Queen of the South get vital win over Ayr

Feb 19 2010 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

Queen of the South 3 Ayr United 0

QUEENS got their title challenge back on track as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over 10-man Ayr United on Tuesday night.

Doonhamers boss Gordon Chisholm made five changes from the starting eleven that stumbled to a surprise 2-1 defeat to Morton on Saturday.

And the change in personnel seemed to suit Queens, with David Weatherston's presence on the left wing causing Ayr all sorts of problems.

Chisholm's men enjoyed the lion’s share of possession during the early sparring, and looked dangerous too.

With nine minutes on the clock, a Weatherston header from a Bob Harris corner cannoned off the bar and only a goal-line block kept Kean's follow-up out.

Then on 19 minutes, the tie was tipped irreversibly in Queens favour.

Harris played a clever ball over the top of the Ayr defence. Burns beat the offside trap and bore down on goal.

His first shot was blocked by Ayr keeper Craig Samson. But when the rebound came to Burns again, the Ayr United goalie cynically felled the Queens midfielder in the box.

It was an easy decision for the ref, who pointed to the spot.

Angry Ayr defenders were incensed with the decision, and were even more furious to see whistler Alan Muir issuing a red card for the offending keeper.

Sub keeper Stephen Grindlay replaced a huffy Mark Roberts who stormed down the tunnel.

Kean made no mistake from the spot, giving Queens a dream start -a goal to the good and a man up.

And the Doonhamers used their numerical advantage to excellent effect, starving Ayr of the ball and creating numerous chances.

Ayr sat back and looked to hit Queens on the break, a strategy that nearly worked when Junior Mendes sent Tam McManus clear.

But as he teed up a strike, Harris made a fantastic last-ditch sliding tackle to dispossess the forward.

David Weatherston had been drafted in to replace Willie McLaren on the left wing after a disappointing Morton display.

And Weatherston grabbed his chance in the starting eleven, looking sharp and dangerous throughout the match.

And just before the half hour mark he had several chances to get his second goal in as many games.

Ayr were hanging on – both teams knowing the next goal would be crucial.

There were goalmouth scrambles and goal-line clearances, as the first half drew to a close.

The second half started as the first had ended – with Queens on the offensive, but on 55 minutes Queens were reminded how fragile a 1-0 lead is.

William Easton beat Jordan McMillan on Ayr's left and swung in a menacing cross but McManus' header was straight at Scott Fox.

After that scare, Queens got their second goal. A Stephen McKenna glancing header from a Harris corner gave the Doonhamers a 2-0 lead.

Weatherston wrapped up the three points on 70 minutes with a great solo effort, wrongfooting two Ayr defenders and blasting the ball into the net.

The goal capped a fine display from the winger, who earned a standing ovation when he was subbed soon after.

Queens league debutant Scott Fox made a fine late save from Mendes to earn a clean sheet as Queens picked up three vital points in their league title fight.

Queen of the South: Fox, McMillan, Harris, Lilley (McKenna 46), Reid, Burns, Scally, Quinn, Weatherston (McParland 73), Kean, Holmes (Knight 77). Subs not used: McAusland, Andrews. Booked: Lilley, Scally.

Goals: Kean 19 pen, McKenna 57, Weatherston 70.

Ayr Utd: Samson, McGowan, Easton, Campbell, Bowey, Andrew Aitken, Roberts (Grindlay 17), Kenneth Connolly (Woodburn 77), Keenan, Mendes, McManus (McKay 67). Subs not used: Borris, Mitchell.

Sent Off: Samson (19). Booked: Roberts, Bowey.

Att: 1,721. Ref: A Muir