IT was heartbreak for the Doonhamers as they were defeated 4-3 on penalty kicks by Welsh Champions The New Saints in the Scottish Irn-Bru Cup Quarter-Final.

After a competitive 120 mintues of football the game ended in a goalless stalemate and a semi-final spot would be decided by penalty kicks. Amazingly the first four spot-kicks were missed, Queens` Derek Lyle and Stephen Dobbie failing to net. The tie was decided when Andy Stirling`s attempt was brilliantly saved by man of the moment Paul Harrison.

A sizeable travelling support desended Park Hall for the quarter-final match, which was dubbed Blue Sunday. Many stayed the night at Oswestry and club representives presented a wreath at Oswestry War Memorial for the local Remembrance Sunday service.

Minutes silence at Park Hall

Queens made two changes to their starting eleven. Callum Tapping started as captain John Rankin wasn`t in the matchday squad. Shaun Rooney regained his place in the team, slotting in at right-back, due to on-loan St Johnstone defender Jason Kerr`s involvement with Scotland Under 21`s.

Opponents TNS had already defeated Elgin City and Livingston at their home patch to reach the quarter-finals whilst the Doonhamers beat Airdrieonians, Berwick Rangers and Montrose to reach the last eight.

The hosts had the upperhand in the early stages and Jamie Mullen cracked the bar with their first shot of the match. Queens were still trying to get a foothold into the match and were thanking the assistant referee when the flag was raised to deny TNS striker Greg Draper`s tap-in from close range.

The visitors were next to attack through James McFadden. The former Everton man chipped goalkeeper Harrison from 20 yards but saw his effort crash off the bar.

McFadden in top form

The New Saints were in control of the first and if a first goal was to be scored many would assume it would be the Welsh champions who would get it. A dangerous ball from Ryan Brobbel on the half hour mark evaded his teammates.

Queens didn`t get out of first gear as they tried to adapt to TNS` attacking tactics, with both full back pushing forward to support. This meant wingers Connor Murray and McFadden had to pull back to help their wing-backs.

On 41 minutes McFadden whizzed a long range effort over the bar and the sides went into the break level.

HALF TIME TNS 0-0 QOS

Queens returned to the pitch a different side and started to take the game to their hosts. Again McFadden tried to break the deadlock but his curling effort flew inches wide of goal. Two minutes later McFadden, who was causing TNS defenders plenty of problems, threaded an intellgent ball through to Rooney but the rightbacks fierce delivery into the box couldn`t find a blue shirt.

TNS broke forward on 64 minutes but striker Draper ballooned over a great opportunity to take the lead. Despite that chance Queens were looked the most likely and were denied once more when Rooney`s header was knocked out for a corner. 

Rooney heads for goal

But Holland clears the danger

 

With time running out the visitors kept pushing forward as Murray`s volley was comfortably collected by the keeper. A minute later Rooney attacked the goal and hit a powerful effort that just flew over the bar. This was to be the rightbacks last action on the pitch and was replaced by Scott Mercer. With eight minutes remaining Andy Stirling replaced Murray.

Queens huffed and puffed but couldn`t find the breakthrough and referee Raymond Crangle blew the whistle to take the match to extra-time.

FULL TIME TNS 0-0 QOS

The majoirty of the 808 in the crowd thought their side would take the lead finally when Dobbie broke forward and was left one-on-one with Harrison. The former Blackpool forward but his placed effort spun wide of the post to the amazement of everyone in Park Hall.

Dobbie beats Harrison and the post

 

Queens made their third change of the afternoon as Derek Lyle replaced Callum Tapping. With an extra body up front Queens continued to pepper the TNS goalmouth. Dobbie`s shot was parried by Harrison and as Lyle looked to pounce on the mistake the keeper had to punch the ball out for another corner kick. 

HALF TIME EXTRA TIME TNS 0-0 QOS

Sub Stirling threaded in McFadden on 106 minutes but the wideman dragged his shot wide of the post. Three minutes later Dobbie`s effort was palmed wide by Harrison. Queens continued to look for the goal that would`ve surely sent them through but Kyle Jacobs` header was held by the goalkeeper.

Penalty claim of the Stonewall variety

Queens made their fourth change, as the game went to extra time, Chris Kane replacing Lyndon Dykes. The sub would have the last chance in open play but his header from six yards flew wide.

FULL TIME TNS 0-0 QOS

TNS` Mullen was the first man to step up but saw his spot-kick saved by Martin. Lyle was next to take but he suffered the same fate as Mullen as Harrison guessed correctly. Amazingly Brobbel skied his spot-kick. Dobbie was next to step up but his penalty was screwed wide of the right-hand post.

TNS finally got the penalty shootout up and running when Chris Seargeant sent Martin the wrong way. Jacobs levelled up for the visitors with a fine penalty. Darlington made no mistake to make it 2-1 and was followed by McFadden who equalled the scoreline.

Fletcher`s penalty was nearly saved by Martin but squeezed into the bottom corner. Callum Fordyce powered his effort in to make it 3-3. 

TNS goalkeeper Harrison was next to take and he fired his spot kick past his opposing number to once again give the Welsh outfit the lead. The goalkeeper would turn out to be a double hero as he made a superb save to deny Stirling`s strike and send TNS through to the semi-finals for the second straight year.

Goalkeeping hero for TNS Paul Harrison wins the game for the Welsh champions

It wasn`t the result anybody from north of the border had wanted as Queens fell to their third penalty shootout defeat this season. Despite the result all supporters had a fantastic trip and made new friends south of the border. It was a weekend most won`t forget in a hurry but it`s back to north of the border as Queens take on the last team they beat in cup competition, Montrose.

The Scottish Cup game is held at Links Park with a 3pm kick-off.

Sweet Caroline

High spirits