at least ten of them! It's funny how the promise of promotion can bring all sorts out from the holes that they dwell.
The pre-match build up is usually of no interest, bar perhaps the odd rumour, But as we arrived at Broadwood Radio Scotland announced that the Stenhousemuir v Hamilton Accies game was off due to industrial action by the Accies players. This left the Queen's fans wondering what the outcome would be and how it would affect us. Surely the SFL won't award Stenny the points? Once in the stand behind the goal we discovered that there were no programmes on sale in the away end. Instead we were told that if there were any left after the Clyde fans had had first shot, then they would be brought round. At half-time though it was announced that the programmes had sold out, however they will be available at the next home games of the respective clubs. Big wows! So a club that aspires to become big can't even organise their programmes when they must be aware that their gates would be up today. Instead they treat Queen's fans as second class citizens.
Okay on to the game! Queens' started well, obviously feeling that they were capable of getting something from the game. However Clyde struck the first blow when Andy Aitken failed to clear a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area, and Sandy Hodge brought down Barrett who had gained possession. There was no doubt about it, and the ref pointed to the spot. Carrigan struck the ball to Mathieson's right, and the keeper remained rooted to the spot. The heads went down a little, but Queens' continued to battle for the ball. Before the goal, Clyde's Darren Murray went off for treatment to an injury, and although he returned to the pitch, he was obviously in some pain, and on twenty minutes he was replaced, however the man who has done more for Queen's disciplinary record than some refs received no sympathy from the travelling support. Queen's had a couple of first half penalties turned down (deja vu), however it was hard to tell as Queen's were attacking the opposite end of the ground. The referee, as has happened so often in the past against Clyde seemed to be falling for the same old tactics which some of their players have brought from the junior ranks. High tackles on Queens' players went unnoticed, however innocuous challenges from Queens' defenders seemed always to end with a Clyde player fighting for his life on the deck and Clyde with a freekick (deja vu).
As the half-time whistle went and Queens' trooped off, you felt that we could still get something from the game. This feeling, however, was to be short-lived. Queens' came back on for the second and almost immediately conceded another goal (deja vu). The Queens' defence was caught ball watching as Carrigan knocked a ball through which Barrett gratefully hit past the helpless Mathieson. The heads went down further, and the writing was on the wall.
Clyde, it must be said, were poor. Queens' seemed to have much of the possession, but couldn't quite get the final ball in. Clyde resorted to the junior's tactics that they have become renowned for, and wasted as much time as possible. Andy McClay angered the visitors more than once with some cynical tackling and some off the ball pushing and shoving with, amongst others, Stevie Mallan. I was sure that the game was going to finish short of the full complement of players as more than once the referee lost the plot and the game threatened to boil over. One memorable time wasting incident happened when Clyde keeper Wylie took for ever with a bye kick, before eventually running to kick it. He instead ran over it, claiming to the referee that the ball had moved, which the referee duly accepted even though there was no wind in the ground, and for that matter no atmosphere form the supposedly celebratory Clyde fans. Perhaps Mr Wylie if you hadn't taken so long in the first place the ball wouldn't have got fed up and tried to get up the park itself!
Alan Kerr replaced Gallagher in the 55th minute, as Queens' tried to reorganise. Gallagher had had his moments in the first period, but had again failed to stamp his authority on the midfield. Dickson was surprisingly replaced in the 68th minute by Adams. Dickson had played well, but had been unable to supply a good enough ball to the forwards. There were a few grumbles to Adams appearance, can I just remind his critics that he is indeed Queen's second top goal scorer!
The game was well over for Queens' by the time Carrigan netted his second in the 76th minute. Some poor defending by Andy Aitken (I think) saw Carrigan slide it past Mathieson. Queens' got a glimmer of hope seven minutes later when some good play saw Alan Kerr get the ball on the edge of the box and delicately chipped over the keeper and into the net. The players' heads lifted a bit, but it was our last real chance and the scoreline remained 3 - 1 to Clyde.
This was a poor match with some poor refereeing, and some poor defending from Queens (deja vu). However Clyde were also poor, and I think they will struggle in a twelve team first division next year. Our own fate is still unknown, but it will seem strange if there is two divisions between these teams next season. All eyes are now on the outcome of the Stenny v Hamilton fiasco, but one thing is for sure though; the Hamilton players couldn't have picked a worse fixture for a strike.
