Gavin Reilly fires Queen of the South in front (Image: QoSFC2021)

Queen of the South boss pleased side were focused against Edinburgh City

The Doonhamers dealt with their crisis hit opponents as they ran out 3-1 winners

by · Daily Record

Marvin Bartley was pleased his side were able to focus on their own game against crisis club Edinburgh City.

The Citizens are mired in a financial crisis with some players not being paid their wages last month which has led to some of the squad leaving the club.

It cast a large question mark over what side Queens would face at Palmerston on Saturday, but the Doonhamers dealt with their opponents to win 3-1.

Bartley said: “One thing we did know was we’d be facing young players who have been given an opportunity.

“With that comes energy and they’d want to come and go out and play off the cuff. So we looked at the Stirling game, that was the only one we had a reference to, but you have to just concentrate on yourselves.

Queen of the South boss Marvin Bartley (Image: QoSFC2021)

“Even from the team we thought we’d play they had a few young boys missing. Robbie Leitch came back in for them today and they added someone last minute.

“It just comes down to yourself after a while.”

An early goal from Gavin Reilly was cancelled out by Robbie Mahon in the second half. But Lewis Gibson quickly put Queens back in front and Craig McGuffie sealed the win in the 93rd minute.

Craig McGuffie seals the win (Image: QoSFC2021)

But Queens could have made it an easier afternoon for themselves if they had stuck away some excellent chances.

Bartley said: “It was a good game. It’s just about winning games of football so we’re happy with the game and the result.

“Could it have been more comfortable than 3-1? Potentially. We had chances in the first half we could have put away and it’s strange to say after winning a game 3-1.

“Their goalkeeper pulls off one save from Gavin, another hits him in the face, I think Lee Connelly is close to scoring as well so yeah it could have been more comfortable.”

A negative on the day was captain Harry Cochrane coming off injured early on with a knee problem.

Bartley said: “We don’t know the extent of it at this moment in time. He went in for a tackle and felt something so he’ll be assessed in the coming days.”

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