Goal controversy

Sep 26 2008 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

GOAL CONTROVERSY

QUEEN of the South’s interest in the Co-operative Insurance Cup ended at the Falkirk Stadium where, despite a spirited performance, the Doonhamers lost out by a disputed goal to their SPL opponents.

After falling behind to a superb Neil McCann strike in the early stages of the game, Queens battled back to equalise through Stewart Kean before Steve Lovell, making his first start for Falkirk since joining the club from Aberdeen, fired home the winner with a controversial second half goal.

Roared on by a large travelling support, Queens began the game strongly, Stephen Dobbie surging forward straight from the kick off only to be impeded by McCann on the edge of the penalty area.

It looked to have provided the Doonhamers with a great opportunity to open the scoring but Bob Harris blasted the free-kick high over the crossbar.

Falkirk, adopting their renowned short passing game, then took command and stormed in front after 29 minutes when a precise cross from the right by Jackie MacNamara was met by the unmarked McCann who volleyed high into the net beyond the helpless Cammy Bell.

Queens squandered an excellent chance to level the scores shortly afterwards when a free-kick from Harris left Jim Thomson with a free header in the six yard box but the Dumfries skipper sent his effort high over the bar.

The visitors enjoyed a period of ascendancy after the break and, following some intense pressure on the Falkirk goal, equalised in the 58th minute when Kean chased a long ball out of defence before sending a measured lob over the head of Robert Olejnik and into the net.

The Bairns were clearly rattled by Kean’s strike and a shock result looked to be on the cards until Lovell, starting out from what appeared to be an offside position, raced clear before rounding Bell and slotting home the winner.

“I was disappointed with our first half performance,” said Queens manager Gordon Chisholm afterwards.

“We sat too deep and allowed them to pass us to death but we changed things at half time and at 1-1 I feel the tie could have gone either way.

“My players are adamant that Steve Lovell was in an offside position when he scored the winner.”

Teams

Falkirk: Olejnik, McNamara, Scobbie, Aafjes, Barr, McBride, Arfield (Cregg 65), Barrett (Stewart 69), Lovell, McCann, Higdon O’Brien 70)

Unused subs: Bullen, Flinders

Queen of the South: Bell, Barr, Harris, MacFarlane, Sives, Thomson, Robertson (Simmons 79), Tosh, Kean, Dobbie, Arbuckle (McGowan 79).

Unused subs: Halliwell, Parratt, Reid

Referee: E Smith.