Today's fixture saw the top two go head to head in an early season showdown in the quest for promotion. The home side, and today's opponents for the tangerines, were current league leaders, The George Singlewell. Both sides had identical records going in to this game, with only one loss a piece and a hatful of goals to brag about. The sense of anticipation before the game was evident in both camps as they looked to take advantage of early season bragging rights.
In terms of team news for the visitors, it was all change from the previous week's victory at Cascades. A dramatic change in formation saw the tangerines line up with only three in defence as they clearly looked to take the game to their opposition. A bulky five man middle was then fronted by the lively Nick Clarke and Paul Miller. There were recalls for Scott Hunter and Jason Moxom as they replaced Lewis Royal, who dropped to the bench, and the absent Ben Humberstone.
It was clear from the off that the game was going to be at a frantic pace and competed in an open manner. In the early stages both midfields failed to take a hold of the game as the ball often bypassed them for the favoured direct route. It was however in this manner that the game registered its first goal after just eight minutes. Some great hold up play by Queen frontman Clarke gave the in-form Miller the chance to make his move. A clever ball over the top by Clarke was met perfectly by the advancing goal-machine who needed no second chances as he slammed the ball home to register his fourth goal in as many games.
This immediately sparked a response from the home side as they relentlessly went in search of an equaliser. With quarter of an hour played, the hosts manufactured a fantastic opportunity. The right winger drifted in from the touchline and side stepped two orange defenders and hit a low shot towards the far corner. This time it was not to be as the dominant figure of Joe Stevens was there to divert the ball away with an outstretched leg. Superb save.
The remainder of the half was fiercely contested in the centre of the park with chances being limited to distance. There was however an opportunity for each side that could well have changed the course of the game. Ten minutes before half time, a delicious cross towards the back post caused panic in Queen territory, but the ball was inexplicably rifled over the bar from eight yards out. A let off for the visitors it had to be said. Then, conforming to the unpredictability of the game, The Queen had the chance to effectively put the game out of doubt. Some great midfield play saw Andy Jones advance with the ball, and from thirty yards out from goal he swung a pinpoint cross to the back post. There was Queen marksman Paul Miller, who after two bites of the cherry diverted the ball home. This time Miller's celebrations were short lived however, as the linesman chalked the goal off with a dubious offside call.
So, the visitors boasted a slender advantage at the break but an under par performance meant that there was plenty of room for improvement. The new formation had initially caused confusion and time was surely needed to put things right. Despite this, the visitors took back to the pitch in the same shape and with the same players.
Five minutes in to the first half however, a change in the back line, saw Harry Weaver replace Peter Bourne. It did not take the substitute long to mark his arrival, as he picked up a yellow card for a cynical foul out on the touchline. With forty minutes left, he was now treading on thin ice. From the resulting free kick, the ball was swung in to the Queen box, once again causing havoc. A shot materialised from the scramble which seemed destined for the net, only for Stevens to once again come to the rescue, with the follow up sent screaming over the bar.
On the hour mark, a familiar event occurred, which has almost become a ritual for all Queen games this season. Gavin Howell whipped in a delightful looking freekick from twenty five yards only to see his efforts thwarted by the cross bar once again.
Queen supporters would not have to wait long however as one minute later, the advantage was doubled. Substitute Lewis Royal curled a fantastic through ball in to the path of that man Miller once again who obliged and notched once again. With only four appearances, Miller has now scored half the amount of goals he scored last season.
A two goal advantage slightly flattered the visitors but their pursuit of a third goal was admirable. A precise through ball from club captain Paul Jeffery found the pace of Jason Parker who chipped over the goal keeper only to see it bounce one yard wide of the goal.
This game would have its third goal, and it was well worth waiting for. Jeffery picked the ball up in the middle of the park, and with plenty of encouragement from his teammates, he let fly from twenty five yards. The ball whistled in to the top corner and the captain ensured that his side would be sitting at the top of the league this afternoon.
A sensational result for the visitors today. Next up for the promotion chasers is N S & S Club Ashes at Gamecock Meadows.
