The first glimpse of this seasons offering from Palmerston took some finding. The game against Workington Reds was originally scheduled for the Crichton, but was moved to Maxwelton High without so much as a Chinese whisper going around the town. However, having tracked the game down it proved to be well worthwhile.
The game was played unusually over three 30 minute periods and Queens took the opportunity to field three different teams, changing 5 or 6 players each time. They started, however, with almost their strongest line up with the inclusion of Love and Doig at the back, and Adams and Bailey playing together up front. Queens always looked the better team to a fairly poor Workington side, which in truth was disappointing. It was encouraging to see Queens get the ball down and play passing football, which looked intelligent and purposeful flowing throughout the side.
Queens first goal came from the unlikely source of Jim Thomson, the subject of much transfer speculation surrounding Hibernian, and in truth it was a lucky strike rather than a sign of things to come. The second goal came from a more predictable source, Stevie Mallen with the simplest of tap-ins in the second period after a good cross from young Irishman Dennis Boyle on the left. Both Boyle and Jim Macleod, on the right put in good performances, which belied their youth, let's, hope they can keep it up through the season. Charlie Adams finished off the scoring with a low shot just inside the box after being put in by a short pass from Mallen.
Alex Nesovic made an appearance, coming on from Townsley, who looked good in the role behind the front two. Alex looked like a player who hadn't played at all last season, but hopefully when his fitness returns we'll see the best of him.
Just how much the Queens management will learn from this game against fairly weak opposition remains to be seen. It looks like Rowan has what he thinks is his first team in mind and hopefully it will get a few more outings before the first game of the season proper, because on todays taster it looks like being an entertaining and effective side.
AC
Subs. Rowe, Nesovic, Mallen, Aitken, MacAllister, Eadie & Others
Fixtures