Queen of the South 0 St. Mirren 0

Last updated : 29 January 2005 By Footymad Previewer

Both teams had to settle for a point each in a match which could never be described as reaching any great heights.

The heavy going proved difficult for the sides, both of whom play a passing game. But Saints boss Gus MacPherson praised his keeper Craig Hinchcliffe for two fine saves which kept Queens at bay.

The first came in the opening stages when the keeper dived across goal to turn a left-foot rocket from Steve Bowey around the post.

The second was 10 minutes from time when he simply glided across his line to turn a 20-yard shot from Eric Paton for a corner.

In between there was little to enthuse the fans as a bright start by both teams fizzled out, with neither side able to make an early break through.

Saints seemed to gain the upper hand before the interval and gave the Dumfries defenders some anxious moments.

But their bright spell didn't last long, and even at the break failed to improve matters as they found it difficult to settle into the game.

Both teams eventually brought on substitutes to bolster their attacks, but while the match did liven up a little it was more through enthusiasm than skill.