Only one word can describe this game adequately … scrappy. Neither team looked interested, or capable, of playing football and the game never really got going. In fact, Annans' manager provided most of the memorable events with his constant complaining to referee, Allison.
This was not a recognisable Queens team to anyone except those familiar with the under-14's who seemed to make up most of it. The only first team squad players to appear were Aitken, McAllister, Lilley, Nesovic, Mallen, Eadie, McLeod and Alexander. Yes that's right, super Ro' made a rare and equally unexpected appearance, lining up at the start with Mallen up-front.
There's not really an awful lot to be said about this game, Queens took the lead through young Mark Weir, who chased a through ball before finishing well, mid way through the first half. Ken Eadie, an early second half sub for Alexander put Queens two up with a close range header, which he got up extremely well for after a cross from McAllister on the left. Annan then scored twice to pull the game level, and in actual fact could have won the game, hitting the post and the bar twice, the second time from a great free kick from Toby Patterson, the scourge of the swimming baths, with the last kick of the game.
Alex Nesovic started the game, but looked quiet, playing deeper in midfield than perhaps he would like. Naz obviously isn't match fit yet, and came off during the second half, complaining of tightness in his groin, but he assured me that this was due to his lack of match practice rather than a lasting injury.
As with the Workington game it is hard to see exactly what Queens can take out of this fixture, especially playing with what was closer to a third team than the reserves. Just like Annan, the highlight of my evening was hitting the bar!
AC
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