Queens Under 16s welcomed Airdrieonians down to Palmerston for a second midweek meeting of the season between the two sides. With a win each and a draw between the teams so far, a tight contest was predicted. Coach Ross Newlands provided the following report.

“After a slow start at Falkirk in the previous game, we asked the boys to come out the blocks early and they responded well, creating a few early opportunities, although the visitors looked a threat going forward. The positive start paid off as Caiden Baty opened the scoring for the home side, with a fine finish from the edge of the box. They quickly doubled their lead through William Salfenmoser who gave the away defense a torrid time in the first half with constant pressure.”

“Two up at the break, we asked the boys for more of the same, knowing the third goal would be crucial. However, it was The Diamonds who started the half better and took control of the game and with just over an hour played they had turned things round and held a 3-2 lead. But Queens’s hit back and as they managed to get a foothold in the game it turned a bit feisty with strong tackles and a couple of mini scuffles breaking up play and Airdrie were reduced to ten men following a headbutt on the Queens captain.”

“With the one-man advantage, the hosts ramped up the pressure and were rewarded in added on time when Salfenmoser sprung the offside trap and calmly finished for his second of the afternoon. With only one minute of added time left to play Queens went for the winner and almost found it when a Lewis White’s header crashed off the junction of the post and bar meaning the game ended all square. It was a game that the boys will have learned a lot from.”

Next up, Queens U16s have their final home game of the season when they take on Montrose at Palmerston on Sunday (12pm KO).