Queen of the South 1 - 2 Dunfermline Athletic: Dunfermline battle back as Queens lose their top spot

Published on Tuesday 1 December 2009 23:27

QUEENS were ousted from top spot as Dunfermline came from behind to claim the points and a place in the top half of the table.

The Pars were just worthy of their win and, having compiled an unbeaten eight-game run, now look genuine promotion contenders.

The visitors were under early pressure when Chris Smith, the St Mirren goalkeeper signed on an emergency loan earlier in the day, had his first taste of action when he dived low to keep out Rocco Quinn's 25-yard shot after the midfielder had been fed by Derek Holmes. However, the new Pars recruit was beaten in 16 minutes when a well-worked free-kick resulted in Willie McLaren's headed pass being bundled home by David Weatherston.

The Fifers, desperate to extend their unbeaten run, launched a thrilling response and their equaliser finally came in 24 minutes as David Hutton's hopes of a club record fifth league shutout in a row for Queens were dashed by Graham Bayne. The striker's close-range effort followed a desperate goalmouth scramble after an initial effort had been blocked.

Dunfermline completed their recovery before the break when Marc McAusland recklessly brought down Steven McDougall and former Queens man Gibson slotted the penalty.

The Pars almost settled the issue soon after the restart when Alex Burke and Bayne linked well with Gibson, whose 20-yard shot flew inches wide. At the other end Queens were convinced they had levelled when Weatherston had the ball in the net again, but the effort was ruled offside.

Andy Kirk marked his arrival as a substitute with a flashing header which went just wide. Queens sub Stewart Kean went even closer when his header from a Harris cross hit the bar.

Queen of South: Hutton, McMillan, Harris, Lilley, McAusland, McKenna (Wilson 89), Burns, Quinn, McLaren (Wyness 80), Holmes, Weatherston (Kean 76). Subs not used: McGeown, Scally. Booked: Harris, McKenna.

Dunfermline: Smith, Ross, McCann, McGregor (Higgins 67), Dowie, Bell, Gibson, Burke, David Graham (Phinn 80), Bayne, McDougall (Kirk 60). Subs not used: Paterson, Holmes. Booked: McDougall, Bell.

Referee: C Thomson. Att: 1,651.

Montrose's misery continued in the Third Division last night as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Berwick Rangers.

A Fraser McLaren double and a goal from Alan Brazil saw Berwick move into second place in the table. Paul Watson equalised for Montrose in the 50th minute but a late collapse means they remain winless after 14 league games.