With 12 goals in the previous 3 league meetings this season and both sides still well in the hunt for a top half finish, this game promised to be a cracker – and a cracker it was.

Chloe Gibney got a spot in the starting XI in place of Lauren Grant otherwise it was the same team that started against Montrose last time out.

Lisa Rodgers was called into action to keep the Spiders out twice in quick succession. First, an Ellie Kane free-kick was heading goalwards had it not been for the reach of the visiting GK. From the resulting corner, Kane picked out Yasmin Boyce. Boyce’s header was kept out by an excellent save by Rodgers.

27 minutes in, a long ball was eventually brought under control by Sammy Duncan. Her first time pass allowed Abby Varghese to bare down towards goal for what seemed like forever. Varghese remained composed and put her side 1-0 in-front.

Half-Time: Queen’s Park 0-1 Boroughmuir Thistle

For all of Queen’s good play and pressure in the first half, they found themselves trailing at the half-time interval. Joyce explained on no uncertain terms that the second 45 minutes simply must be better – indeed, the half-time team-talk was probably heard by drivers passing New Tinto Park on the M8.

The players on the pitch promptly went about improving the performance. 4 minutes after the restart, Leah Daly picked out Abby Callaghan with a cross. Callaghan went to volley the ball, but mistimed the connection. The strike was, however, good enough to force a save from Rodgers but the goalkeeper couldn’t hold the ball. Step up Ellie Kane. The Spiders skipper was on hand to pounce on the rebound and get Queen’s back into the game.

Queen’s Park then went ahead, nothing less than their second-half performance deserved. Another Daly cross into the box caused problems for the Boroughmuir backline and was knocked behind. Kane delivered the resulting corner with pin-point accuracy onto the head of Eleanor Smith who rocketed the ball into the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season.

It was very nearly a quick set of goals. Smith cleverly intercepted a Boroughmuir delivery into the box, playing an excellent pass to substitute Sarah MacLeod in the process. MacLeod was able to divert the ball into the path of Callaghan, who after 2 touches, shot towards goal. Rodgers was able to make the save, but pushed the ball into the path of MacLeod. As it seems to have been doing all season for Queen’s Park, the ball bounced awkwardly and the striker wasn’t able to convert the chance.

Callaghan was gifted another chance to get the third goal. Taylor Davis with a lofted ball into the strikers path. Unfortunately for Queen’s Park, the ball bounced on the wrong side of the post.

As Queen’s started to really apply the pressure, a long clearance by Hannah Davie looked to give Boroughmuir some respite at the back. Goal-scorer Varghese had other ideas as she closed down Gibney. The Spiders shot-stopper couldn’t get the ball out her feet quick enough and the Boroughmuir player was able to apply enough pressure and tap into the empty net.

Full-Time: Queen’s Park 2-2 Boroughmuir Thistle

Queen’s Park: Chloe Gibney, Eleanor Smith, Yasmin Boyce, Ciara Bonner, Taylor Davis, Rachael O’Neill (Abbi McDonald, 35′), Leah Daly (Jaya Gill, 90′), Ellie Kane, Nicole Cairney, Abby Callaghan, Caitlin McKee (Sarah MacLeod, 67′). Subs not used: Sophie Bayless, Lauren Ray, Carla Todd.

Boroughmuir Thistle: Lisa Rodgers, Fiona Gibson, Iris Ramage, Elise Macara, Claire Williamson, Hannah Davie (Molly Orr-Love, 73′), Sammy Duncan (Sydney Hinchcliffe, 63′), Abby Varghese, Hannah McCaffery, Maria Torrente, Courtney McAvoy (Eilidh Begg, 63′). Subs not used: Shannon Todd, Beth MacLeod, Erin Stewart.