First Division: Holmes hits table-topping hat-trick

Published on Sunday 11 October 2009 23:26

THE revolving door at the top of the First Division saw Queen of the South, inspired by a hat-trick from summer signing Derek Holmes, take over at the summit again following their 3-1 win at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. However, Raith Rovers, Ross County or Dundee can snatch the top position if they win their game in hand this midweek.

Holmes struck in the first minute with a 25-yard right-foot shot and, after Jonny Hayes had equalised directly from a free-kick in 18 minutes, the former St Johnstone man scored twice in the last seven minutes to take all three points back to the south of Scotland. Holmes scored what is regarded as the perfect hat-trick with his second goal being a header and his last-minute strike coming from his left foot.

Queen of the South manager Gordon Chisholm said: "I am hoping that the boys take some belief out of this game and the fact that we are top after the first quarter of the season. We are up there now because we are good, not because we are lucky, and I don't fear anybody in this league, although I realise our squad is small."

Inverness manager Terry Butcher, who saw his side lose for a third time at home, said: "That was difficult to take as we dominated for long spells. We were made to pay for some bad defending."

Dundee saw off previous leaders Partick Thistle 2-0 at Dens Park with three of their summer signings playing pivotal roles. Leigh Griffiths grabbed the opening goal in only four minutes, when he got on the end of an Eddie Malone free kick to shoot home. Former Thistle player Gary Harkins sealed the points with a 20-yard drive three minutes into the second half, but goalkeeper Tony Bullock won the plaudits.

Bullock, who was beaten by a Simon Donnelly effort that crashed off the woodwork before half-time, denied Chris Erskine twice and then David Rowson before breaking Thistle hearts when he turned away a Donnelly driving header.

Dundee manager Jocky Scott admitted: "We were not at our best and had to grind it out. We had Tony Bullock to thank on more than one occasion."

Ross County managed to cool the head of steam that Morton's caretaker management duo of James Grady and Allan McManus had built up by winning 1-0 at Cappielow. Garry Wood scored the only goal of the game, midway through the second half, when he turned the ball home after Michael Gardyne and Martin Scott had combined.

County manager Derek Adams' side had the better of the chances with home goalkeeper Colin Stewart excelling, but Morton were left disappointed that a Stewart Greacen header before half time was disallowed for a foul on visiting goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

Adams said: "I am delighted. We had a few chances to score before we did."

Grady said: "If you don't work as hard as you can you don't win games."

Dunfermline ended their run of five league and cup defeats by sending Ayr back to Somerset Park on the end of a 3-1 defeat. The first half had ended goalless with East End Park manager Jim McIntyre reading the riot act at half time, with winger Willie Gibson in particular told to buck up his ideas.

McIntyre's approach worked with Gibson setting up Andy Kirk for the opener in 54 minutes before scoring himself a minute later and adding a third by the time 63 minutes had been played. Chris Aitken restored some pride for United with a penalty.

McIntyre said: "That was an important result when you consider the run we have been on.

"Hopefully we can use it as a springboard to ignite our season."

Airdrie United ended the first quarter of the season in bottom spot without a win as they went down 2-1 at home to Raith Rovers. Raith skipper Iain Davidson rose to nod in an Allan Walker free-kick in the first half and Iain Williamson scored at the start of the second when he burst through the home defence to score.

Both sides were reduced to ten men before Airdrie scored a late goal through Diarmuid O'Carroll after team-mate Bobby Donnelly was dismissed for shouting at the referee – although there remains some doubt as to which player should have seen red with players from both sides apparently naming Darren Smith as the culprit. Rovers' Gregory Tade was also sent off.

Airdrie manager Kenny Black said: "Our boys are low on confidence and the last thing we need is a suspension."