If we were to suppose that Terry was trying out the likely team selection for next week’s opener against Celtic then there were a couple of surprises. Hammell was included, suggesting that his ankle may have recovered but the non appearance of McDonald and Partridge raised several eyebrows. Bristol City are in negotiation for the defender and the lack of news concerning the expected extension of the striker’s contract also gives rise for concern.
It's an early bath for Clarkson
The game trundled along without much in the way of incident for the first twenty minutes. Jim Hamilton had been substituted after picking up a knock when he attempted to reach a deep cross from Quinn. Marc Fitzpatrick replaced him.
The other half of our striking pair got his marching orders in twenty four minutes when referee Chris Boyle interpreted contact between Clarkson and right back Wood as violent conduct. To the amazement of everyone in the ground the red card was shown and the bemused striker left the field.
Jim Paterson took position up front but before we could regroup McNiven took advantage and scored. The home side gained in confidence as the break drew near and came close when Payne cut a pass back to Bowey who had a first time effort stopped by Marshall.
We were restricted to a couple of long range efforts from Leitch and Fitzpatrick and Terry had a bit of rebuilding to do over the half time cuppa.
His plan included the removal of O’Donnell and the appearance of Kenny Wright. The one man advantage was well exploited by the Doonhamers and we found it difficult to make any impression on the game. Kerr came on for Fagan just after the hour.
Kinniburgh headed a corner on target and Fitzpatrick blasted high but it was the opposition who looked more likely to score. Their second came when
The easy summary is to conclude that the dismissal ruined the game but there is no denying that Queen of the South were better organised team. They passed the ball better, were more committed and deserved the win. Let’s remember that it was just a friendly and that the main object was to improve fitness levels.
Team: Marshall, Hammell, Quinn, O’Donnell(S45 Wright), Craigan, Kinniburgh, Fagan(S63 Kerr), Leitch, Hamilton (S17 Fitzpatrick), Clarkson, Paterson
Subs: Foran, Smith, Keogh, Smith, Donnelly, Calder
Attendance 1283