What a start!

QUEEN of the South kicked off their Premier Sports Cup group campaign in style after dismantling Edinburgh City at Palmerston.

The Doonhamers — who donned their fresh new home shirt for the first time — were at it from the off and could’ve opened the scoring inside 30 seconds.

Reece Lyon intercepted a poor Jake Service clearance and bombed forward. He fired goalwards from 20 yards but his effort trickled wide.

But Queens would take the lead on 16 minutes when returning captain Matty Douglas squared the ball to new striker Kurtis Guthrie and he back heeled the ball past Mark Weir and into the net.

The boys in blue looked in the mood and they had several opportunities to extend their lead. Kai Kennedy had his low long range effort palmed away by Weir and Liam Smith saw his first time effort curl inches wide of the top corner.

Palmy boss Peter Murphy was forced into making a change at the interval with Guthrie nursing a neck injury and was replaced by new midfielder Jack Stott. This meant Lyon turned into a makeshift striker which turned out to be a masterclass.

And it only took the rookie forward 32 seconds to get on the scoresheet. Lyon’s header from 12 yards crashed off the bar and bounced over the line.

The same man grabbed his second of the night four minutes later when he latched onto a quick free-kick and calmly slotted past Weir.

But the night ended early for Queens’ Jack Hannah – who was replaced by young centre back Niall Rogerson – after Edinburgh City forward Jaden Ferguson accidentally stood on the defenders hand.

However, this didn’t stop Queens peppering the visitors goal. Lyon nearly turned provider on the hour mark when he sent in a low ball into the box but Luissint was inches away from connecting with the ball.

And minutes later, Mikey Hewitt nearly rounded off a superb move but his shot was expertly diverted by a busy Weir.

At the other end, Ross Stewart had to make an excellent stop to deny Robbie Mahon.

But Queens would get a deserved fourth with 13 minutes remaining. Lyon played a brilliant ball to Hewitt and the right back chipped over the keeper and into the net.

Lyon should’ve got his hat-trick in the dying embers but his low attempt was stopped by Weir.