The 4-1 scoreline didn`t flatter Queens, as it could have been a lot more. Youth was on our side and how well all five youngsters deserved the plaudits as they left the field--especially Daniel Orsi who was named `Man of the Match`. In brief, our young stars shone!
A penalty apiece early on was about fair but after Queens went ahead they began to dominate and come the second half there were only going to be one winner--and that was Queen of the South!
Two goals in the first half by Willie McLaren (one from the penalty spot) and another brace from Colin McMenamin in the second half saw us canter home in the end.
The three points took us back up into fourth place again which pleased the manager.
Said a happy Kenny Brannigan at full-time, "I was a wee bit apprehensive with five youngsters in the squad, but they all worked hard and I can`t fault their contribution in any way. It was a huge gamble against an experienced side, but it paid off!
"Daniel Orsi and Dan Carmichael did really well and their pace was electric. Our youngsters really came of age today!"
However, a dejected Stirling gaffer, Jocky Scott admitted, "We`ve only got ourselves to blame--we did ourselves in! The goals we lost were really poor and all down to bad defending.
"We never really threatened Queens` goal, so it`s now a case of `picking ourselves up` for the return at Stirling on Tuesday night."
Daniel Orsi was thrilled to be named `Sponsors Man of the Match` and said, "It was real brilliant. It was my first `start` and the best game I`ve played so far. To get a regular slot with so many experienced pros in the squad was tremendous."
Official Attendance 1392. Travelling Support 59.