Lacklustre performance results in Blue Toon loss

QUEEN of the South’s winless run in League One extended to five matches after a lacklustre performance resulted in a loss to chasing play-off rivals Peterhead. And it was what the Doonhamers deserved in one of the poorest home showings of the season so far – which saw seven Queens players receiving a yellow card. Queens did create the first couple of chances at a sunny Palmerston. A long free-kick was nodded down by Matty Douglas into the path of centre half partner Jack Hannah but he blasted over from 12 yards. Kai Kennedy then hit a low free-kick into the mixer which found Reece Lyon and his effort was blocked in a congested box. That was the best the home side offered in the first half as the in-form Blue Toon started to rally. Queens were fortunate not to go behind when Kieran Shanks beat the offside trap and laid the ball to Seb Ross. The forward burst forward into the Queens box and fired inches over the bar. His teammate Flynn Duffy had bombed down the field and was wide open but Shanks opted to go himself. But disaster struck for Queens just seconds before the break. Douglas misjudged a header and Hannah swiped Ross just inside the box. The referee had no choice but to point to the spot and book Hannah, which was perhaps a fortunate call. Shanks confidently stepped up and coolly slotted home to give Peterhead the lead with the last kick of the first period. Queens boss Peter Murphy knew he had to make half time changes. Midfielder Ben Johnstone was an obvious choice to depart after he was booked for simulation and had committed a few fouls in the first half. He was replaced by forward Kurtis Guthrie. The other was a bold call. Murphy hooked his skipper and replaced him with youngster Niall Rogerson. And the changes nearly paid off instantly when James Penman’s long-throw was headed by Guthrie onto Lyon who nodded just over the bar. It was nearly a carbon copy of Queens’ goal against Alloa two weeks ago. But it was Peterhead who dominated in the next stage of the contest and should’ve extended their lead twice. A mix-up in the box between Lyon and Rogerson opened up the chance for Shanks to net a second. But somehow the attacker hit the side netting from close range. It was a massive let-off for the under-performing Queens side. But they didn’t learn their lesson as Ross managed to easily navigate his way into the box and fired goalwards but Zander Mackenzie blocked. But Peterhead doubled their lead seconds later when a long ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and captain Jason Brown got the final touch. The Queens fans made sure their frustrations were being heard and Murphy knew he had to change his ammo. He opted to bring on Brennan Dickenson and change to a back three – with the ex-Carlisle man drafted in at the left side of the defence. Unbelievably, Queens recorded their first shot on target on 66 minutes. Nicky Clark – who made his first start since returning to the club last month – hit a hopeful shot but it trickled into the hands of the Peterhead keeper.

Finally there was a bit of quality which nearly got Queens back into the contest. A superb long-ball from Dickenson found Kennedy and his first-time hit from the edge of the box cracked the woodwork. But Queens rarely threatened from there. Sub Seb Mason whipped a good delivery into the box but Guthrie couldn’t get enough purchase on his header and it was comfortable for the keeper. It was an afternoon to forget and resulted in Queens’ third straight defeat in the league. @Normal: @In Brief Bold Body Copy:<z7.000>QOS: Stewart, Penman (Mason 71), Douglas (Rogerson 45), Hannah, Mackenzie, Smith (Dickenson 61), Lyon, Johnstone (Guthrie 45), Stott, Kennedy, Clark (Allan 71) . Subs not used: Green, Armour, Charters, Ross. Peterhead: Newman, Strachan, Duffy, Brown, McCarthy (Barry 25), Shanks (Pawlett 86), Steele, Smith, Forrest, Ross (McGuffie 63), Kerr. Subs not used: McKenzie, Carnwath, Ross, Brown, McGinn, Lister. Ref: Iain Sneddon. Crowd: 1014.