Ian McCall made it clear before the match that he intended to split the squad and have a look at some trialists. He did that today and his Saturday side mixed with trialists and experienced pro's did just enough to get the Sunday side into the final of the competition where they will play Stranraer who reportedly had an easier victory than the 3-2 margin over Ayr United would suggest. So just when we thought that our new derby rivals were Gretna up pops a challenge match against our historic Galloway rivals Stranraer. It all kicks-off at 3.15pm in Annan at Galabank Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
To the line up and Queens went with trialist Green in goals from Sheffield United, a back three marshalled by Scott MacKenzie and with both Kyle Bryson and Murray Henderson ably supporting him. Across the middle of the park were strung, Eric Paton, John Henry, Scott Robertson, Steven Sloan and Kieran McAnespie (a suprise trialist to everyone) whilst up front we had Derek Lyle and Andy Thomson. The bench had Corr, Whorlow, McColm, Jim Thomson, Mullen and Gibson awaiting a call.
Playing against a side in turmoil, Annan after all have only just swapped managers, you may have expected an easy ride for Queens but Harry Cairney, whilst no doubt finding it difficult to attract the appropriate level of player has already instilled in the lads that are there the importance of fighting for every ball come what may, it was this attitude that gave the home side a deserved 80th minute equaliser and took the match to a penalty kick decider.
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