Queens lined up today in a 3-5-2 formation with Cammy Bell in goal, a back three of Craig Barr, Jim Thomson and Craig Sives, Michael McGowan and Bob Harris operated as wingbacks with Scott Robertson, Neil Macfarlane and Jamie McQuilken providing the midfield.  The two men upfront were Stewart Kean and Stephen Dobbie.  On the bench were David Weatherston, Gary Arbuckle, Stephen Simmons, Craig Reid and Bryn Halliwell.

Queens almost took the lead within the first minute as Stephen Dobbie split the Saints defence before curling an effort past Alan Main but also past the post.  It was a strong start by both sides but without too many clear cut chances.  On twenty minutes a cross from the right saw Cammy Bell in two minds, however the danger was cleared as the ball was scrambled away.  On the half hour Alan Mane made an excellent save to deny Stewart Kean as he stretched low and full length to push Kean's effort back out.  Chris Millar then forced Cammy Bell into a full length diving save as the former Morton player pounced upon a slip up midway inside the home sides half to rifle an effort from twenty five yards.  Neil Macfarlane then found himself as the unlikely pursuer of a neat through ball by Stephen Dobbie, however Alan Main was quickly out to collect before Macfarlane could get the ball.  On the stroke of half time Martin Hardie was given an opportunity to shoot goalward as the ball dropped to him, his effort however was wide of the mark.

Dobbs fires past the post - Photo - Sandy Robertson

Half time saw a substitution for Queens as former Saints man David Weatherston was introduced to replace the injured Jamie McQuilken.

Alan Main was the first 'keeper called into action in the half as a deep Michael McGowan cross was headed back by Kean but was blocked by Main at his near post.  On fifty two minutes Craig Sives was booked for what appeared to be a challenge from behind.  This week it took David Weatherston a full ten minutes to make his mark on the game.  Once again with his superb turn of speed he forced a defender, this time Kevin Rutkiewicz into a lunge which brought the winger to the ground.  It was close but the divot left just inside the penalty area was witness to the offence being carried out in the box.  Stephen Dobbie took the ball, stepped up and fired it past Main with the 'keeper diving the other way.

A rash challenge on Weatherston

Saints had no sooner introduced former Carlisle United striker Derek Holmes than the presence of the big man appeared to have an effect on Jim Thomson that saw the club captain head perfectly over the top of Cammy Bell and into his own goal, the Saints fans celebrated in the same way we had when their central defender Kevin James did a similar thing at Palmerston a couple of seasons back.

Queens, clearly hurting from this pressed forward and forced a sequence of three corners and three Bob Harris throws from wide left that led to much confusion and scrambling in the box but nothing clear enough cut to be classed as a chance.

St Johnstone then couldn't believe their luck as first Martin Hardie headed toward goal, his effort blocked by Bell but substitute Holmes was on hand to slam the rebound into the net to give Saints the lead.

First from Hardie Bell saves, then Holmes scores

Gordon Chisholm had seen enough and made a double substitution with Arbuckle replacing McGowan and Simmons replacing Robertson.  Two minutes after the substitution Queens were level as a long throw from Craig Barr was missed by Alan Main and Jim Thomson took the chance to redeem himself as he nudged the ball over the line for an equaliser.

JT makes ammends - Photo from Sandy Robertson

The rest of the game was played out with a lot of Saints pressure but Queens looking as though they could also snatch a win with a couple of half chances.  As it turned out the scoring was completed and both sides had to settle for a point.

Remember that all of the photos taken today can be viewed online at picasaweb.google.com/queenofthesouthfc