Match Report

Sunday, 5th November, 2023

www.qosfc.com

QOS battle to take point from the league leaders

Hit by further injuries and illness Manger Marvin Bartley had to make four enforced changes to the side that faced Cove. Harry Cochrane, Jordan Houston, Kyle Doherty, and Daniel Church all missed out. Which meant, Kyle McClelland returned from injury in defence while, Lee Connelly joined Gavin Reilly up front. There were also starts for Oscar MacIntyre and Alex Ferguson.

With the visitors top of the table it was going to be a tough afternoon, but Queens made the first attempt to get into the box and after just two minutes there was a claim for handball, but referee Craig Napier waved play on.

However, with just 11 minutes on the clock, the table toppers took the lead. Winning a free kick just outside the box, Ethan Ross delivered into the 6-yard box and Tom Lang rose above the rest to head post Gordon Botterill.

Three minutes later, Calvin Miller was given too much space on the left and he drove the ball across the face of goal. Falkirk were enjoying the pressure and a ball in from the right this time was headed just past the post but Ross MacIver.

A minute later Layton Bisland played a long ball forward looking for MacIver, but Botterill collected.

For a second time, Queens claimed for handball outside the box when Nicky Hogarth appeared to be out of the area when he picked up the ball but again nothing was given.

Queens were now fired up and looking for the equaliser and midway through the first half, a good move ended with Josh Todd hitting a left foot shot but Hogarth came out to block from close range. Minutes later Queens did find the leveller, Ferguson showed great skill on the wing to hold off the challenge from Liam Henderson before cutting the ball across for Reilly who beat Hogarth from inside the six-yard box.

It was an entertaining game being played in cup tie style and at the other end, Ross played in a corner for Henderson to get on the end off. His attempt was deflected for another corner and this time the defender headed over.

With just over half an hour played, youngsters Ferguson and MacIntyre who were both giving an outstanding performance combined to set up Kieran McKechnie. Unfortunately, it didn't come to anything and seconds later, Reilly wasn't far away as he headed towards goal, but it was just inches past the post.

At the other end Henderson had a header at the back post blocked and as Queens broke up field, MacIntyre crossed from the left, but it had too much power on it for anyone to connect.

Reilly who had been booked for a challenge on Miller had to leave the field after suffering a leg injury in the tackle. His replacement Jake Hutchinson with his first touch of the game crossed from the right looking for Connelly but the ball was saved by Hogarth.

Three minutes before the break, MacIntyre and Todd linked up well with the latter getting the ball across to force a corner. McKechnie provided the delivery as Efe Ambrose headed wide.

And in added on time, McKechnie played a free kick into the box that was missed by McClelland but fell for Todd and as he played it back across, Hutchinson was just off target.

HALF TIME: Queens 1 Falkirk 1

The visitors made a quick start to the second half, winning a corner in the opening thirty seconds, it was played short by Ross and as he got it back, he whipped the ball into the area, but Lang's header was turned out for a second set piece that came to nothing.

As Falkirk looked to regain the advantage, Queens were resolute in defence and Ambrose headed clear before, Botterill had a scary moment with a back pass.

Queens weathered that early pressure after the break and on the hour mark MacIntyre took the ball on his chest before playing a neat back heel pass down the touchline for Todd. The former captain was being pulled around by Finn Yates, but he managed to break free and the ref who looked like he was going to book Yates and give a free kick played the advantage, Todd got the ball in, but his cross was blocked for a corner.

The home side had really regained their composure and were taking the game to John McGlynn's side, Connelly was just inches away from giving Queens the lead, but his effort was turned away by Hogarth at the bottom corner.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Botterill made a terrific save when at full stretch he got both hands to the ball to stop Aidan Nesbitt's shot.

As play moved back to the other end, McClelland headed Lewis Gibson's free kick wide of the upright. Queens were battling hard and as Cammy Logan showed grit and determination, he set up Hutchinson, but it was turned out for a corner.

In the closing stages, Harvey Walker played the ball down the channel for Hutchinson to chase, again the big striker's effort was turned out for a corner. Lewis Gibson's in swinging delivery was headed clear at the near post. Before Walker again used his pace to win another corner, but Queens couldn't make it count.

There were to be no further goals and both sides had to settle for a point.

FULL TIME: Queens 1 Falkirk 1