Burnley test at Palmerston for Queens

Jul 18 2008 by John Ballard, Dumfries Standard Friday

BURNLEY TEST AT PALMERSTON

GORDON Chisholm sees tomorrow’s clash with Burnley as the perfect test for finding out just what Queens are made of.

It has been a case of so far so good in pre-season with a 3-0 victory away at Ayr United on Tuesday coming on the back of a 5-0 win over SFL neighbours Annan Athletic on Saturday.

But the Doonhamers’ boss knows the English Championship outfit’s visit to Palmerston (kick-off 3pm) will be a much tougher examination of the Scottish Cup finalists’ credentials.

“I’m quite happy with the way we’ve started, scoring eight goals in two games and not conceding, although we are expecting a tough game against Burnley,” said Chisholm.

“They finished in the top half of the Championship last season, so they are a very good side and it will be a good test for us to see where we are at.

“Training has been going well and the lads came back in good condition, so we are looking forward to playing Burnley in what should be a good game.”

At Ayr on Tuesday, Queens were deserved winners and dominated the game throughout, scoring two goals in one minute.

The Doonhamers took the lead shortly before half time when Stephen Dobbie fired a low shot from the edge of the box under the arm of former Queens stopper Stephen Grindlay.

After the break the hosts created chances but couldn’t breach the solid Queens defence, and the match was wrapped up in the 78th minute when Paul Burns found the net with a neat finish, before setting up Stewart Kean to head home a third and his second in two games.

Chisholm is delighted with the way Kean and his other new signings have fitted in at the club.

He said: “It always takes a wee while, but the new players have settled in well, although Jamie Adams is a week down on pre-season training.

“Stewart Kean has started nicely, scoring in both games so far, and I’m very pleased to have brought in (goalkeeper) Bryn Halliwell who won a first division championship medal last season.”

Burnley, who have just arrived back in the UK following a pre-season excursion to the United States, are expected to bring their full squad to Palmerston.

The Clarets are playing Queens as part of a tour of Scotland.