QUEEN’S PARK rounded off their South of Scotland friendly double-header with a goalless draw at Galabank against Annan Athletic.
After slamming five goals past Gretna on Friday night, Saturday was scoreless.
Not for the want of trying.
Ross McLean hit the post and Aidan Connolly was denied by a brilliant save in the first half as Sean Crighton again spread match minutes throughout the squad and experimented with different formations.
Starting with a three-at-the-back of Euan Murray flanked by Ollie Fisher and Matthew Shiels and Jack Wills in goal, the initial XI was similar to the team which finished the friendly along the road in Gretna. Jack Hamilton started his first match for the Spiders alongside Callum Smith in attack.
However this afternoon was a step up from the night before and the hosts from William Hill League Two were difficult to break down – even forcing Shiels into a goal-line clearance to keep things level.
At the other end it was Smith who had the first meaningful chance, saved well after 18 minutes and this began a positive spell for the Spiders which also included Mclean rattling the upright and a brilliant volley from Connolly beaten away.
The goal wouldn’t come and while it was positive to land five on Friday night, the match was more of an experimental exercise for Sean Crighton bidding to build on-field relationships and partnerships and run the rule over some of the younger members of squad.
He did so in the second half when he switched to four at the back and pitched the impressive Kyle Rodger on the right, and the spritely Daniel Edzie up in attack. Cole Goldie and Lewis Smith were also second half substitutes aged just 16 within the first-team set-up.
McLean would not re-appear at the interval after needing treatment during the first half, and captain Euan Murray suffered a painful landing after contesting an aerial ball and sat out the second half too.
In time added on the keeper made a good save to ensure a second consecutive clean sheet for the Spiders as the warm-ups continue with a trip to Clyde in the City of Glasgow Cup on Tuesday.
