A disappointing performance at Annan today saw the u20's lose the three year grip they've had on the South of Scotland Cup as Dalbeattie Star triumphed by a score of 2-1. There can be no complaints at the result and, in truth, Dalbeattie were closer to adding to the margin of the win than to conceding an equaliser.

Queens fielded a relatively strong side, without Aidan Smith, on duty with Annan Athletic at Forfar in the playoffs, and also the injured Shane Glean and Jake Thompson but otherwise had a full squad to pick from including six players with at least one first team appearance to their name this season. The conditions weren't great with a strong wind making things difficult but neither side started particularly well. Queens almost took the lead in 10 minutes though when Owen Moxon snuck in at the back post to meet a deep cross but his header came back off the bar and Ross Fergusson couldn't quite get to the rebound in time. Fergusson however suffered an early hamstring strain and had to go off to be replaced by Robbie Miller which meant a formation shuffle.

Dalbeattie took the lead six minutes before the break when Joe Slattery, brother of former Queens player Pat, took advantage of an error down the left and cut into the box before slotting the ball under Jack Leighfield from about 8 yards. Queens however got themselves to the interval back on level terms thanks to a goal with virtually the last touch of the half. Dean Brotherston's deep corner was met at the back post by Ayrton Sonkur who headed back across the face of goal and left Scott Hooper with the simplest of tasks to nod in from practically on the goalline.

The important action in the second period took place within a minute of the restart though as Richie Maxwell seized on a loose ball following a set piece to poke into the net from close range. Though there was much effort, Queens never looked like finding an equaliser. Jesse Akubuine came on for Ewan Gourlay as time began to tick down and Queens pushed extra men forward but to no avail. Indeed Star came closer to extending their lead on a couple of occasions.

Click here for a gallery of photos from the game.

Team:
J Leighfield, E Gourlay (J Akubuine), S Hooper, O Bell, A Sonkur, R Murray, D Brotherston, O Moxon, R Fergusson (R Miller), C Murray, J McInally

For Scott Hooper, Bob Murray, Ayrton Sonkur, Dean Brotherston, Owen Moxon and Jay McInally today represented their final outings in a Queens shirt. We wish them all the best for the future.