Despite Queen’s being awarded and scoring our first league penalty of the season, the Spiders couldn’t break down a resolute Hamilton defence, as a Steven Bradley double meant Queen’s lost ground on the play-off places.
Queen’s Park Head Coach Callum Davidson said he was glad to get through a strenuous week with no injuries and being able to utilise his full squad efficiently. There was just one change to the starting eleven – Will Tizzard dropped out of the squad to be replaced by Henry Fieldson at centre-back. Goalkeeping coach Michael McGovern was named on the bench for the first time since joining the club.
Hamilton took the lead on the third minute, as some positive play down the right-hand side gave Accies the chance to break into the box, where former Spider Steven Bradley found space to get his shot away at the near post and give the home side the lead.
Tumilty delivered a wicked cross-come shot that Ferrie had to be alert to tip over the bar, as the home side looked to capitalise on their early breakthrough.
On the 16th minute, a ball down the right would see Turner pulled down in the box for a penalty kick. Stephen Hendrie would join Maguire in the referee’s book. Zak Rudden stepped up and scored low to the right sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the scores.
Calum Ferrie made an excellent save as Shaw ran the line and linked up with his midfield, he received the ball on the edge of the box and looked to bend one into the top corner, but Ferrie sprang into action denying a certain goal.
Accies regained the lead on 37 minutes when Steven Bradley mazed his way forward leading to Longridge being booked. Steven Bradley took the resulting free kick and dispatched it over the wall right into the postage stamp, giving Ferrie no chance.
Ferrie was a busy man, as Queen’s were unable to clear the ball which left Shaw in the box alone to volley from point-blank range, but the Spiders number 1 kept Accies at bay.
Half – time: Hamilton Academical 2 – 1 Queen’s Park
Queen’s made a change at half time as Josh Scott was brought on for Ryan Duncan. However, Scott was booked almost immediately for a late tackle on 48 minutes. A host of changes were then made for both teams just after the 66th minute. Josh Scott was walking a tightrope following his booking and was replaced by Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia, and Jack Turner was replaced by Roddy MacGregor as Queen’s shuffled the pack.
Queen’s had a shout for a penalty on the 73rd minute as Rudden got in behind and wrong side of the defender. The big striker appeared to be hauled down in the box, however referee Graham adjudged the Queen’s forward to be guilty of simulation and showed Zak a yellow card.
Dom Thomas swung a wide free kick in on 85 minutes. Rudden got his head to it as the ball looked goal-bound, however Albinson in the home goal managed to get a finger to it, touching it onto the post and keeping the home side in front
Queen’s pushed late on for an equaliser, and Rudden found himself with his back to goal all of 30 yards out, he spun and volleyed the ball first time, but his spectacular effort was to be denied, as the ball cannoned off the crossbar and clear.
Queen’s won a free kick in the dying moments of the game. Thomas played short to Thomson who unleashed a speculative effort from 40 yards that went well over the bar. Despite second-half pressure from the Spiders it was the home side who held out to claim all three points.
Full-time: Hamilton Academical 2 – 1 Queen’s Park
Hamilton Academical: Charlie Albinson; Jackson Longridge, (Ben Williamson ’66) Sean McGinty, Scott Martin (C), Steven Bradley, (Euan Henderson ’67) Barry Maguire, (Connor Smith ’46) Kyle MacDonald, Oli Shaw, Reghan Tumilty, (Jamie Barjonas ’92) Stuart McKinstry, (Kevin O’Hara ’81) Stephen Hendrie.
Unused Subs: Dean Lyness (GK), Nikolay Todorov, Daire O’Connor, Liam Morgan.
Queen’s Park: Calum Ferrie; Sean Welsh, Louis Longridge, (Seb Drozd ’85) Jack Thomson, Dom Thomas (C), Zak Rudden, Jack Turner, (Roddy MacGregor ’67) Ryan Duncan, (Josh Scott ’45 – Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia ’67) Dane Murray, Cammy Kerr, Henry Fieldson.
Unused Subs: McGovern (GK), Zach Mauchin, Max Thompson, Liam McLeish, Josh Hinds.
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