Despite a home draw this game was played in Killyleagh on very warm, sunny day. Following last week's fine win it was frustrating that 6 of that squad were not available for this first round Steel Cup tie. This situation was made worse by early injuries to Paul McDonald and Tony Tumelty. Goalkeeper Marty Walker and midfielder Michael Allison made their debuts.
The game started at a fast pace and players on the ball had to use it quickly or be tackled. Both teams were mostly kicking long balls, defences were mostly on top and good chances were at a premium. For Queen's James Lavery controlled the ball well, spun away from a defender and his low left footer was turned away for a corner by Killyleagh keeper McKenna. Right winger Gary Morrison was giving the Queen's defence some problems with his jinking runs and he had the best chance of the half, his shot from 16 yards very well saved by the diving Walker. It was very competitive with tackles flying in, especially when Killyleagh keeper McKenna cynically brought down Queen's winger David Magee with a scything tackle on the left touchline.
Queen's started passing the ball much better in the second half and dominated possession but still found the Killyleagh defence hard to crack. James Lavery had a chance from a corner but couldn't guide his header into the goal. On the break Killyleagh had the best chance of the game, Ryan Blayney's left foot shot was saved by Walker with his legs and amazingly Walker was on his feet in time to beat away Morrison's follow up shot. The inevitable extra time soon arrived and with three minutes left, Queen's best chance of the game fell to Paul Kennedy six yards out but his scuffed shot went wide. Our record in penalty shootouts is poor. The two keepers were the heroes, each saving two kicks but Queen's also hit one wide giving Killyleagh the victory.
After last week's fine performance this was a disappointment and the new injuries are a concern especially with a league game to play at Knockbreda on Monday night, a game which will fully test the depth and resolve of the squad.
Teams: -
Queen's:
M. Walker, R. Budden, M. McManus, DJ. Canavan, D. Tumilty, D. Magee, M. Allison, G. Higgins, P. McDonald, J. Lavery, T. Tumelty
Subs: P. McGuickin, P. Kennedy, P. Donnelly.