When Queens' play poor then it is hard to pick man of the match, but one player who did stand out once again with his continual running and chasing the ball all over the park is Dennis Boyle, some of the older members of the squad would do well to learn something about attitude from one of the youngest players on the park.
We now travel to Stirling next week, whose defence has leaked eleven goals in their last two games. Lets hope we can breach it a few times ourselves.
e-Doonhamer.
Saturday, 25th March, 2000 Palmerston Park, Dumfries Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 1,813 Queens 1 Partick 1 Mallan (7) McWilliam (47 pen) Jacobs (Off 82)
Queens Team : Mathieson, Stewart, Hodge, Robison, Aitken, Duncan, Dickson, Boyle, Hawke, Mallan, Gallagher (Weir 60) : unused subs - Adams, Kerr
As expected, thanks to the large travelling support from Maryhill, the crowd was up today although I have to say the Queens support looked down on recent weeks. I hope Thistle don't go up (and we don't go down) because I love the games against them, but I have to say they deserve to go up as the best footballing side in this league. Just goes to show, it can work. Queens had John Gallagher from Arbroath filling the problem left side of midfield slot and there were wide spread rumours on the terracing of another two signings although nobody had heard anything on who these may be. Mark Weir made a surprise re-appearance on the bench but there was still no sign of the available again Leslie and Cleeland, and the way Boyle and Duncan played today it could be some time before they are seen in a Queens team again. The rest of the team was unchanged, Robison having recovered to take his place having hobbled off last week.
As usual against Partick, the game started at a break neck pace with both teams looking to get forward early on. Queens, however, made the early break through when the continuing to improve John Dickson skinned Des out wide and sent over a beautiful low cross which Mallan and a defender went for at the same time and Steve came away celebrating as the ball went into the bottom corner, although from were I was standing it looked like the defender may have put it in. Queens were up for it now and soon after a hopeful through ball caused panic in the Thistle defence and they were lucky to get away with only conceding a corner. Queens then settled down and although Partick probably had the better of the remainder of the half, Queens usually looked to be in control of things and holding out quite easily. However, you can never be sure against Thistle and on a couple of occasion the defence looked under pressure, once Mathieson saved a week shot easily and then Aitken had to clear of the line after Mathieson had failed to make it to a cross through a ruck of players (I'm back at this Sunday Post cliche stuff again!). Queens were looking good 'doing a Thistle', i.e. hitting on the break and straight from Aitken's clearance went quickly up field and Dickson was lucky not to lose a leg when Jacobs was wild and late with a challenge. Fortunately, he was so late that he missed, but the ref went back and booked him after the advantage had fizzled out. The whole Queens team was playing well but I was particularly impressed with Hawke, who was winning everything, Boyle, who was back to form and bossing the midfield (what a work rate!) and Hodge, again going on dangerous run after dangerous run, the best of which finished with a ball to Dickson to cut inside only to see his left foot shot well saved. That is all I have written in my note book for the first half but I have probably missed half of the incidents, I was really struggling to keep up.
Puff Mungo on the M.I.C. was missing from the half time entertainment, a shoot out between Loreburn and Locharbriggs, and for some reason the Partick fans decided to get right behind Loreburn. I have to say, the Thistle fans were superb for the boys, well done to you, and the boys repaid them with some crazy antics, going on a lap of honour after the shoot out. The half time results brought cheers for Stranraer at Palmerston as they were 2-0 up, but I warned then never to cheer Stranraer, and I was proved right as they managed to throw their lead away and draw 2-2.
