Hewitt stings ‘Wasps’ with last gasp winner

MIKEY Hewitt’s last gasp strike helped Queen of the South overcome Alloa and bring a four game losing streak to an end.

The game, played at a wet and windy Palmerston Park last Saturday evening, was far from a spectacle.

But the hardy souls who stayed right until the end were rewarded as the one bit of quality arrived in the final seconds of added time.

The Wasps had a great chance to open the scoring early on after Luke Donnelly flicked a header into the path of Kurtis Roberts. The attacker had all the time in the world to take his shot, but in the end Ross Stewart was equal to his fierce half volley attempt.

Queens, who had most of the early possession, soon started to pose a threat at the other end.

Kai Kennedy’s teasing cross from the left had no takers before Liam Smith’s delivery from the opposite side was clawed away from the danger area by Alloa stopper Liam McFarlane.

Just before the half hour mark Brennan Dickenson fired straight into the arms of McFarlane after making a clever run in behind.

Shortly after, at the other end, Matty Douglas threw himself in front of what looked a goal-bound strike by Donnelly from the edge of the area.

Dickenson looked dangerous every time he got on the ball in a forward area for the hosts. This time he dragged his shot wide from the edge of the area.

Queens had their best chance right on the cusp of halftime. A deep free kick was flicked on to Hewitt. He did well to power his header down and past McFarlane but the ball bounced up and cracked the post.

It took until the 58th minute for the first chance of the second half to arrive.

Reece Lyons’ first time strike sailed over the bar following a well worked team move.

Immediately after Alloa had a great chance, Roberts almost caught out Stewart with a snap shot from distance which appeared to graze the side netting.

Queen’s attacked again and Dickenson’s inviting delivery was just too far ahead of Smith.

For another long period the second half was extremely quiet with neither side creating anything clear cut.

In the closing stages Alloa won a late free kick in a promising position. And the hosts looked relieved to see Cameron O’Donnell’s effort drop wide.

In extra time Storm Amy appeared to play its final act as the heavens opened and the wind picked up, but the game was not over yet.

Kennedy did well to win a late free kick for the Doonhamers. It was floated high into the box where Douglas outjumped his man and directed the ball to Hewitt who was in space 12 yards out. He remained composed to strike low with his left foot into the corner.

Palmerston erupted.

The three points moves Queens to within four points of leaders Hamilton Accies at the end of the first quarter.

QoS: Stewart, Penman, Douglas, Hannah, Hewitt, Stott, Lyon, Mackenzie (Burke 60), Smith, Dickenson, Kennedy. Subs not used: Charters, Green, Johnstone, Leslie, O’Donoghue, Rogerson. Alloa: McFarlane, O’Donnell, Devine, Dewar, Taggart, Adamson (Hetherington 71), Scougall, Roberts, Orsi, Donnelly (Rankin 69), Buchanan (Burnside 69). Subs not used: Eadson, Graham, McKay, Ogayi, Sammon, Stewart. Ref: Iain Snedden. Crowd: 531.