Queen of the South 1 Falkirk 3

Last updated : 21 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Falkirk boss John Hughes was delighted to see his side get their first league win under their belt after a disappointing start to the new season.

With just one point from their opening two games and facing up to a side against which they had failed to score in all four outings last season, Hughes was anxious at the start.

But his side quickly eased his anxiety as they took the lead in just nine minutes when David Nicholls cracked the ball home from 25 yards as it was headed out of the Dumfries defence.

They looked set for more before receiving a jolt when Queens were awarded a penalty in 25 minutes after Steve Bowey was pulled down by Kevin James and David McNiven slotted home the equaliser.

The Dumfries side took fresh heart and it was only a neat save by keeper Darren Hill that kept out a lob from Bowey.

But Russell Latapy came close to regaining the lead for Falkirk with a well struck free-kick from just outside the box which just went over the top of the bar.

Falkirk however, did get the lead back three minutes after the break when a long ball upfield went over the heads of the Dumfries defenders and Darryl Duffy ran in to slip it past the advancing keeper.

This put Falkirk on to their game and Queens keeper Colin Scott was given a busy spell, making one spectacular save and tipping over a shot from Nicholls.

Then five minutes from time Queens were left protesting a decision by the referee as the ball was kicked upfield and substitute Neil Scally who had only been on the field for a minute, neatly slipped the ball home to ensure the points.

Queens Gary Wood was sent off within seconds for dissent.