In the middle of the International break for World Cup Qualifiers, top divisions are put on hold. But, that doesn't mean that there was a lack of domestic competition.
An away game to watch my local team, Queen's Park travel to the Penny Cars Stadium to face Airdrie in the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Queen's Park are my team in Football Manager, so I was curious as to how the players would perform, in real life. It turns out my top goalscorer, is the recipient of all Queen's supporters frustrations, with lack of movement and challenging for the ball.
The game itself was incredibly even, with most of the action being in the middle of the park. Airdrie had the ball in the net within the first two minutes, but the goal was ruled out with the referee spotting Watson pushing Kilday. A couple of chances for both teams in the first half, but nothing of real impact.
Liverpool loanee, Louis Longstaff made his Queen's Park debut and showed some promising signs of skill and creativity, but it was the Queen's supporters that made it even more memorable for Longstaff, and Myself. Shouts of "Nature Boy" and "Woo" for every touch, all because of a slight resemblance to Ric Flair with his blonde locks, made for some good comic relief.
The second half started strongly. A good move by Airdrie was rewarded when Callum Smith's shot had just enough power, Queen's goalkeeper Callum Ferrie couldn't get enough on it, with the ball hitting the post on the way in, making it 1-0, four minutes after the restart.
Queen's whole demeanor changed when their main man, Simon Murray came on, along with Louis Longridge on the 68th minute. The creative spark they were missing, was quickly added.
Longridge won Queen's a penalty on the 86th minute, in what was an easy decision for the referee. Grant Gillespie, who was on the pitch for two minutes, slotted it away to make it 1-1.
Airdrie had one last chance, with Ferrie pulling off a good save, with the final whistle following. The game ended 1-1, but with it being an SPFL Trust Trophy tie, straight to a penalty shoot-out.
Airdrie went first, with McCabe, Agnew and McGill scoring for The Diamonds. Brown and Longridge replied for The Spiders, before Robson had his penalty saved by Airdrie goalkeeper, Cantley.
Watson scored for Airdrie, followed by Gillespie putting away his second penalty for Queen's, within ten minutes. Advantage Airdrie, with Easton stepping up. Unfortunately for him, Ferrie pulled out a brilliant save. Simon Murray scored his penalty for Queen's, taking it to sudden death.
Queen's 'keeper, Ferrie also saved Frizzell's penalty, leaving his captain Michael Doyle to slot his away, securing the win and progressing Queen's Park to the Third Round.
Both sides face each other again, next weekend in league action, with Queen's being at home.
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