BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
GAVIN SKELTON insists Queen of the South proved their mettle by bouncing back from their battering at Ibrox with a gutsy 0-0 draw against Hibs.
The Dumfries outfit retained top-spot in the Championship with the stalemate and could have nicked all three points after Lewis Stevenson was sent off for the Hibees, with Ofir Marciano making a super stop to deny Dale Hilson.
While Hibs had passable opportunities – particularly through Jason Cummings – Queens’ defensive showing was night and day compared to their porous effort in midweek when they lost 5-0 to Rangers.
And boss Skelton reckons that illustrates the character the shock league leaders possess.
He said: “I’m really pleased with that result. With the week we have had, conceding five against Rangers, to show that attitude and those fitness levels was absolutely fantastic.
“The whole back five showed magnificent determination and towards the end we might even have got a winner.
”Both teams had a right go in really difficult weather conditions and to come away with a clean sheet and still be top of the league is very satisfying.
“There were some moans and groans [in the crowd] and I was thinking ‘we’re going quite well here!’ But the important thing, after Tuesday, was that we didn’t get beat. I hope this result gives the players plenty of belief – because I believe in them.”
Skelton reserved special praise for experienced defender Chris Higgins, making his first appearance in six weeks – and in the unfamiliar role of left-back.
“I thought Higgy was great stepping back into the team,” added the Queens gaffer. “It has been difficult for him, after playing so much last season, to be out of the team. But he has been brilliant around the place.”
