Queen's Park 1 - 0 Stranraer

Last updated : 16 August 2007 By Andyboy
After three victories last week, all against Second Division opposition, Queen's faced lower league opposition in the shape of Stranraer at Hampden and managed a 1-0 victory in what frankly was a dire game of football at a cold, windy and wet National Stadium.

Queen's made two changes from the side that won at Ayr United on Saturday. Robert Dunn replaced Paul Cairney, who was relegated to the bench with fears over a knock he picked up on Saturday and Shaun Molloy replaced the suspended Richard Sinclair.

Gerry Britton's Blues started the match on top, and they threw a number of early crosses into the Spiders penalty area but Mark Cairns and his defence of Paton, Agostini, Dunlop and Molloy dealt with everything thrown at them. Queen's moved forward and Stephen Canning fired a right foot volley off the post after five minutes. Ex Stirling Albion ace Ian Cashmore then forced a stunning save out of Cairns before Cashmore again came close, he was inches away from turning in a cross at the back post which had eluded the home defence.

Queen's bucked their ideas up considerably towards the end of the half however, and only Stevie Canning's arse denied Mark Ferry from netting with a sweet left foot volley from twenty yards. Spiders did begin the second period on top and Stuart Kettlewell shot over from twelve yards after a Trouten cutback. Queen's were then denied a stonewall penalty kick when Thomas brought down Trouten in the area but referee Boyd waved play on.

Trouts then had a drive blocked from ten yards and Robert Dunn could only fire the rebound off the post from the edge of the Stranraer penalty area. After 64 minutes however, Billy Stark's Spiders took the lead. Paton and Trouten linked up on the right and Alan skinned the Stranraer full back before drilling a low cross into the six yard box. Tony Quinn got a touch with knocked it onto Stephen Canning who turned the ball past the goalkeeper from two yards to make it four goals from four games.

Queen's then brought on Paul Cairney and Stuart McGrady for Quinn and Dunn with around twenty minutes left. Shaun Molloy headed just wide as Queen's looked to finish the game, but they were exposed at the back when Cashmore blazed over from ten yards when it looked easier to score. A Blues forward then had a low drive well turned round the post by Mark Cairns towards the end but Queen's held on to record a good victory. The draw for the Second Round will take place on Thursday morning, to allow Arbroath to play their tie tomorrow evening.

QUEEN'S PARK: Mark Cairns, Paul Paton, Mick Dunlop, Shaun Molloy, Damiano Agostini, Alan Trouten, Stuart Kettlewell, Tony Quinn (Paul Cairney), Robert Dunn (Stuart McGrady), Stephen Canning, Mark Ferry

SUBS NOT USED: Martin Ure, Richard Bowers, Alex Cowie

GOALSCORER: Stephen Canning (64)

BOOKED: Mick Dunlop, Stuart Kettlewell

REFEREE: Alan Boyd

ATTENDANCE: 387

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alan Trouten