Match Report

Annan Athletic welcomed local rivals Queen of the South to Galabank on Wednesday evening in front of a healthy and appreciative crowd who were treated to an entertaining pre season friendly.

Unfortunately there was only one goal produced in the game with Queens winning the match courtesy of a Steven Swinglehurst thundering header into his own net in the 11^th minute after the Annan defender was forced to deal with a difficult Chris Mitchell cross. However there were chances at both ends with the competitive match beneficial to both teams as they prepare for the forthcoming season

Queens forced the play in the first half taking the game to Annan and their neat, quick passing game was stretching Annan but defensively Annan coped with anything the Queens attack threw at them. Following on from the opening goal in the 11^th minute Michael Paton came close hitting a rasping shot into the side netting in the 30^th minute. Queens recent signing John Baird came close in the 36^th minute when his shot beat Alex Mitchell in the Annan goal but the effort cannoned off the top of the cross bar.

The second half was more of a contest with Annan asking more questions from the Queens team. Substitutes from both teams were implemented from the 60^th minute. Martin McNiff had a clear chance from Hopkirks corner in the 70^th Minute but the header failed to hit the target. As the game headed towards the final stages David Hopkirk made a great run ending up one on one with Queens keeper Jim Atkinson but the final effort went agonisingly wide.

Queens boss Jim McIntyre was happy with the progress of his team to date to date , “it was a good work out for us we passed the ball well could have been more ruthless but our decision making process was good , the players are working hard and the work rate is there in abundance.”

Jim Chapman also complimented his players, “we are looking for signs of improvement on the areas where we were vulnerable last season. We were playing quality opposition this evening and exposing our younger players to the standards that they will have to attain to if they are to have any chance of improving on our position last season. It was our second match in 4 days on the back of a demanding pre season which has been designed to prepare the players for the season ahead.”

Subtitutes used were : Anderson, Bradley, Davidson, Logan, Graham, Wood and a trialist goalkeeper.

We now move on to the Gretna Tournament at the weekend followed by the visit of Carlisle City and Celtic Nation next Tuesday and Thursday evenings.