The second half started badly for Queens, within a minute a goalmouth scramble had led to Partick being awarded a penalty. Mathieson got hands to it but the ball squirmed in for the equaliser. Far from being downhearted by this Queens proceeded to pummel the Partick goal, putting in one of their best halves of the season. Again my notebook is fairly empty as I struggled to keep up, but I remember numerous penalty appeals being turned down by the referee, a definite member of the Glasgow Mafia. The clearest penalty claim came soon after Partick's when Mallan was taken down by both the keeper and a defender, but the ref gave nothing. Mallan looked to be clear of the defence at one point but was pulled back, the defender only receiving a booking for his efforts. Stewart then went in with a wild challenge right in front of the Thistle support and we feared the worst but he too was only booked. Mark Weir came on for the tiring Gallagher and did a lot to silence his critics as he created numerous chances and had a couple of good efforts well saved. One run almost had him right through the defence but Mallan took the ball off him only to blast wildly over. Dickson, who wasn't having as good a second half, burst into action to cut inside and blast a shot narrowly past. Then the Glasgow Mafia ref was faced with a dilemma. Jacobs was late on Stewart and the ref obviously had to send off one of his favourites. After a delay to think if he could possibly hand the advantage to a team from the country, he finally produced his red card. Queens, with the crowd right behind them, went into overdrive to try to find a winner in the remaining eight minutes (plus about five injury minutes) but couldn't find a way through and had to settle for the draw, despite another couple of goalmouth scrambles.
As I said, the Clay Holers managed to throw away their lead against Stenhousemuir, so we are still three points behind but surely on this form we have to stay up. Why couldn't we have played like this two weeks ago. The down side is we only have two home games to go, and that fact that Stenhousemuir also seem to be picking up the pace. From what I have been reading on the 123 mailing list Stirling Albion are actually the team which most other fans seem to want dragged into the relegation spot. I'm all for that.
Man of the Match - Sponsors went for Mallan, I thought Hodge and Hawke did well, but I thought Denis Boyle was the pick of the bunch.
Queen's started the first half looking for an early goal, and it wasn't long in coming. Sandy Hodge was brought down in the middle of the park during one of his surging runs, from the resultant freekick the ball found Dickson on the right at the corner flag. Dickson skillfully turned his marker, none other than Des McKeown, and fired a low cross into the six yard box. The ball flashed by the defenders in the area and found Stevie Mallan with his back to goal at the far side. With what appeared to a casual flick, Marv backheeled it into the net sending the home fans down at the standside enclosure delirious! The goal looked simple, but believe me it was a touch of genius from Mallan. The goal stunned the unusually quiet Thistle support, and left the Jags chasing the game.
Queen's were contented to sit and let Thistle do the running, and the tactic seemed to do the trick, as Mathieson was only really troubled once in the half when he was well beaten, but George Rowe's capable stand-in Kevin Robison was on the line to clear. Shortly after this the Jags Namibian so-called boy wonder, Jacobs, enraged the main stand with a brutal tackle on Dickson and was fortunate to escape with a caution. Another Jags player who was making himself felt was former Kilmarnock stopper Ray Montgomerie who reinforced my theory that ex-premier league players are the worst when it comes to sportsmanship.
When the half-time whistle went the Queen's players left the park to a standing ovation. Minutes later a large cheer went round the ground when the scoreline Stranraer 2 Stenny 0 was announced.
The start of the second half saw Queen's, not for the first time this season, lose an early second half goal. The ball was scrambled around the penalty box pinball style, with several players ending up on the ground. Andy Aitken appeared to be fouled, and as he went down, so did the Thistle player he was tangled with. The script was written, Queens never get these things in our favour, the Ref. pointed to the spot. Mathieson did well to get down to his left and get a hand to the ball, but he was helpless in preventing it cross the line. This was the first time that we heard the Thistle fans as they celebrated their obvious good fortune and toasted the referee.
It was also to be the last time we heard the Thistle fans, as the goal only seemed to fire up Queen's, players and fans alike, and it became almost one-way traffic towards the Portland Drive end. In recent weeks the fans have got behind the team when required, and the players have responded well, this was no exception. To be honest the pace became that fast that the rest of the second half is a blur to me. Thistle brought on Brian Martin, another fine example of ex-premier league poor sportsman, and this buoyed up the home support even more.
Stevie Mallan for not the first time in recent weeks had a stone wall penalty turned down, when he was tripped at the edge of the box, the referee, having failed to keep up with play simply waved him up, leaving the home support exasperated. Stevie glared at the Linesman, who like his accomplice the previous week failed to do what linesmen's new job title suggest they do. That is ASSIST THE REFEREE! Again I ask, if it is not a penalty, then why was Mallan not booked?
