Free-scoring Doonhamers put on a show at Palmy

QUEENS earned their first home league victory of the season in style against Peterhead at Palmerston Park last Saturday.

They came up with the perfect response after the previous week’s defeats, with a 4-0 victory over The Blue Toon.

Peterhead did start brightly in the opening minutes as Seb Ross linked up former Doonhamer Craig McGuffie, but the latter blazed over the bar.

Minutes later McGuffie was in space again. But his tame effort failed to test QOS ‘stopper Ross Stewart.

Queens’ first real forward move came on ten minutes as Kurtis Guthrie and Liam Smith combined.

However, play was stopped by the referee after Peterhead’s Jason Brown remained on the ground inside the box following a nasty head-knock.

After play restarted the home side began to dominate. Kai Kennedy’s in-swinging cross found the head of Guthrie who forced Jack Newman into a smart stop.

Guthrie then fired narrowly wide after being slipped in behind by Liam Smith. And Benji Luissint’s goal-bound effort from just inside the area was blocked.

It felt like it would only be a matter of time before Queens scored.

That proved to be the case shortly after the half hour when Guthrie headed low past Newman following another teasing Kennedy delivery.

The lead could have been extended prior to the interval but Guthrie’s powerful header was cleared off the line.

Queens started the second period in the same manner, and they doubled their lead within two minutes of the restart.

Intricate passing play led to Smith receiving the ball out wide, he rolled it into the path of Luissint who, with the entire goal at his mercy, fired high into the net.

Three minutes later Smith rippled the side of the goal after lifting the ball over the onrushing Newman.

Moments later it was 3-0. Kennedy pounced on a loose pass, dribbled into the box, stepped inside and slotted home into the right corner.

Peterhead did have chances: McGuffie’s free kick sailed, Max Barry headed wide and Andy McCarthy’s strike was held by Stewart.

But, unfortunately for them, Queens were in the mood, especially man of the match Kennedy.

He picked the ball up on the left, showed some trickery and fired just wide of the upright.

In another attack, he took an exquisite touch to skip by the defender before finding Luissint on the edge whose effort was blocked.

On the 70th minute it was Smith’s turn. He cut inside from the right and forced a smart stop from Newman.

Two minutes later Taylor Charters added a fourth. After running into space he superbly placed the ball into the left corner.

Peterhead were given the chance to pull one back after being awarded a penalty.

Kieran Shanks was the taker but he could only find the Terregles Street Terrace with his attempt from 12 yards.

Matty Douglas came within inches of making it five in the final moments. His close range half volley flew just past the goal.