Stenhousemuir vs Queen of the South

Match Report

After late drama at Ochilview, the Warriors retained their position as league leaders and proved they were immovable under pressure.

This Saturday hosted another huge game for the Warriors as we were on the hunt for our first victory over Queen of the South in 12 years, and this match certainly did not disappoint.

In form Alston and O’Donnell were both on the scoresheet once again and their goals ensured an early lead going into half time. Queen of the South did appear to be dangerous on the counter attack, however they didn’t possess the quality in the final third.

Alston had a previous effort before his spectacular goal that grazed the side netting in the opening five minutes, and seven minutes later he made sure that the Dumfries side paid for their loose passing. He scored a wonderful goal after he floated his effort over the top of the keeper, despite the ball taking an age to ripple in the net! 1-0.

Queen of the South were given a route back into the game after they were awarded a penalty two minutes later. Allan stepped up and appeared to scuff the ball off his other foot as he took the penalty, giving Deejay little to do as he watched it sail over the bar.

On the mark Corey O’Donnell added to his impressive goal tally after he was quick to react to a poor save by the keeper. Euan O’Reilly, on his 150th club appearance, believed he had added the cherry on top after his long range effort was on course for the top corner, though the keeper made a poor save. His save was parried back out to O’Donnell who headed his effort into the ground and watched as it trickled in. 2-0.

Credit must go to Queen of the South who had two efforts cleared off the line in the first half. An even bigger credit goes to Bilham who put his body on the line to stop these efforts from edging in.

After an impeccable start to the first half, the second 45 minutes became scrappy and neither team had any real chance going forward. Queen of the South did give the Warriors a scare when they pulled one back late on though.

Late drama caused a stir at Ochilview when an indirect free kick was given to Queen of the South in the 91st minute. Dickenson rocketed his effort goal bound and it rattled off the post and over the line. Their late goal handed them a lifeline but they let it pass them by and the Warriors stood firm in their defence and eased out the remainder of added time.

An unforgettable atmosphere at Ochilview capped off with the retention of poll position in the league ensured this was Super Saturday! Congratulations are also in order for Kyle Jacobs who marked his 500th career appearance on Saturday. We hope you are able to join us as we make the long journey to Inverness next weekend. Stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Match Report by Louise Davidson

Photographs by Tom Frame

Preview

Warriors, after a mammoth performance last weekend, we are back in action at Ochilview Park.

After a massive three goals at the weekend, we are eager to continue our fine form in front of goal and hopefully bag our second win against Queen of the South. The goals in this fixture are quite one sided with the Dumfries side having the most joy in front of goal.

With the wind in their sails and being joint top, Warriors scorers in the league, Alston and O’Donnell, will be keen to pick up from where they left off last weekend. Both players have secured themselves five league goals in 18 and 24 appearances respectively.

Just before Christmas we were on the end of a slim defeat down in Dumfries with O’Donnell on the scoresheet once again with a fine finish, however with us back on home turf, a Warrior’s victory could be on the cards.

The last time we clinched victory from the jaws of defeat was back in 2013 at Ochilview, when we scored the winner in the 72nd minute to steal three points from Queen of the South. This was our last victory against this team and we will gunning  for three points to extend our lead at the top of the league.

Please make sure you join us at Ochilview this weekend. Your support is invaluable to our efforts. Stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Kick off: 3pm 8th February

Location: Ochilview Park

Match Preview by Louise Davidson