LATEST MATCH SUMMARY

Queens took to the field today with only one change from the team that has been undefeated in its last two outings, that change was up front where fan's favourite Stevie Mallan took over as a direct replacement for the missing Ken Eadie. As thought, the bench was the starting point for George Rowe as he made his comeback from suspension. In the sixtieth minute Geordie replaced James McLeod to allow big Derek Townsley a bit more freedom from his defensive duties. Youngsters Brian Caldwell and Mark Weir also sat on the bench today with only Caldwell seeing some action when he was a seventieth minute replacement for Lee Bailey.

A crowd of 592 went along to Recreation Park and witnessed an uncompromising game between two committed teams on a heavy pitch which had been sanded heavily to make it playable. Three Queen's players received cautions today, Thomson, Rowe and Cleeland.

Both teams started cautiously but Alloa soon took the upper hand as they adapted to the conditions more comfortably, having said this it was Queens who made the best chances in the first half, Jim Thomson having an effort cleared off the line from a corner, Marc Cleeland having a good effort well saved by the Alloa keeper and Stevie Leslie watched as his effort hit the woodwork. Alloa almost opened the scoring when a poor defensive error by Townsley was pounced upon and required David Mathieson to make a fine save as the half wore on.

Queen's took the lead early in the second half when Stevie Mallan fired in an eighteen yard drive which the keeper had no chance to save. Alloa seemed to be aware of Queen's weakness immediately after a goal and doubled their efforts straight away, the Wasps Cameron had two good chances thwarted, but it was only a matter of minutes before Alloa equalised.

Queens came back into the match and forced a series of corners, from one Jim Thomson was unlucky to see his header hit the bar. Just when it seemed that the points would be shared and Queens would be travelling back reasonably satisfied, Andy Aitken's short back pass header was pounced upon and the ball despatched to the far corner of the net to send Queens home pointless.

The only relief is that the two teams above Queens also lost, East Fife and Arbroath, however Forfar picked up a point and reduced the deficit to three points.