Josh Fowler opened his account for Saints this evening, but a late equaliser from Queen’s Park ensured Simo Valakari’s side had to be content with a share of the spoils.
Saints were on top for much of the first half, with the bulk of their attacking play flowing down the left through Josh McPake. The winger came close to breaking the deadlock shortly after the half an hour mark, cutting inside for one of his trademark efforts that forced Spiders goalkeeper Calum Ferrie into a smart save, tipping the ball around the post.
The breakthrough arrived 10 minutes into the second period. A dangerous delivery from McPake caused problems in the box, and Fowler was on hand to finish from close range.
However, the hosts struck back at the death to rescue a point. In the final minute, captain Euan Murray converted from close range after an Aidan Connolly free kick had been sent into the area. The drama continued after the equaliser, with Morgan Boyes dismissed following an off-the-ball incident.
Saints are back in action on Saturday as they welcome Ayr United to McDiarmid Park, kick off 3pm.
MATCH REPORT
After Friday’s goalless draw at Raith Rovers Saints were back on the road this evening as they headed to Glasgow’s southside to take on Queen’s Park at The City Stadium. Simo Valakari made two changes to the side which started at Stark’s Park as Ruari Paton and Josh McPake came in to replace Sam Stanton and Kai Fotheringham who both dropped to the bench. Queen’s Park defeated Greenock Morton 3-2 on Saturday and head coach Sean Crighton also made two changes to his starting eleven as Roddy MacGregor and Nikolay Todorov both dropped to the bench and were replaced by Magnus Mackenzie and Scott Martin.
Josh Fowler got the match underway for Saints and the first chance of the match came on 11 minutes as Josh McPake played the ball into the feet of Fowler. The Saints forward, with his back to goal, then laid the ball off to Ruari Paton but his driving effort was deflected behind for a corner by Euan Murray.
Saints created another chance 4 minutes later as they won possession in midfield before McPake picked out Fowler’s run into the box but the strike from the Saints forward was turned behind for another corner by Murray.
Saints were looking most threatening down the left and their next chance of the game came down that side of the pitch on 22 minutes. McPake cut in from the left before sending over a cross into the box however, Murray was there again to thwart the attack as he headed the ball behind for a corner. Then shortly after Jamie Gullan drilled an inviting delivery across the six yard box which was cleared by the hosts as Saints continued to search for the opener.
PHOTO: Jamie Gullan and Carlo Pignatiello
The pressure from Saints continued and on 31 minutes McPake drifted in from the left before forcing Calum Ferrie to tip a low strike around the post for a corner which came to nothing.
Despite Saints creating the better chances Queen’s Park came close to taking the lead with 6 minutes of the first half remaining. Magnus Mackenzie burst forward down the left and into space before unleashing a shot which didn’t trouble Toby Steward in the Saints goal as his effort when over the bar.
Then a minute later a long ball forward from Saints saw McPake burst into the box before seeing his effort go narrowly wide of the far post.
PHOTO: Josh McPake gets away from Aidan Connolly
Saints made a change before the second half got underway as Taylor Steven came on to replace Adam Forrester.
Steven almost made an instant impact as on 48 minutes he sent an inviting ball into the box which Fowler was inches away from connection with.
Fowler didn’t miss on 55 minutes as he nudged Saints into the lead. McPake sent a delightful low cross into the box and Fowler showed great awareness to nip in front of Henry Fieldson before confidently tucking home from close range to open his account for the club.
PHOTO: Josh Fowler celebrates his goal
Moments later Saints made another change as Sam Stanton came on to replace Ruari Paton.
That goal sparked life into the game and on 56 minutes Ferrie was called into action pushing a powerful strike from McPake over for a corner.
Saints were awarded a free kick in a promising position on 59 minutes after Jason Holt was fouled by Louis Longridge. Gullan stepped up to take the free kick however, his effort was well held by Ferrie.
Scott Martin was booked on 64 minutes for a foul on Fowler. From the resultant free kick Gullan curled his effort over the bar.
Saints made their final change of the game on 81 minutes as Jamie Gullan made way for Alfredo Agyeman.
PHOTO: Sam Stanton and Euan Murray
2 minutes later Steven sent over a good delivery from the left which was met by Stanton but Ferrie produced a good save to touch the ball behind for a corner. Mallan took the corner from the left and his delivery was met by Cheick Diabate however, he couldn’t direct his header on target.
As the game edged closer to full time the Spiders were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area after Martin was fouled by Holt. Aidan Connolly stepped up to deliver the free kick, sending a teasing ball into the box that Murray managed to glance upward. Roddy MacGregor reacted quickest to keep the move alive, driving it back into the heart of the penalty area. That gave Murray a second opportunity, and the Spiders captain made no mistake from close range, firing home to spark celebrations in the home end. However, the drama did not end there. In the aftermath of the goal Morgan Boyes was sent off for violent conduct for an off the ball incident with Matty Shiels.
PHOTO: Referee Callum Scott sends off Morgan Boyes
6 minutes were added on at the end and deep into stoppage time McPake swung a deep delivery into the area, but Ferrie rose to claim it confidently, ensuring Saints were forced to make do with a draw.
Queen’s Park: Ferrie, Fieldson, Murray, Longridge (MacGregor 61’), Connolly, Pignatiello, Shiels, Mackenzie (Mclean 71’), Martin, Smith (Ruth 60’), Drozd (Todorov 60’)
Unused Substitutes: Wills (GK), Waugh, McDonnell, Bradley, McLeish
Booked: Martin, Shiels, Connolly
Scorer: Murray (90’)
Saints: Steward, Diabate, Boyes, Holt, Fowler (Lloyd 75’), Gullan (Agyeman 81’), Paton (Stanton 56’), McPake, Smith, Forrester (Steven 45’), McAlear (Mallan 75’)
Unused Substitutes: Sinclair (GK), Tumilty, Baird, Fotheringham
Booked: Forrester, Gullan, Agyeman
Sent Off: Boyes
Scorer: Fowler (55’)
Referee: Callum Scott
Attendance: 805
Match Report by Daryl Scott
Picture: Ruari Paton and Euan Murray
