The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘Ridiculous’ conditions see calls for winter break grow
DUNFERMLINE: Just 727 souls brave elements to watch arduous non-event
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH 0 DUNFERMLINE 0
Lee Robinson called on the authorities to consider an extended winter break after suffering in horrendous conditions in Dumfries.
The Met Office declared an amber weather warning due to Storm Deirdre and the Dunfermline goalkeeper emerged for the second half wearing a woolly jumper, a waterproof and a snood wrapped around his head.
The 32-year-old admitted his team-mates feared for him during the interval, saying: “I didn’t think I could go back out second half, the boy’s thought I was a proper state. Higgy (Kallum Higginbotham) said I looked blue. I’ve never played in conditions like that in my whole career.”
Not only did the arctic conditions contribute to an arduous 90 minutes of football, it also kept supporters from attending.
Police advised away fans and the Dunfermline media team not to travel while the attendance of just 727 brave souls indicated that home fans also chose the warmth of indoors.
Robinson added: “I think it’s another reason why they should give lads a break over winter. It’s not like the top level where the players are paid pots of money or have international tournaments to be concerned with.
“We were told before the game that our supporters couldn’t travel due to the dangerous conditions but that just reaffirms why the powers should look at a winter break.
“People pay their hard-earned money to come and watch the game so we should be trying to put on the best product possible.”
The former Rangers stopper had almost nothing to do as the visitors dominated proceedings without creating many clear-cut chances.
Faissal El Bakhtaoui wasted the best opportunity when he dragged a low effort just past the post on the half-hour.
Lyndon Dykes started up front in the absence of talisman Stephen Dobbie and he had the hosts’ only chance when he curled an effort just wide of the post with the outside of his boot on 51 minutes.
Queens were grateful to Alan Martin for securing them a point as he made a string of smart stops, notably from Higginbotham.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper echoed the views of his counterpart, saying: “I couldn’t feel my fingers, that’s the coldest conditions I’ve ever experienced. It was ridiculous.”