Queens were sent crashing out of the League Cup tonight by Championship rivals Morton after a goal 20 minutes from time saw the Greenock side progress to the 3rd round of this seasons competition. For the second successive home game, Queens failed to find the net, and but for a brief rally in the closing minutes, the hosts were not able to cause any real problems for the visiting defence who enjoyed a fairly comfortable evening.
Robbie Thomson was passed fit enough to resume in goal, so Queens made just two changes to the team that started at Dumbarton.
New loan signing, Alex Harris, was cup-tied following his appearance for Hibs against Montrose in the first round, and Kyle Jacobs did not fully recover from the injury he picked up in the game, and so Lewis Kidd, and Kyle Hutton began in their places as Queens lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.
The home side almost got off to the perfect start when Iain Russell and Derek Lyle put the Morton defence under pressure and when the ball fell nicely for Lewis Kidd just 8 yards out it seemed as though Queens would make a quick fire breakthrough, but Kidd lacked composure and sent his effort well over the bar. Queens next attack was ended abruptly by a challenge on Russell, and that presented a shooting opportunity for Ryan Conroy some 25-yards out slightly left of centre and although Conroy`s effort beat `keeper Adams, it also skipped past the near upright.
That was as good as it got for Queens in the opening phase of the game as Morton gradually worked their way into the game, and as they grew in confidence they created a couple of half chances that on another day might well have worked for them.
Dumfries born youngster, Denny Johnstone on loan from English Championship side Birmingham City was involved in most of the attacking play, and it was his hold up play and eventual lay off that saw a shot from Forbes go only just wide of the near post as Queens came under strong pressure, and minutes later Johnstone was denied by a well timed challenge from Darren Brownlie as he prepared to shoot.
Queens won themselves another free-kick 20 minutes in, this time it was Mark Millar`s turn to try his luck, but his strike from distance was well off target. The Queens midfield were finding it difficult to retain the ball, and Hutton, Kidd and Conroy were struggling to impose themselves on the proceedings, and several times Morton were able to attack straight at the heart of the Queens defence and it was only down to a lack of decent quality on their final ball that prevented the visitors from finding the breakthrough.
Lyle in an early tussle
Queens were handed another chance from a set-piece just after the half an hour mark, this time leading scorer Derek Lyle stepped up to try his luck, and the striker was unfortunate to see his attempt fail to dip in time as it just cleared the bar by inches.
As the interval approached Morton had two really good chances to take the lead. Firstly - and possibly the best- chance fell to Sabajo just 4 yards out, but with the goal at his mercy he hit his effort straight at the feet of the grounded Robbie Thomson who without much knowledge, made the save, then almost on half-time O`Ware went very close with a fine header from a corner as the visitors ended the half on top.
HALF-TIME QUEENS 0-0 MORTON
Queens began the second period by winning a very early corner, and although Millar`s driven cross to the back post picked out Lyle, his header was easily gathered by `keeper Adam. Just like the first half, Queens had an early chance to gain the advantage, but alas the second half unfolded in a similar fashion to the first 45 minutes as the home side struggled to find any rhythm, and the visitors steadily took control. Robbie Thomson held on well to a fierce drive from McLuskey, and Barr`s run and excellent cross into the box was crying out to be turned in, but fortunately for Queens there were no takers.Just past the hour mark a shot from Barr was spilled by Thomson, but the Queens `keeper was able to reclaim the ball ahead of the onrushing Johnstone.
The hosts made their first change after 65 minutes when young Aidan Smith replaced Lewis Kidd, and just 4 minutes later the goal that would turn out to be the winner arrived. A long clearance from the Morton half skimmed off the head of Andy Dowie straight through to Johnstone, and after controlling well he back heeled the ball into the path of Ross Forbes who smashed an unstoppable shot past Thomson. In fairness it was no more than Morton deserved as they had created much the better of the chances and really should have been well ahead long before they did finally gain the advantage.
Forbes fires past Thomson to win the game
The visitors almost added a second from a set-piece of their own when Forbes crashed a shot against an upright with Thomson well beaten. Owen Moxon made his first appearance for Queens replacing Kyle Hutton for the final 14 minutes, and Lyle became the first player to be booked after his momentum took him into`keeper Grant following a Queens corner. Iain Russell was then cautioned for simulation by referee Dallas as Queens tried in vain to find some inspiration.
With 9 minutes left Paul Heffernan replaced Jordan Marshall as Queens now with 4 strikers on the pitch went for it. You couldn`t say that they threw `the kitchen sink` at Morton, but the final 3 minutes of the game were the most exciting as far as the home fans in the crowd of 1034 were concerned. After being awarded a free-kick 25-yards out and in a central position, Mark Millar was on set-piece duty. His first strike was woeful and flew straight into the wall, but the rebound came straight back to him and on the volley he smashed a low drive through the crowded penalty area that seemed destined to find the bottom corner, however, Morton `keeper Grant produced a splendid diving save to tip the ball away for a corner. From the corner, and with every player apart from Millar and Thomson in the box, Russell got his head to the ball only to see Grant produce another excellent reaction save to ensure his side were not denied at the very end.
Russels last gasp effort is hooked off the line up and onto the underside of the bar by McDonald
Once again Queens had the chance to grab an equaliser, but the corner was over hit and the whistle sounded straight away to signal another disappointing night for Queens.
Queens have now gone more than 255 minutes without scoring at Palmerston, and whilst it`s not a crisis, it will obviously be of some concern to James Fowler and his staff as they prepare to defend their unbeaten start to the league campaign against Rangers on Sunday.