Mark Weir came on on the hour mark for new signing John Gallagher, who had had a solid, but uninspiring debut for Queen's. The extra width gave Thistle even more problems and Weir and Hodge, who played well even with a head knock, tore down the left wing time and again whipping balls across the goals, only for scrambles, and some good goalkeeping keeping the scoreline the same.
Decision after decision went against Queens, and the fans really started getting on the back of the referee, who seemed oblivious to all that was going on around him, unless the perpetrator had a blue shirt on. However, he had no choice when Jacobs committed another wild tackle, this time on Paul Stewart, and showed him a second yellow, though in my view it should have been a straight red. Queen's continued to pound the Thistle goal, but as time was running out, and another penalty appeal was turned down, the news was filtering through that the Clayholers having heard that Queen's were up at half-time, had gifted a couple of goals to Stenny. The game ended with another ovation for the team, followed by the usual vote of thanks to the referee for cheating us out of three points.
The difference between the current side, to that of a couple of months ago is that the team appears more settled. There was only one change, with John Gallagher replacing Charlie Adams. Kevin Robison has done all that has been asked of him in filling in Geordie's boots, and Dennis Boyle has been simply superb in the last couple of weeks. I was very tempted to give Dennis man of the match, however I feel I must give it to Mallan for the audacity with which he scored the goal, and his consistent 100% commitment.
Saturdays game at Clyde is yet another crucial game for us, with Clyde desperate for revenge after their thrashing a fortnight ago. I will bold make one prediction going on previous encounters at Broadwood - there won't be 22 players on the park at full-time. Hopefully though it will be Clyde who finish short of their compliment. Lets hope Ross County do us a favour on Tuesday at Dingwall, and put one over Stenny.
e-Doonhamer.
Saturday, 18th March, 2000 Palmerston Park, Dumfries Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 1,163 Queens 0 Stranraer 0
Queens Team : Mathieson, Stewart, Hodge, Robison (Kerr), Aitken, Duncan, Dickson, Boyle, Hawke, Mallan (Eadie), Adams (Caldwell)
Queens put in another good performance today, keeping their second clean sheet in a row for the first time this season, but just couldn't break down a stubborn Stranraer defence despite some long periods of domination, particularly in the first half. It must be lambing season down Clay Hole way as the influx of the Galloway Irish wasn't quite as big as usual, although half the village was still there, about 20 of them. I notice that Queens, despite having been bottom nearly all season, still got a bigger crowd than the meeting of the top two. Has to say something. As expected, the team was largely unchanged, only Robison for the suspended Rowe and Eadie onto the bench, Leslie and Cleeland banished to the stand. Was please to see Andy Murray back in the program, until I read the article, what a sad man.
Remembered my note book this week and the first thing I have written down is 'Through ball, Mallan keeper, Adams miss'. Buggered if I can remember what that means, a lot of use that was then. Still, might refresh somebody's memory. Queens began to get on top after a fairly even opening fifteen minutes and we thought we had a penalty when Adams went down under pressure in the box and the refs whistle blew. It looked a soft penalty to me, but then again, how the ref worked out it was a free kick against Adams is beyond me. Soon after, we thought we were in front again when Duncan riffled in a shot, beating the keeper all ends up, but one of their defenders somehow got back to clear the ball of the line. Just after this Stranraer had the only chance which warranted an entry in my note book (I may be biased) when Robison was slow to deal with a bouncing ball allowing their centre forward a great chance which he blasted over. Queens then had what looked like a stronger penalty appeal when Adams appeared to be hauled to the ground as he went past his man but the ref chickened out again. This was followed by a beautiful sweeping move from the back when the ball was worked from the right to Mallan on the left and Adams only just failed to get on the end of the cross. The half finished with Dickson cutting inside and firing in a good shot which the keeper struggled to save. The Queens fans were getting very encouraged by all this and getting right behind the team, in fact, in the second half with Queens attacking the covered end there was quite a bit of singing. Stranraer were also getting ruffled and in one incident one of their players took a dive in the area, Queens swept up field, Dickson brushed past an attempt by one of their men to bring him down and the ref, when he should really have played the advantage, stopped the game to book both the Clay Holers. Anyone who remembers Billy McLaren will can imaging what he was like. He certainly hasn't switched to the Arsen Wenger school of management!
