This weekend we travelled to Aberdeen for another historical fixture as we took on Cove Rangers for the first time in league competition. Manager Marvin Bartley made three changes to the side that started against Annan, with Daniel Church out, there was a debut for Oscar MacIntyre, while Paul McKay and Lee Connelly dropped to the bench. Kyle McClelland returned from suspension and Reegan Mimnaugh was back in the line-up to make up the changes.

It was the best possible start for Queens as they took the lead with just over two minutes on the clock. Harry Cochrane did well to hold the ball up before playing it down the wing to Kieran McKechnie, his first-time ball across found Harvey Walker who held off the challenge to make a great run to slot it low into the bottom corner.

Rumarn Burrell had a chance to level when he got the break of the ball as Cammy Logan cleared but the striker fired well over the bar from inside the box. The home side continued to push forward and as Paul McGowan?s shot deflected off Efe Ambrose it spun inside the six-yard box as Queens tried to clear, it eventually fell to Mouhamed Niang, but Gordon Botterill got down low to save.

Burrell was involved again in the next attack, this time he laid it back for Connor Scully, but he hit it wide. Cove were getting the break of the ball and as it fell to McGowan, he didn?t connect properly but MacIntyre made a timely clearance.

Walker made a great break for Queens and as he charged forward, he made it to the edge of the box before he was stopped, and the attempt halted. Queens were dangerous on the break and Josh Todd shot from 20-yards but was wide of the keeper?s right-hand post.

As play moved back up field, Scully set up Mark Gallagher, his snapshot had power but was off target.

Queens were dealt a blew two minutes before the break when the instrumental Harry Cochrane had to leave the field injured. However, it didn?t stop them going forward and in added on time, Walker won a corner, which Mimnaugh floated in for Ambrose to attack at the near post, but his header was just over. And a minute later, Queens were awarded a free kick 25 yards out and Mimnaugh hit it sweet into the top corner past Balint Demus.

HALF TIME: Cove Rangers 0 Queens 2

Six minutes after the restart Queens had a strong claim for a penalty when Walker was clipped inside the box, but referee Alastair Grieve waved play on.

Queens looked to add more and a long ball down the channel was chased by Gavin Reilly who controlled it well whilst holding off the defender before laying it back. It was meant for Walker, but he missed the shot, and it came out to Alex Ferguson outside the box, his left foot shot was deflected for a corner

As Cove tried to get back into the game, Scott Williamson headed a free kick wide.

Reilly then had a great chance to extend the lead when McKechnie played in a great ball from the right but although the forward looked certain to score, he hit his shot off the keeper as he came out to block.

Midway through the second half, Queens were reduced to ten men when Botterill was shown a straight red card. McClelland was lying injured off the pitch when the Queens number one got involved in an incident with Mitch Megginson and was given his marching orders. The Gaffer quickly made changes to shore things up with McKechnie and Walker making way for Charlie Cowie and Paul McKay.

The home side looked to take advantage, but McGowan?s right foot shot was blocked before Scully?s rebound was also blocked. And from the corner, Megginson hit it well over the bar.

A man down Queens were up against it, but they defended for their lives and put bodies on the line. Gallagher hit a right foot effort well wide before deep into stoppage time, Will Gillingham picked up a second yellow for diving inside the box and the teams were levelled up again. With eight minutes extra added on Ferguson made a clumsy challenge at the edge of the box and substitute Tyler Mykyta hit a left foot free kick past Cowie to pull one back.

It was a consolation for the hosts with Queens holding out to pick up three points on the road.

FULL TIME: Cove Rangers 1 Queens 2