If this report is somewhat shorter than usual, then it simply reflects the shortage of meaningful action in this drab "end of season" encounter. This was the fifth meeting of the sides in a seven month period, and it showed. It was clear that both sides had been well briefed on where the danger was likely to materialise from their opponents, and at times it was like watching a cautious game of chess as the pieces were moved about the board with only the occasional threat materialising.

Stuart Kettlewell stretched to head a Paul Harvey corner over the bar in the 3rd minute, whilst Sinclair received an early booking a minute later for a late challenge on Tony Quinn.

Retired/Not-retired (delete as applicable) fans favourite Jonny Whelan made an excellent saving tackle on Savage in the 16th minute, and it was a further 20 minutes before quill was put to parchment to note Stuart Kettlewell's drive which dipped narrowly over the bar.

Shortly after the interval, Savage saw a reasonable penalty claim for handball turned down before he shot wide with only David Crawford to beat.

At the other end McCulloch needed two goes at gathering a dipping shot from Paul Harvey, whilst Danny Ferry had to look lively in front of his goal to block out Savage who was beginning to make a nuisance of himself in his lone striking role.

A 58th minute header from Mark Ferry was easily saved by McCulloch, and then an attempted cross from Frankie Carroll was nearly deflected into his own goal by McGregor, but McCulloch recovered his balance well to tip the ball round his left hand post at full stretch.

Stuart Kettlewell also headed straight at McCulloch before McGregor was deservedly booked for a dangerous challenge on an unusually subdued Alan Trouten.

With five minutes remaining a long range shot from Sinclair drifted wide, whilst all that could be said about Stuart Kettlewell's high left foot drive a couple of minutes later was that it was at least an attempt at goal.

Meanwhile Gretna were making promotion a certainty with their narrow victory at Cowdenbeath, thereby ensuring an enthusiastic (if not bumper) crowd for next Saturday's visit by Queen's. Hopefully Gretna will have a decent go at Queen's which will at least ensure an exciting attacking game for both sets of supporters. Better that than this drab dreich affair, where even the legendary rustle of sweetie papers failed to stir the players from their slumbers.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE :  2/5

STAR SPIDER(S) :  Paul Harvey (below his best, but better than the rest)

QUEEN’S PARK : David Crawford, Alan Trouten, Shaun Molloy  (Richard Sinclair - 70), Gavin Rushford, Jonny Whelan, Paul Harvey, Stuart Kettlewell, Tony Quinn, Danny Ferry, Frankie Carroll, Mark Ferry (Ally Graham - 70)

Subs (not used) :  Alexander Cowie (G/K), Brian Blair, Ross Clark

Scorer(s) : none

Booked : none

STENHOUSEMUIR : Willie McCulloch, Stevie Fallon, Robbie Henderson, Greig McCulloch, Steven McGregor, Paul Murphy, Martin Lauchlan (Kevin Struthers - 69), Thomas Sinclair, Joe Savage (Craig Menzies - 90), John Paul McBride, Anthony Smith (David McInally - 62)

Subs (not used) : James Kirkham (G/K), Stewart Easton

Scorer(s) :   none

Booked : Sinclair (4 - late challenge), McGregor (79 - dangerous challenge)

REFEREE : Stuart Dougal ***   (* = inept, ** = poor, *** = mediocre, **** = good, ***** = excellent)

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