Stranraer did manage to slow the game down in the second half and reduce the amount of pressure Queens were having a little. However, they almost blew it in the first minute when the keeper made a hash of a clearance and hit it straight at Hawke. To be fair, Hawke's return shot was no classic and the keeper was watching it wide as it came back of his post. Lucky boy! Queens had their third penalty claim turned down when a long Hodge throw was flicked on at the near post for Duncan to head towards goal and the ball seamed to come of a Stranraer player's hand to send it to safety. Again, nothing from the ref. Robison had to come of injured to be replaced by Kerr who went into Duncan's midfield bearth while the big man went back into defence, where he was to do well for the rest of the match. Adams had already been replaced by Caldwell having had a poor match and Eadie came on for Mallan for the last fifteen minutes. Possibly Queens best chance came from a brilliant Dickson run and pass to get the hard working Boyle in behind the defence but the keeper managed to parry the shot and although Eadie got to the rebound first, the ball was cleared. In the very last minute their keeper came for and missed a corner but again there were just too many bodies to scramble it home.
As I said, this was a good all round performance, although as Stenhousemuir also got a draw, it isn't really much use to us at the end of the day. Adams and Hawke were the only players below form today, the rest of the team all did well. Aitken got the sponsors man of the match award, I was once again impressed with Duncan, although many around me thought he was slow, and Dickson continued his recent improvements. There is still hope.
Man of the Match - John Dickson.
Tuesday, 14th March, 2000 Palmerston Park, Dumfries Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 830 Queens 3 Clyde 0 Hodge (3) Mitchell (Off 76) Hawke (7) Mallan (50)
Queens Team : Mathieson, Stewart, Hodge, Rowe, Aitken, Duncan, Dickson, Boyle (Kerr), Hawke, Mallan, Adams (Caldwell)
How can you analyse Queens? With only a couple of changes from the team that 3 days earlier had put in one of the worst performances seen for years, tonight we gave run away league leaders Clyde a right good seeing to in a performance far better suited to a promotion chasing team than a team which has looked like relegation certainties in recent weeks. The new professional era on this page didn't last too long as I forgot my note book tonight, so here, from memory, is my report.
The two changes from Saturday were Hodge for Preston, who was nowhere to be seen tonight, and Adams for Caldwell who was joined on the bench by Robison and Kerr. Hodge looked like his little spell out of the team had done him the world of good and combined with his fellow full back, Stewart, provided the width which Queens needed to turn them into a half decent team. Stewart, indeed, was awarded the sponsors Man of the Match award tonight. In midfield, Dickson continues to improve, Duncan had the best game I have seen him have, Boyle was off song on the ball again but as usual, worked endlessly to close them down and Mallan uses his experience to know when to come infield, something Caldwell is still missing. Hawke led the line as well as I have seen him as well. Queens started brightly and a Rowe header from a corner looped high and dropped just under the bar to cause the keeper problems. Mallan had another effort from a fine Dickson cross field cross, but we didn't have to wait long for the opener. Queens should probably have had a free kick in midfield but Hodge didn't hang about to find out as he picked up the loose ball in midfield, drove forward, cut inside and sent a right foot shot low past the keeper. Only four minutes later we were on easy street. This time it was Stewart who found time to get forward, despite the fact that Clyde seemed to be trying to test their former player defensively, and he sent over a perfect cross for Hawke to head powerfully off the underside of the bar and in. The rest of the half was a bit nip and tuck (is that the right expression?), Clyde coming back into the game but Queens still looking capable of scoring and really holding them quite comfortably, except once when Mathieson had to make a scrambled save from a point blank header and Duncan was on hand to coolly walk the ball off the line and to safety. So Queens went of to a standing ovation at half time.
