Queen of The South v Ross County match report
Written by author on August 29, 2010
On yesterday’s sunny Saturday afternoon 1644 spectators turned up to watch Queen record their second league win in as many games.
Queens went with a 3-5-2 formation. As David Lilley was suspended after getting sent off last Saturday, Mckenna dropped from midfield into defence, and new signing Ryan Conroy came on the left hand side of midfield.
The first half in this game belonged to Queens. It only took 2 min for them to open the scoring through Roco Quinn. Queens won the ball in their own half, Willie McLaren got the ball at the half way line and with a clever back heel he sent Roco Quinn on his way. He had Paul Burns in support but decided to past a defender and placed the ball in the far corner. An excellent start for Queens …
After the goal the play slowed down a bit. Both teams did get free kicks in potential dangerous positions but poor deliveries made sure nothing came from them.
After 15 min Roco Quinn had to be substituted after picking up an injury, yet another one for Queens to deal with. Weatherstone replaced him. Soon after this McLaren had another good chance, he tried to lob the keeper, but only managed to put it into the County’s keeper McGovern’s hands.
It didn’t take the home team long to add another goal. After some good play a high ball into the box, Holmes and McGovern jumped for the ball. They both fell over leaving new signing Ryan Conroy with an easy chance, he hit the bar, but had enough time to volley the rebound into the open net. 2-0 Queens after 22min.
On 35 min Queens put a long throw into the box, which Holmes managed to flick it on, but McGovern got to the ball just before Conroy got there. 2 min later Queens had yet another chance after some good play round the box, but Holmes was offside just at the vital moment.
Just before half time Queens defence was very static and it took desperate sliding tackles inside the box from first Alan Johnstone and then Bob Harris to prevent a County shot.
Queens went in at half time 2-0 up and deservedly so, Queens were by far the better team and their passing game was a joy to watch at times.
Queens started the second half in determined fashion and nearly added another one early on. A great move started by keeper Hutton, he sent Conroy on his way who had a one two with Holmes on half way line. Conroy continued to the by line and sent a low cross in which McLaren was inches away from putting into the net.
On 52 minutes Queens had yet another injury to contend with. McGuffie forced off this time and replaced by Neil Scally. Scally went into midfield and Mckenna into defence.
5 min later Ross County made a double substitution Di Giacomo and Wood came on and Corcoran and Scott went off. Shortly after Holmes had a header on target but not enough power in it.
Ross County took more and more over from here and forced Queens on the back foot. Queens struggling to string two passes together and started playing long balls out of defence. The Queens midfield was not fighting for the ball and seemed happy to let County have the ball. Spectators getting more and more nervous and were just waiting for Ross County to get a goal.
Ross County created a few chances and corners. Hutton had to box the ball out on a couple of occasions under pressure from County attackers. Steven Craig also had a shot from the edge of the box but it went wide.
Bob Harris gave away a needless free kick at edge of box after 80 min but Hutton managed to save it again under great pressure.
Then with only a few minutes of game left came the moment of the match. Willie Mclaren received the ball at half way line, he had Holmes in support and 4 or 5 defenders round him. In one swoop he got ball past all defenders and sprinted away from them, on his own with the County keeper he brilliantly lobbed him to make it 3-0. A goal well worth seeing on QOS TV.
That was the last of the action and Queens won this game 3-0 against a Ross County who in midweek beat SPL side St.Mirren. Maybe a flattering scoreline considering Ross County were by far the better team in second half. Queens are now up to fourth in the league. Next up is East Fife at home next Saturday in the quarter final in Challenge cup.
Stig Nordkil
