Kilmarnock picked up their first win of 2022 under new gaffer Derek McInnes at Palmerston with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Queens.

 

Allan Johnston made two changes to his side that lost heavily to Hamilton Accies last week with Ruari Paton and Max Johnston returning to the side to replace Wullie Gibson and Ally Roy. The South began in a 4-2-3-1 formation, though quickly switched to a 3-4-3, with Paton playing next to Calvin McGrory in the middle of midfield. Josh Todd captained the side for the first time.

 

 

Oli Shaw and Todd both saw volleys fly over the bar in the opening 15 minutes as the game got off to a slow start.

 

The visitors were fairly dominant in possession, though Queens defended astutely, limiting Killie to shots from distance.

 

The away team were winning corners on a regular basis, however weren?t able to capitalise with Chris Stokes being the main culprit for missing chances.

 

On 33 minutes, the games first clear-cut chance fell the way of Rory McKenzie, who found bags of space in the centre of the Queens defence. The Killie legend dinked his effort over Josh Rae, before Johnston got back superbly to deny a goal with a last ditch challenge on the line.

 

The chance wasn?t over though and Chris Burke saw his rebound headed away on the line, again, by the 18-year-old full-back.

 

East makes his second goal line clearance in just a few seconds

 

Moments later Brandon Haunstrup saw his deflected free-kick fall into the path of Lee Hodson, only for the linesman to put his flag up signalling for offside.

 

There was a hint that it was maybe just going to be Queens? day?although that only lasted until the 43^rd minute.

 

A Haunstrup corner was met by Shaw, who watched his header cannon off the post, only for Chris Stokes to react first and fire into the roof of the net from close range.

 

Nditi is beaten to the ball and Stokes slams home the rebound off he post

 

 

A half that Queens failed to really get going in, though defended admirably throughout. A big second 45 was required.

 

The first chance fell the way of the stand-in skipper Todd, a first-time volley from Johnston?s cross being well blocked by Stokes.

 

The impressive Scott Robinson was forced off injured shortly before the hour mark, with Callum Hendry replacing him.

 

Hendry set up his partner Shaw for a shot on goal after 66 minutes, however Rae was more than a match for the effort, saving well low to his right.

 

 

With 20 minutes left though Kilmarnock were awarded a penalty with an utterly baffling decision.

 

Roberto Nditi had the smallest of pulls at Shaw?s arm, at least two yards outside the box. Shaw continued running, fell down well inside the area, and Colin Steven pointed to the spot.

 

It was the second week in a row that officials decisions got it wrong and costed Queens, with Oli Shaw this time slotting home powerfully past Rae.

 

Shaw sends Rae the wrong way with a very well placed penalty

 

The last period of the game saw little happen, with the exception of some subs. The second goal killed off much chance of a Queens comeback, whilst the visitors were content with their days work and a comfortable 2-0 win.

 

 

Another tough day at the office for Queens and it doesn?t get much easier with a trip to Inverness looming on the 15^th of January.