Those of you with children, send them out of the room now, for I have shocking news. Doogie the Doonhamer is an impostor. We were looking in the office at half time and saw a boy getting into a Doogie costume. I was shocked, but soon got over it as Queens increased their lead. Hodge went on another good run, hit the bye line and crossed. The keeper couldn't deal with the cross and could only push it out to were Steve Mallan was waiting to pounce for number three. Queens were now in total control and a few minutes later should have made it four when they were awarded a rather soft penalty but the keeper had to dive forward to save Boyle's weak effort. Still, it didn't matter as Queens were on easy street, a situation which was helped by Clyde's Mitchell picking up a second yellow card with 15 minutes to go. Queens cruised to the end, creating a couple more half chances, but they had done enough. Surely they must have preferred the ringing of cheers round the ground to the boos they have been getting used to as they left the park. Let's hope they have got a taste for it!
Stenhousemuir lost at Hamilton (I think, Ceefax is still showing a latest score) so it looks like its back to a straight battle between us and them. If we play like this, we can do it. If we play like Saturday, we can't. Lets hope for the former. A little aside from Saturday's report and the praise I gave the Clydebank fan. I was told a story about him tonight when he joined my mates at the Queens end at Palmerston for a game against Clydebank when he hurled abuse at Queens for the whole match, prompting a couple of fans to offer to shut him up, then had the cheek to report Derek Townsley to the police when he politely told him to go forth and fornicate! I hope his team goes bust!
Man of the Match - Stewart got the sponsors, I was tempted to go for Duncan, but in the end I can't go by Sandy Hodge.
Saturday, 11th March, 2000 Ochilview, Larbett Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 560 Queens 0 Stenhousemuir 2 Hamilton,R (50) Fisher (90)
Queens Team : Mathieson, Stewart (Hodge), Preston, Rowe, Aitken, Duncan, Dickson, Boyle, Hawke, Mallan, Caldwell (Adams) : unused sub - Robison
Double report again this week, here's how e-Doonhamer saw the game :-
Probably more a rant than a report, but here goes!
Queens fielded a team with only one change from last weeks starting eleven, Caldwell replacing Adams who had to be content with a place on the bench. With a large travelling support behind them the players should have been aware of the importance of today's game. Unfortunately they seemed woefully unaware that defeat in this game would leave our fate more or less in the hands of the Gods.
The game was never much of a spectacle, Stenhousemuir almost took the lead after just 3 minutes when Dennis Boyle cleared off the line. There was never many chances in the opening spell and it was 12 minutes before the Doonhamers had something to shout about, Hawke seeing a great shot hit the bar. With a travelling support in excess of 300 you would have expected some noise to lift the players heads, however the only singing was coming from the usual throats of the Doonhamers Travel Club. The first half rapidly deteriorated into a boring kick about, Stenhousemuir happy to be level, and Queens final ball into the front men once again sadly lacking. The Stenny no. 10 saw a shot go woefully wide in their only other real attack of the half (17mins). 10 minutes later Stevie Mallan saw a great chance go a begging when his header looped over the bar. That was about it for this half, as Queen's had the majority of possession, but were bogged down in midfield. What Queen's needed was balls played out wide, but Caldwell seemed to be ignored by his team mates, and Dickson seemed sucked in to the middle of the park. Alan Preston seemed unaware that a game was going on round about him, and as the half wore on an ever increasing number of fans were calling for him to be replaced by Hodge, who may have been able to give Queens the width needed.
The second half began much as the first, with Queens having possession, but failing to distribute decent balls to the forwards. However it was Stenhousemuir who took the lead when a Hamilton chip caught Mathieson off the line, though it was more down to the failure by Preston to close his man down than Mathieson's position that led to the goal This infuriated the Queen's support, who began to demand Preston's immediate replacement, this was not forthcoming. Boyle had a great freekick palmed over by the keeper two minutes later. Dickson running over the ball before Boyle hammered it. Great set piece! In terms of chances, this was one of Queen's very few, as the play continued to be held up in the middle of the park. It began to get very noticeable by all bar Martin Clark, the referee, that Stenhousemuir were favouring the "man staying down for treatment" tactic. Time and time again Stenny players went down, in apparent sheer agony, before the magic sponge, or the female physio's kiss it better(funny, they all seemed to be clutching their groin!) restored them to full fitness at the long click of the fingers. Queen's fans continued to call for a change, however when it came, it was not the expected one of Hodge for Preston, but the surprising one of Adams for Caldwell. This substitution only succeeded in holding the ball up even more in the middle of the park. Queen's required width, so what did they do? Take of the wide man, come on!?
