Match Report - By Steven Mew

League leaders Queen’s Park proved to be too strong for City yesterday afternoon as the Spiders coasted to a comfortable win at Hampden Park.

It was a game in which the hosts dominated from start to finish, with City failing to test goalkeeper Willie Muir who, in the process, surpassed a club record of 706 minutes without conceding a league goal.

With an already difficult task in hand against the full-timers, Player/Manager Michael Paton didn’t have his troubles to seek with no fewer than five players missing through injury and suspension.

After receiving a red card against Stirling Albion in the last league encounter, Gregor Jordan was suspended whilst Jonathan Page, Sean McIntosh, Scott Cusick and Rory Currie missed out through injury.

Paton made two changes to the side that lost to Kelty Hearts in the Betfred Cup last weekend, with Dave McKay returning from illness whilst Przemek Nawrocki made his first league start upfront.

The home side came flying out the traps and Lewis McMinn was called upon twice to deny Will Baynham. With just a minute on the clock the City stopper got down well to parry away a header from the Australian-born striker and he had to be alert again to deny him from point blank range shortly after.

The Spiders were already knocking at the door and it perhaps came as no surprise when they opened the scoring after 6 minutes. Winger JAI QUITONGO collected a pass from home skipper David Galt and cut inside before striking low into the corner from the edge of the box.

Queen’s Park would continue to dominate possession and forced a number of corners which the City defence dealt with, however they were unable to stop the Spiders doubling their advantage midway through the half.

The lively Jay Quitongo got the better of Dave McKay down the right hand side before cutting the ball back for BOB MCHUGH who was initially denied by a superb reaction save by McMinn, however the former Morton forward was on hand to nod the rebound into the net.

Despite the home side threatening to run riot, City eventually settled into the game and limited Ray McKinnon’s side to half chances up until the interval.

The first and only real effort of note for City came a few minutes into the second half as Kieran Inglis tried his luck from range but his strike floated harmlessly wide.

At the other end, it seemed to be corner after corner with one of David Galt’s deliveries being met by Baynham who was unlucky to see his header cleared off the line by Paton.

Shortly after the hour mark, there was the welcome sight of Connor Coupe making his first competitive appearance for the Club after sustaining a knee injury in pre-season - he came on for Przemek Nawrocki.

The hosts put the game beyond doubt when they added a third goal on 68 minutes. A cross by Tommy Robson was headed back across goal for DARREN LYON who made no mistake as he smashed the ball home from 8 yards.

The league leaders continued to push forward in search of a fourth with Bob McHugh coming close six minutes from time - his header from McGlinchey’s cross struck the top of the crossbar.

Overall it was an extremely comfortable afternoon for the Spiders at a venue where very few sides will take points this season, however City will be disappointed with the lack of openings created going forward.

Next up for Michael Paton’s side is a home match against Stranraer next weekend.