Queen of the South were held to a goalless stalemate by Alloa Athletic at Palmerston Park as two tired teams failed to shake off their midweek exertions.

Queens had beaten St Mirren after extra-time on Tuesday whilst Alloa had taken Aberdeen to penalties on the same night and it was plain to see that both sets of players were struggling as quality attacking play was at a premium.  The two teams defended well enough but the forward play was lacklustre and there were few chances created.

Queens manager Jim McIntyre said: “You could clearly see that both teams had given so much during the week in the cup ties and it was a flat performance from both teams.  If anything was going to win it then it would be a break of the ball in the box.

“I don`t think there was much quality on show today.  It was just one step too far for both sides.”

Club captain Chris Higgins came back into the starting line-up and was happy with the clean sheet:

“From a defender`s point of view it was good with the clean sheet but it was far from a classic.  Both teams looked dead on their feet to be honest after extra time for ourselves and Alloa midweek.

“You`re always disappointed being out of the team but that`s just football.  Obviously being back in the team I`m quite happy and especially to get a clean sheet as a defender that`s the main thing.

“I think today was going to be a one goal game.  Both teams had a wee stramash in each box but it wasn`t to be, nothing each and both teams walk away and we`ve got a game in two weeks time.”

McIntyre was keen to take positives from the disappointing performance.

“I didn`t think either side offered too much going forward and were bereft of ideas but as I say when players are tired they don`t make the right decisions, they take extra touches and that was the story of the game.

“A point was fair for both sides and probably a better point for Alloa with them being away from home but a point and a clean sheet are the positives we take away from the game.”