It became apparent that the heads were down, and despite the efforts of some Queen's fans, it appeared that they could not be lifted. Paul Stewart was surprisingly replaced by Sandy Hodge as the game wore on, losing us a right sided defender, and giving us two left sided. However Preston saw sense and moved into central defence where he continued to do nothing.
Stenny consolidated their lead in the dying minutes when a Fisher goal against the run of play finished Queen's off. George Rowe holding his head in despair.
Once again I find it hard to find a man of the match due to some poor performances. Mathieson had little to do, but could have done better with the first goal. If I never see Preston in a Queen's shirt again, it will be too soon. Dickson wasn't his usual self, but I think this was down to him being pulled into the middle of the park. As usual, when the chips are down, some fans began getting on the backs of the players who in my view are the most committed to Queens. Geordie Rowe played one of his best games for Queen's this season, and looked hungry to get a goal. Steve Mallan can't be faulted for effort, if only someone could have got a decent ball to him. Dennis Boyle got a fair bit of abuse, but I personally felt he was the best player on the park. Andy Aitken and Warren Hawke both put in some effort as well, but the rest of the team should hang their heads in shame as they let the club and the fans down when it mattered the most.
And my opinion :-
As someone once said, I think it's all over. The trip to Stenhousemuir resulted in defeat and left us once again isolated, six points behind Stenny. Well over 100 Queens fans had made the trip to Stenhousemuir but their efforts were little rewarded by the players today who at times didn't seem to be treating this match with the sense of urgency it deserved. I remember a game during the run last season, at Palmerston against either Livingston or Inverness, where Queens were one behind in the dying minutes and George Rowe gave everything he had to get on the end of a last minute cross to save a point. That kind of spirit was never shown today.
Woke up this morning to a lovely spring like day which was to last the rest of the day and set of for Stenny in good spirits. It seemed no time until I was thinking I must be nearing Glasgow as I saw the cars start to appear with Celtic scarfs in the window. Then I realised I was still in Georgetown! So much for home town loyalty. I really can't see the attraction of travelling all that way every week in the almost certain knowledge that your team is going to win. Very shallow people!
The game started very lively, unfortunately at the wrong end. First Boyle did well to clear a corner off the line and from the second corner the woodwork (metalwork actually) was rattled but Queens goal remained intact. It took about 15 minutes for Queens to put together a decent move when Mallan finished of a nice, sweeping cross field move with a rather weak long range shot which the keeper easily saved. Soon after this came Queens best effort of the whole game, Hawke turned neatly on the edge of the box to riffle in a left foot shot but it was Queens turn to hit the metal work. The rest of the first half frizzled away to nothing. Queens were playing a very risky off side trap well up the park but were getting away with it, despite the fact that Preston at left back was constantly caught behind the rest of the defenders. At half time we decided to leave the stand, which was about a quarter Queens fans, to join the bulk of the travelling support behind the goal which Queens were about to attack. I have to say that it is sad to see the violence which is putting you feet on the empty seat in front of you sneaking back into the game. At least, at the last two away games I have attended, the stewards have been extremely keen to ensure this barbaric behaviour does not occur. Bring on the Milwall!
At half time I noted in my note book (I was all professional this week!) that it had been a boring first half. I should have saved my random use of the word boring for something that really deserved it, such as the second half. I forgot to mention an incident in the first half, I'll put it here to fill some space. A Warrier wag shouted at the Queen's support "get back to Cumbria". Maybe this type of geographical skill shows why Stenhousemuir don't even play in Stenhousemuir but Larbett! Anyway, the first action of the second half involved an excellent save by Hillcoat. No, that isn't a mis-print, as the ball flew into the stand from a tussle, Hillcoat leapt to his feet to excellently catch the ball an return it to the play. Things soon got worse for Queens through, Aitken couldn't deal with a through ball and his header landed at the feet of a forward about 30 yards out who hit it first time past the despairing Mathieson (Oh no, I just used a Sunday Post cliche!). Queens immediately went into all out attack and pinned Stenny back for the rest of the match, but more through effort than skill, the team as a whole was having a stinker. Immediately after the goal, Boyle, who was having the worst of the stinkers, although the underfoot conditions did him no favours, hit a free kick from 25 yards and central towards the top corner but the keeper got there and turned it over. The next best chance came when Hawke was clean through but mis-controlled and the chance was gone. Apart from this, Queens huffed and puffed but never really looked like scoring. Adams came on for Caldwell but made little difference and the strange decision to send on Hodge for Stewart and push Rowe forward was similarly fruitless. Inevitably, with minutes to go, Queens were caught on the break, but as it looked like the danger was cleared Dickson, I think, was disposed on the edge of the box and our fate was sealed as they made it 2-0. The large travelling was left to trundle home dejected once again.
