A terrific defensive display from Queens, coupled with some ruthless attacking, meant that Queens grabbed all three points in Inverness. It was Nortei Nortey?s first for the club that gave Queens all three points after a terrific Niyah Joseph assist.

 

 

Allan Johnston made two enforced changes to the side that took a point from league leaders Hearts on Friday with Calvin McGrory replacing Dan Pybus in midfield, while Stephen Dobbie made his first start since the 19^th of December in place of Dapo Mebude.

 

Ayo Obileye continued next to Nortey and McGrory in the middle of the park while the ever impressive Isaiah Jones lined-up on the left-wing.

 

Caley Thistle had only played two games in 2021 such was their bad luck with the weather, however the pitch was in fine condition for Wednesday?s league fixture.

 

The opening half hour was a largely quiet affair. Both sides enjoyed spells on the ball although neither ?keeper was busy.

 

Daniel MacKay was the man who found himself on the end of the opening few chances though. Firstly, he seen his volley from the left side of the area go narrowly wide of the post. The wingers next effort was on target although it was a tame one from 25 yards, causing Rohan Ferguson no problems.

 

The best chance of the game so far fell on 25 minutes. It was a chance from nothing really, as Miles Storey cut inside from the left before unleashing a vicious strike at the Queens goal from 25 yards. There was nothing Ferguson could do about it, although thankfully it struck the underside of the bar and stayed out.

 

A close call for Queens

 

Storey went close again just a matter of minutes later, this time drawing Ferguson into a sublime save. After picking up the ball from MacKay?s cross, Storey composed himself and sent a shot towards goal that looked destined for the postage stamp. But Ferguson was on hand to tip over the bar magnificently to keep the scores level.

 

James Maxwell picked up the first booking of the game on 36 minutes after referee David Lowe deemed him to have dived on the edge of the area.

Maxwell cant believe the referees interpretation of the challenge

 

 

An opening 45 minutes that most fans will forget by bedtime. A super save from Ferguson and Storey striking the bar were the only real talking points.

 

The first talking point of the second-half came after 54 minutes as Queens were denied a penalty. Willie Gibson fired at goal from inside the area, before being brought down after he got his shot away. Despite having a good view of the incident, the referee deemed there to be no foul.

Gibson brought down after shooting

 

Gibson was clearly hurt, although soldiered on.

 

Skipper Dobbie was brought off on the hour mark after his first start for almost two months with Niyah Joseph introduced.

 

And it proved to be an inspired substitution from the gaffer as Joseph grabbed an assist after just three minutes.

 

Leading a counter-attack, Joseph waltzed past Robbie Deas before laying in Nortei Nortey. The midfielder still had to beat Mark Ridgers and did so expertly, knocking past the goalie into the far corner.

Nortey strikes the winner

 

Nortey turns to celebrate

 

The home side began to turn the heat up on the Queens defence after the goal, although they were very much limited to speculative shots from range. Obileye was putting in a good shift in an unfamiliar position protecting the defence, whilst Nortey and McGrory were doing plenty of running.

 

Tommy Goss was introduced after 75 minutes to offer Queens a physical presence up front, with Joseph going out to the right-wing as Jones went off.

 

The Caley Jags probably should have equalised after 81 minutes as substitute Nikolay Todorov missed a glorious chance from close range.

 

The big Bulgarian, whose normally so clinical from close range, headed directly into the arms of Ferguson from a pinpoint Cameron Harper cross.

 

Queens continued to defend admirably as the hosts piled on the pressure. Joseph continued to work exceptionally hard on the wing, driving Queens forward with Goss on multiple occasions.

 

Todorov and Gregor Buchanan joined Maxwell after a wrestling match in the box, before Joseph seen yellow for illegally blocking an Inverness free-kick.

 

The pressure continued to mount on Queens who were defending with most the team in the box.

 

Dom McMahon replaced McGrory for his Queens debut in the fourth minute of injury time for a short appearance.

McMahon made his debut

 

 

AJ celebrates

 

Another remarkable performance from this reinvigorated Queens side. With nine players missing from the squad the Doonhamers put in a disciplined performance and took their chance when it came through Nortey.

 

Queens rise up to fifth in the table as we visit Dens Park on Saturday.