Queens used this trip to the north east to try out some different combinations of players and formations. The starting line-up was similar to that which started the game against Annan, playing the usual 4-4-2 formation, with Kevin Robison in at right back, Andy Martin in place of Andy Aitken and Mark Weir on the left wing after his fine performance against Whitehill Welfare.
And it was down the left side that Queens looked more dangerous, not from Weirs wing play but from Hodges long throws. The big full-back put several long throws into the North Shields box and the home defence struggled at times to clear, especially given the very windy conditions, particularly in the first half. These throws and some of the resultant corners saw Queens come closest to scoring with Hawke and Weatherson both having chances. Warren Hawke went off injured after a hefty challenge just before half time but as yet there is no news on how serious the injury may be.
The interval saw Queens make several substitutions and change formation. Andy Aitken joined Nixon and Martin in a back three, with Boyle coming on in the midfield and Hodge moving to wing-back, making up a 3-5-2 system.
However, the change in system didn't produce a change in fortunes or the pattern of play. Queens continued to enjoy plenty of possession in their own half, but lacked vision or a cutting edge up front and were restricted to some long range shooting, mainly by Caldwell.
The visitors should have wrapped the game up just before the end after creating the two best chances of the game in the last five minutes. A good one-two between Paul Stewart and Denis Boyle allowed Stewart to put a good low ball into the box, but there was no-one in blue shirt to take advantage. Just before the final whistle an even better chance went begging. Boyle was again involved as he surged into the box, forced wide he played a near post cross, when there were several players waiting for a cut back.
These were the two highlights of an otherwise disappointing game in which neither side really got going and a draw was probably a fair result, although it would have been nice to see a few goals.
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