Quick one-two in first half

The first half-hour wasn’t without its missed chances on both sides of the pitch until, in the 36th minute, Woods won a foul to the right of the Annan box and Sean Burns whipped a left-foot free kick over keeper Mitchell and in at his right-hand top corner.

And QP followed through with a second goal right on the stroke of half-time.

It was a nice move, McElroy feeding Slattery and the loanee putting it on a plate for Rooney to sidefoot a shot from just inside the box that beat Mitchell to the keeper’s right.

Down by two goals and yet to score at the opening of the second half, the visitors made a change at the break, bringing on veteran striker Peter Weatherson to replace Ryan McStay.

But it was Queen’s who looked more likely to add to their lead as they restarted strongly.

Carter headed down a Muir kick-out and proceeded to win the second ball and set off down the left, prompting a good spell of Spiders pressure.

Berry gave the referee the first name in his book for a foul.

There hadn’t been a bad tackle in the game by all reports but McColm had to go off on a stretcher after a challenge with Mitchell.

Junior Ogen was brought on, and then Andrew Mitchell limped off after contesting a 50-50 with Burns, Logan joining the fray from the busy Annan bench.

Much to the delight of a protesting home support, Watson was booked for persistent yard stealing at a throw-in.

Carter ended an energetic and productive shift in 81 minutes, earning a nice ovation as the heavens opened and unleashed a hailstorm, and McPherson came on to brave the elements.

Willie Muir was having one of his quieter games but, two minutes from time, he pulled off a fine diving save to deny Weatherson and then turned a Todd shot round his right-hand post.

Fraser got a run in the last two minutes in place of Rooney as Queen’s ran down the clock.

Queen’s Park sit second from the top in League Two with 59 points, five short of leaders Albion Rovers.

The Spiders meet Arbroath this Saturday at Gayfield Park

Bus leaves Clarkston at 10.30am; Mount Florida 10.45 and High Street railway station at 11.00am.

Kick-off 3pm.