Johnston pleased with gritty win as Queens send Rovers packing

Aug 29 2012 by Andrew Burns, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

queens

IT WASNT pretty and it almost wasnt clever but Queens continued their unbeaten run with a gritty win over Albion Rovers on Saturday.

Derek Lyle swept in the only goal of the game in the first half before Palmerston number one Lee Robinson saved Jason Crooks penalty.

Allan Johnstons men have yet to concede a goal in the league but have only found the net three times.

And after Saturdays win the Doonhamers boss warned his team that they must be more clinical in front of goal.

He said: We created a lot of chances and we have to start punishing teams.

But you have got to be positive its another three points and we are still unbeaten.

Queens created plenty of chances against lowly Rovers but just couldnt put the game out of sight.

Lyle converted Nicky Clarks low cross after 21 minutes before Albions Jamie Gilmartin was sent off for an awful challenge on Ryan McGuffie on the stroke of half-time.

Rovers, searching for their first goal of the league season, had the chance to equalise from the spot on 54 minutes after Mark Durnan bundled over Kieran Brannan inside the box but Robinson denied Crooks.

Johnston praised his goalkeeper but was frustrated at his sides slackness in possession.

He said: It was a great save from Lee at the penalty and thats why hes one of the best goalkeepers in this division.

But we shouldnt have put ourselves in that position.

Sometimes against ten men you get too much of the ball and start making mistakes.

We had plenty of time on the ball but we made too many square passes.

Rovers boss Todd Lumsden said: Its still zero goals and the players are really disappointed.

We had the chance today with the penalty but we still werent able to get off the mark. If wed taken a point from the game I think it would have been well deserved.