Queen’s Park 0 Falkirk 4

Queen’s fell to defeat as title chasing Falkirk score four without reply at Hampden.

Head Coach Callum Davidson made four changes to the starting line up following last Tuesday night’s disappointing result against Partick Thistle. Adam Montgomery was fit enough to return at left back, with Sean Welsh, Kyle Hurst and Roddy MacGregor also starting. There were places on the bench for Louis Longridge, Jadan Raymond and Reece Evans.

The game got underway in bright sunshine with Queen’s playing towards the Kings Park end of the National Stadium.

League leaders Falkirk were quickly into their stride and a shot from Ethan Ross whistled past Calum Ferrie’s left hand post.

Eleven minutes in and the visitors thought they had opened the scoring when a corner from the Queen’s left side was headed towards goal and knocked over the line by Barney Stewart, however the assistant’s flag on the far side came to Queen’s rescue.

As the half wore on it was the visitors who had most possession and a through ball was dummied at the edge of the box giving Stewart a shot at goal which Ferrie saved at the expense of a corner.

Half an hour in and Cal Ferrie produced another outstanding save as he clawed the ball off the goal line as Falkirk pressed for the opener.

Another opportunity fell Falkirk’s way when they were awarded a penalty following a collision between Adam Montgomery and Calvin Miller. It looked to many in the stands as there was minimal contact, however referee Duncan Nicolson pointed to the spot. Brad Spencer stepped up and smashed his shot down the middle….straight into the waiting arms of Queen’s stopper Cal Ferrie who stood tall and saved comfortably.

The opening goal was merely delayed however as Liam Henderson headed home unmarked at the back post just before half time.

Half Time: Queen’s Park 0 Falkirk 1

Queen’s made two changes at half time as they sought to find a way back into the game – Kyle Hurst and Roddy MacGregor made way for Ryan Duncan and Seb Drozd.

It was the visitors however who got the decisive second goal after 51 minutes, a cross from the left side by Sean Mackie was knocked into the net at the far post by Gary Oliver.

Eight minutes later and Calvin Miller notched the third for the visitors, beating Ferrie from wide on the right side.

It was the visitors who were in control and it was no surprise when Thomas Lang headed a fourth to secure another three points in Falkirk’s pursuit of the Championship title.

To cap it all for Spiders’ fans, news filtered through in the early evening that Head Coach Callum Davidson had been relieved of his duties, with the club intending to make a further announcement at a later date.

Full time: Queen’s Park 0 Falkirk 4

Queen’s Park: Calum Ferrie (C), Sean Welsh (Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia 76mins), Kyle Hurst (Ryan Duncan 46mins), Ben Jackson, Roddy MacGregor (Seb Drozd 46mins), Will Tizzard, Zak Rudden, Jack Turner, Adam Devine, Adam Montgomery (Zach Mauchin 76mons), Leon King.
Unused Substitutes: Jack Wills, Louis Longridge, Josh Hinds, Jaydan Raymond, Reece Evans.

Falkirk: Nicky Hogarth, Thomas Lang, Liam Henderson, Coll Donaldson (C) (Luke Graham 74mins), Brad Spencer, Barney Stewart (Gary Oliver 42mins), Keelan Adams, Ethan Ross (Alfredo Agyeman 65mins), Sean Mackie, Calvin Miller (Miller Thomson 64mins), Scott Arfield (Aidan Nesbitt 65mins).
Unused Substitutes: Ross Munro, Finn Yeats, Ross MacIver, Eamonn Brophy.

Referee: Duncan Nicolson