QUEENS SALVAGE A POINT……

ARBROATH 1-1 QUEENS

Queens managed to grab a late,late equaliser at Arbroath this afternoon, as a goal from leading scorer Nicky Clark deep into stoppage time gave Queens a point from a very evenly contested game. During a first half that was mainly dominated by Queens, home ‘keeper Morrison made a decent save from Clark to keep the scores level, and although Queens had the better of the possession, they could not find a way past a spirited and well organised Arbroath defence.

Former Motherwell and Ross County player, Marc Fitzpatrick started as a trialist for Queens in place of Kevin Holt at left back, and his lack of match practice contributed to him making a few errors in the early stages. However, once he had settled, he grew into the game, and he went on to have an okay hour or so before tiring and being replaced by Holt.

The hosts began the 2nd period brightly, and only two fine saves from Lee Robinson kept Queens on level terms, as firstly he blocked a Sheerin effort, and then saved well to thwart former team-mate Derek Holmes. With just 7 minutes to go and with the game seemingly on it’s way to ending scoreless, Arbroath took the lead with a thumping strike. Euan Smith collected the ball some 30-yards from goal and unleashed a powerful drive that flew past Robinson high into the top corner. It appeared as though Queens were going to taste league defeat for only the second time this season, and when Arbroath ‘keeper Morrison saved superbly to deny Clark it looked all over for Queens. However, deep into stoppage time the ‘keeper made an error of judgement as he went for a ball that he was never going to get which left Nicky Clark with the simple task of stroking the ball into the empty net.

So in a game that Queens should have won, but nearly lost, the point they gained actually extended their lead at the top of the table to 21 points following Brechin’s win at Alloa. Leading scorer Nicky Clark took his personal tally to 30 in all competitions, and completed the feat of scoring in all four league games against Arbroath this season…….but only just.