Leitch strike pegs back Warriors

STENHOUSEMUIR

Scott 27

QUEEN’S PARK

Leitch 47

1

It is all to play for between Stenhousemuir and Queen’s Park in their play-off semifinal after the first leg ended even at Ochilview.

But the Hampden side probably came away from the game with most satisfaction, battling back from a goal behind and earning the draw despite having to play the closing 12 minutes with only ten men after Adam Cummins was sent off.

Queen’s created the early chances, but the hosts took the lead on 27 minutes when a long throw from Ross Meechan was headed clear but only as far as Eddie Ferns. His lofted ball to the back post was nodded in by a diving Martin Scott.

Ferns came close to adding a second six minutes later with a 25-yard dipping effort that beat Queens keeper Michael White, only to clip the woodwork.

As the Warriors continued press the visiting defence, Mark Mcguigan was only inches off target with a lobbed effort from a similar distance.

Queen’s Park came out flying at the start of the second half and equalised within two minutes with a well-crafted goal.

Luke Donnelly released Gregor Fotheringham on the right and his cut-back was perfectly placed for Robbie Leitch to slam home from six yards.

Stenhousemuir hit back and, on 50 minutes, Colin Mcmenamin saw a header from six yards strike the inside of the post and bounce to safety.

The game continued at a frantic pace and, after a period of sustained pressure from the hosts, Queen’s stopper Cummins was dismissed with 12 minutes left for a waisthigh challenge on Ruaridh Donaldson.

With three minutes left, Aidan Keena thought he had snatched a dramatic victory when he cheekily curled home a quickly taken free-kick from 30 yards.

Referee Newlands, however, ruled the strike out as he had not blown for the kick to be taken.