Easton relishes ‘special’ goal as 10-man Loons fight back for draw

QUEEN’S PARK 2 FORFAR ATHLETIC 2

Forfar left Hampden Park with mixed emotions after a dramatic draw which saw them take the lead before falling behind and then come close to winning after being reduced to 10 men.

A fantastic curling free-kick from Dylan Easton 15 minutes from time and just two minutes after Eddie Malone had been dismissed secured a point and the goalscorer was delighted with his 22-yard effort.

Easton said: “I have been practising free-kicks and some of them have been going over the bar so I was delighted to see that one go in.

“The manager has been saying that every free-kick I have taken has been a pass-back to the goalkeeper but that one was the best one of my career.”

With the future of the National Stadium uncertain, Easton added: “It could potentially be the last time I play here so it was a bit special. I have been here six times before and still haven’t won but I have scored now. I am delighted with that.”

The Loons had gone in front after just four minutes when a mighty punt from goalkeeper Marc McCallum released Dale Hilson and he lofted the ball over the advancing Michael White for his first goal since re-joining the club.

Queens levelled half-an-hour later when Adam Cummins headed in a Sean Burns freekick and they took the lead on 52 minutes when Aidan Keena found the net from six yards after the Loons defence had failed to clear a free-kick.

It looked like a home win was on the cards when Malone picked up his second booking but Easton equalised and within a minute Matty Aitken missed an open goal.

Easton added: “We are playing okay just now and are unlucky that we have not picked up more points. We went into this game on a high after the 5-1 win over Stranraer but despite going ahead early we were not great in the first half.

“The manager mentioned that that we seem to need to react to things before getting the best out of us.

“After we have reacted to the sending off we could have nicked all three points as Matty had a great chance but after being behind we can class it as a good point. It could turn out to be a precious one come the end of the season.”