Where Was The Passion?
Gallagher (qpfc.com)
By The Spider
January 5 2004
Saturday, 3rd January, 2004 Queen's Park 1 Albion Rovers 1 (Bells Scottish League - Third Division)
Traditionally, this fixture has been one to look forward to - two teams prepared to give their all in search of victory, roared on by a vociferous and partisan support. An attendance of well below 500 was therefore extremely disappointing to say the least, and the lack of atmosphere must have filtered down to the players as well because this match was played in a "just another game" spirit.
Queen's needed to make several changes in their line-up due to a combination of injury and suspension, but it was most pleasing to see young David Crawford retain his place in goal following a fine display at Peterhead. Certainly, in this derby against Albion Rovers, he showed that he is worthy of retaining his place even when Derek Scrimgour is available again.
'Rovers were the first to threaten when McManus latched onto a downwards header from Yardley, and his shot rebounded to Patrick whose volley was comfortably saved by young Crawford.
Queen's responded three minutes later with an excellent move down the left between Ally Graham and Stevie Moffat which resulted in the latter's low cross being fired over the bar by Stephen Canning at the back post as he desperately tried to connect with it. Moffat was involved again two minutes later when this time Paddy Gallagher and Stevie McAuley combined on the right wing, and the latter's great low cross was belted over the bar by Moffat who was unable to keep his shot down.
'Rovers looked dangerous on the break and Damiano Agostini did well to block a powerful drive from McManus at the expense of a corner.
The Spiders had a great opportunity to take the lead in the 25th minute when Paddy Gallagher beat Bennett to a loose ball and, with the visiting 'keeper well out of his goal, the ball was quickly crossed to the back post where it was met by Stevie Reilly but then Stevie McAuley was unable to get the final necessary touch on the ball. Another chance was wasted in the 37th minute when Paddy Gallagher was set up nicely by Ally Graham, but the wee man fired well over the bar from just ten yards out.
Just before half time, David Crawford was called upon to show his worth when he flew across his goal to tip over a long range drive from McCaul which was destined for the postage stamp corner.
Neither side made any changes at the interval and this time it was Queen's who were first to show when Stevie Reilly sent in a fierce dipping left foot shot from outside the area which Bennett was relieved to see just clear his crossbar. A minute later Danny Ferry became the recipient of the only yellow card of a fairly timid encounter, his offence being that he was very slightly late with a slide tackle.
Crawford had had a fairly quiet first half, but he was put to the test on two successive occasions. In the 54th minute he made a point-blank save at his near post at the feet of Yardley and then he did equally well three minutes later to adjust his feet to save a low deflected shot from McCaul.
Queen's were showing little threat at this stage and it was therefore something of a surprise when they took the lead in 59th minute. There seemed little danger when Bennett came out to the edge of his area to collect a through ball, but inexplicably he then dropped it at the feet of Paddy Gallagher who calmly went round him before sliding the ball home from an acute angle.
Sadly, Queen's were only able to maintain their lead for barely ten minutes. Poor marking allowed Paul McManus to receive a cross at the back post and, having neatly side-stepped two defenders who had lunged-in in a desperate attempt to block the anticipated shot, his miss-hit shot squirmed out of Crawford's grasp before rolling into the net. In all probability, 'Rovers substitution of defender Connolly who was replaced by forward Bradford had a lot to do with the confusion in the home defence with captain Danny Ferry having already alerted Kenny Brannigan to the change in 'Rovers' formation.
Paddy Gallagher came close with a quarter of an hour remaining when his looping header was clutched just underneath the bar by the retreating Bennett, but the best chance of the game fell to McCaul when he was sent clean through right in front of goal by Yardley only to drag his low right foot shot inches wide of both the advancing Crawford and the 'keeper's right hand post.
With just over five minutes remaining, Queen's could have snatched a later winner but Ally Graham, at full stretch, was unable to prod in a Gallagher cross at the back post.
Next Saturday Queen's entertain 2nd top Stranraer in a game held over from last weekend, and they will need to do better in front of goal if they are to secure all three points.
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE : 3/5
STAR SPIDER : Paddy Gallagher (looks a much more accomplished player now)
QUEEN’S PARK : David Crawford, Danny Ferry, Stephen Canning, Stevie Moffat (David McCallum - 78), Damiano Agostini, Stevie Fallon, Stevie Reilly, Paul Harvey, Ally Graham (Jonny Whelan - 88), Paddy Gallagher, Stevie McAuley (Ross Clark - 58)
Subs (not used) : Brian McCue, Andy McGinty
Scorer(s) : Gallagher (59)
Booked : Ferry (47 - late tackle)
ALBION ROVERS : Neil Bennett, Charlie Connelly (John Bradford - 67), Chris Kerr, Jordan Smith, Peter Cormack, Jered Stirling, Graham McCaul (Mark McKenzie - 88), Richard Patrick, Mark Yardley, Paul McManus, Jim Mercer
Subs (not used) : Chris Fahey (G/K), James Valentine, Martin McBride
Scorer(s) : McManus (68)
Booked : none
REFEREE : Martin Sproule *** (* = inept, ** = poor, *** = mediocre, **** = good, ***** = excellent)