The Gus MacPherson era started in disappointment as Queens were knocked out of this seasons Ramsdens Cup at the first attempt. After the game ended goalless, Ayr scored twice early in extra- time to progress to the second round. The following week saw more cup action as Queens fans had the chance to see their team at Palmerston for the first time this season, when local rivals Stranraer were the visitors for a 1st round Scottish communities league cup clash. After falling behind, Queens rallied to overcome their 3rd division opponents, and goals from DANNY CARMICHAEL, and TOM BRIGHTON saw Queens progress albeit rather fortunately.
The next game was the opening league game of the season, and Queens faced a tough start away at last seasons 2nd division winners Livingston. A very impressive first 45 minutes saw Queens go in with a 2-0 lead with goals from SCOTT McLAUGHLIN and TOM BRIGHTON. However, the 2nd half proved to be all Livingston and the home side fought back to take a share of the points, equalising 5 minutes from time with a rather harsh penalty-for which after protesting too much, Craig Reid became the first Queens player to see Red this season. The opening league game at Palmerston saw Queens suffer their first defeat as Raith Rovers took the points. After a fairly even opening half in which both teams had chances to score, Queens went in at the break a goal to the good as KEVIN SMITH scored his first Queens goal from the penalty spot. The visitors turned up the heat in the second half, and scored 3 times without reply. To make things worse for Queens, Smith was shown a straight Red card for an off the ball incident to cap a miserable day for Queens. A first visit of the season to Dingwall followed and a two-nil defeat in saw Queens slip to the bottom of the 1st division table after a less than inspiring performance against Ross County. The result was made even worse by the fact that the home side played the last 20 minutes of the game with 10 men following Stuart Kettlewell’s straight Red-card, and the hosts then went on to dominate the closing stages, scoring twice in the last 5 minutes to take all three points.
