It was Cup football under the Palmerston floodlights as Queens faced FC Edinburgh for the second time in less than a week.  Following the 4 ? 1 league win on Saturday, Manager Wullie Gibson freshened things up and made three changes to the starting 11.  Max Currie returned in goals and there were starts for Michael Ruth and Connor Murray as Scott Fox, Calvin McGrory and Gavin Reilly dropped to the bench. 

 

After the weekend victory confidence was high within the squad and although the tempo of the game was down a notch Queens continued where they left off.  On the front foot, Murray whipped a ball into the centre of goal but as Ruth challenged a free kick was given against the striker.  Ruth was again involved in another good move as he made a great run and showed some terrific foot work only for his shot to be turned out for a corner.  

 

Queens were again controlling the game and Ruari Paton on the back of his double in the first match looked a threat alongside Ruth.  As the pair combined midway through the first half, the home side were awarded a penalty when Lee Hamilton was judged to have handled inside the box.  Murray placed the ball on the spot and as Sam Ramsbottom dived to his right, it was the wrong way and Murray?s right footed effort found the bottom corner to give Queens the breakthrough. 

 

Although they were dominating, clear cut chances were limited, and it wasn?t until the closing stages of the first half that they came close to extending the lead.  Stephen Hendrie made a good delivery from the right, but it was just out of reach of Ruth and, on the stroke of half time, Euan East made a powerful run forward to set up Paton, the Irishman aimed for the top corner, but the ball swerved at the last minute and was just wide of the upright. 

 

HALF TIME:  Queens 1 FC Edinburgh 0 

 

The visitors came out looking to get into the game and within a minute of the restart Callum Crane tested Currie, but the Queens number one got down well to make an easy save. 

 

As Queens regained control, captain Josh Todd stung the hands of Ramsbottom with his shot before they home side doubled their advantage.  Ten minutes into the second half Ousman See cleared from Murray but as the ball fell to Iain Wilson, the big midfielder back heeled the ball to Paton.  The frontman?s curling shot was saved by the keeper but, as the ball dropped at the other side defender, Dave McKay was on hand to hit the ball low across Ramsbottom into the net. 

 

Ciaran McKenna found Todd and as he crossed Paton was unmarked, but he was left frustrated as the keeper cleared before he could have an attempt at goal.  

 

The Gaffer, who had come off the bench to replace Paul McKay after he felt a pain in his hip, was next to have a go, but he fired wide and then as Paton won a free kick on the edge of the box, Murray tried to beat the stopper at the near post, but his shot was off target. 

 

Ruth did make it three with twenty minutes to go, Wilson showed great determination and perseverance to get the ball into the box and the forward was on hand to head home. 

 

Three ? nil up and cruising, Currie had little to do but did make a fine save as he dived to punch away Ryan Shanley?s attempt. The visitors were up against it and the defence had to block from East before they cleared off the line to deny Ewan Bange.  Queens were then denied what looked like a penalty when the big striker on loan from Blackpool went down in the box.  

 

The game was already beyond FC Edinburgh, but Queens wrapped things up with a well taken finish from Lee Connelly as he was played through the middle by Murray six minutes from time. 

 

Hendrie had a late chance but hit his left foot shot wide. But four goals, a clean sheet and a place in the fourth round made it an enjoyable night for the Palmerston side. 

 

FULL TIME:  Queens 4 FC Edinburgh 0