Felvus (qpfc.com)

In stark contrast to Firs Park's rutted surface, the pitch at New Methil looked a joy to play on, and it certainly suits the new-style Q.P. method of playing. Gone is the long ball era which, whilst effective enough with the likes of John Gemmell and Willie Martin to the fore, did little to entertain which is one criticism which certainly cannot be levelled at Billy Stark's men.

Queen's, with Bryan Felvus given a rare opportunity to shine, took a little time to settle and nearly conceded an early goal when a half clearance from Richard Sinclair across his own penalty area was intercepted by Boyle before Danny Ferry could gain possession, and David Crawford was called upon to make a low save to his right hand side from the home team's left winger.

Then Paul Harvey linked well with Bryan Felvus who set up an opening for Mark Ferry whose powerful shot went straight at Morrison. The home 'keeper then tipped over a sizzling left foot snapshot from Ross Clark in the 17th minute, before another great move from Paul Harvey, Danny Ferry, Ross Clark and Harvey again saw Bryan Felvus shoved over as he tried to latch onto the final pass.

By now Queen's were in complete control and, no sooner than the home side gained possession, they were pressured into surrendering it cheaply. Frankie Carroll headed over after showing good movement to get on the end of the left wing cross, and the Queen's were denied a clear penalty after referee Winter ignored a second blatant push on Bryan Felvus who was about to get on the end of another scintillating move fashioned out by Paul Harvey, Frankie Carroll and Mark Ferry.

Then Paul Harvey sent a rising screamer of a shot inches over the bar as the culmination of another great move which had started deep in their own half.

Right on the half hour mark Alan Trouten was fortunate to get a lucky break of the ball, but again Morrison was equal to the task as he dived low to his left to clutch the youngster's well struck shot.

Mitchell was first to be cautioned in the 33rd minute when he felled Shaun Molloy with a dangerously high forearm as the Queen's defender bravely challenged for a loose ball.

Some reorganising in the home ranks began to stifle Queen's play somewhat, but the half ended with Queen's still in control, and Mark Ferry's snapshot didn't miss the target by much.

Shortly after the interval a visionary through ball from Ross Clark put Alan Trouten in the clear, but Morrison made a great save at close range, and then Bain did well to clear the loose ball before Frankie Carroll could stab it into the empty net.

Gavin Rushford was booked in the 54th minute for a straightforward foul, his first of the game, on the nippy Nicholas, and then Lumsden sent a powerful header straight at David Crawford.

Alan Trouten became the provider shortly afterwards when he put Bryan Felvus through with only Morrison to beat, but the youngster's flick past the advancing keeper went narrowly wide of the home goal. Felvus then volleyed a right wing cross from Ross Clark narrowly wide as Queen's kept up the pressure.

David Crawford made an easy save from an attempted chip by Nicholas before Ross Clark rose to nod a Paul Harvey corner just wide of goal.

Danny Ferry brought back memories of past glories with a forceful run which ended with his netbound effort being deflected for a corner.

As the game entered the last ten minutes, it began to look as if East Fife had somehow managed to weather the storm as Queen's began to get bogged down in midfield as the tiring Harvey's influence began to decline. However, Mark Ferry gratefully accepted a low pass from Shaun Molloy to execute a perfect right foot shot on the turn from the edge of the penalty area to send the ball to Morrison's left just inside the post.

It was no more than The Spiders deserved, although a moment of stupidity from Shaun Molloy a minute later when he needlessly shoved Nicholas at his own bye-line, an act for which he was cautioned, could have been dangerous had the free kick been a better one.

As it was, there was only the one more missed heartbeat with three minutes remaining when Nicholas sent an effort just past after Queen's had toiled to clear their lines.

Following the poor display a week previous, this was an important win for Queen's to safely maintain fourth place in the league, and they can now look forward to the visit of faltering Peterhead to Hampden this Saturday. Whilst there is little danger of the former Highland League outfit not being promoted by the end of the season, a win for Queen's would restore hopes that Cowdenbeath can yet be caught in the race for 3rd place.

looking to next season, it is important that Bryan Felvus be given as much first team experience as possible, and his performance was easily sufficient to merit his retaining his place even if Ally Graham is available to return as it is highly unlikely that either Ally Graham or Frankie Carroll will form part of next season's strike force.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE :  3/5

STAR SPIDER(S) :  Paul Harvey (an ability to play the first time pass that others can only dream about)

QUEEN’S PARK : David Crawford, Alan Trouten, Shaun Molloy, Gavin Rushford, Richard Sinclair, Paul Harvey, Bryan Felvus (Jonny Whelan - 82), Ross Clark, Danny Ferry, Frankie Carroll, Mark Ferry

Subs (not used) :  Alexander Cowie (G/K), Brian Blair, Tony Quinn, Tony Livingston

Scorer(s) : M. Ferry (80)

Booked : Rushford (54 - foul), Molloy (81 - deliberate foul)

EAST FIFE : Scott Morrison, Michael Renwick, Graeme Mathie, Craig Lumsden, Kevin Bain, Les Byle (Gavin Beith - 71), Kevin Steele (Sean Paliczka - 66), Greig McDonald, Stephen Nicholas, Johnny Mitchell, John Boyle (Kris Brash - 66)

Subs (not used) : John McCafferty (G/K), John Ferguson

Scorer(s) :   none

Booked : Mitchell (33 - dangerous play)

REFEREE : Brian Winter **  (* = inept, ** = poor, *** = mediocre, **** = good, ***** = excellent)

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