A young u20's side lost to Stranraer tonight at Palmerston in the Scottish Youth Cup. With overage players not permitted and the defence decimated by illness, injury and Ewan Gourlay's suspension it was always going to be a tough task for Queens.

The only goal of the contest arrived early in the second half as the visitors converted a soft penalty award. In truth though, as dubious as the decision may have been, our Galloway rivals were the better side and merited their victory. The opening half was evenly contested and Owen Bell was unfortunate not to break the deadlock just before the interval but the visitors, who were a year or two older on average, took more control in the second half. Goalkeeper Sam Henderson kept Queens in the contest with a string of fine saves but despite some pressure in the last few minutes Stranraer held on to take their place in the next round. We wish them the best of luck.

Team: Sam Henderson, Jack Winter, Bailey White, Archie Gardiner, Dan Harvey, Adam Gordon, Robbie Ivison, Jesse Akubuine, Declan Tremble, Owen Bell, John Wight

Subs: Joe Usher (for Ivison), Joel Pearson (for Wight) & Ross Irving (for Gardiner).

Adam Gordon and Ross Irving are members of the u17 squad.