Still, on the bright side, I spent the second half with the Bankies fan who was at the first Hamilton game with us. His mobile phone rang with regular monotony as his mates at Love Street kept him up to date with his beloved Clydebank. They were 8-0 down while we were still holding out hopes of having enough time to win the game. I must admit, I used to wander what difference it would make if Clydebank or one of the other strugglers went out of business but to talk to this guy you understand what a tragedy it would be. He loves his club and is one of the most knowledgeable people about lower league teams I have ever met, he knows everything about every player there is (nearly!). Apparently, a favourite Bankies chant is "You're worse, worse, worse than Warren Hawke". Not impressed with our man then! On the subject, he reckons our chances of avoiding relegation by the back door of a team going out of business is non existent as Clydebank have plenty cash, just no ground, Hamilton have a wealthy benefactor just desperate to move in and the administrators will sort Airdrie out. Wouldn't want to be saved this way anyway. One final thought, let's hope George Rowe is still around for his testimonial dinner next week!
Saturday, 4th March, 2000 Palmerston Park, Dumfries Scottish League, Division 2 Attendance : 1,018 Queens 2 Alloa 1 Mallan (75,83) Conway (34) NOBODY OFF!!!!!
Queens Team : Mathieson, Stewart, Preston, Rowe, Aitken, Duncan, Dickson (Robison 89), Boyle, Adams (Caldwell 59), Mallan, Hawke : unused sub - Hodge
I was of on a lads day out in Edinburgh today, mixing with loads of guys with stupid hats, ruby cheeks, tartan scarfs, tweed jackets and kilts, must have been some kind of farming show on. Oh, and they use their mobile phones in pubs where I can't hear the guy standing next to me! My brother-in-law reckons I should be banned from Palmerston as they have won the last two games I have missed but in my defence I would point out I also missed the Stranraer game. Anyway, here's e-Doonhamer's report.
Queen's made two changes from last Saturday's team. Paul Stewart replaced suspended McMillan and Warren Hawke returned to the side after suspension. Sandy Hodge was on the bench, his place at left back was taken by Preston as Queen's adopted a 4-3-3 formation. The first 15 minutes or so was pretty much incident free as both midfields tried to take control of the game. Queens looked the stronger and Alloa struggled to cope with the width that having three front men gave us. The first real chance of the game fell to Hawke who was unlucky to see his shot cannon back off the upright. Alloa looked to be causing Queen's no cause for concern when they won a throw-in on the 18 minute mark, however they scored from it a la Tranmere, with some pretty poor marking from the Queen's defence. However to be fair I don't think anyone expected anything from the throw-in. From then on the game seemed to take on the same manner as last weeks against Accies, however it was Queens who were doing the pressing this time and looked good to get something before half-time. John Dickson was immense and really controlled the right-wing. However Queens couldn't find the net as the final ball was once again lacking. Alloa's number nine (Cameron I think) took a tumble in the box before half-time, but the referee, Underhill waved him up. Now I'm no expert of the laws of the game, but if it wasn't a penalty,then the player should have been booked as it was a blatant attempt to con the match officials.
As the half wore on, a number of Queen's fans seemed to vent their frustration at Adams for Queen's lack of scoring. How they expect him to do much without actually getting the ball I don't know, as I thought he was playing quite well. One or two of the guys dishing out the abuse have done it to him since he first signed, and I firmly believe they have it in for him. Either they are jealous of his looks, or he has nicked their birds (sorry girls - girlfriends!).