Queen's have crown in sight
Magdalen's unbeaten home record came to an abrupt end on Monday as table-toppers Queen's recorded a comprehensive 3-1 victory.
A subdued start to the first half was interrupted by Magdalen's Giles Hayter's long range drive which crashed against the crossbar.
Queen's immediately retaliated, and were rewarded when Andy Batty needlessly tripped Sush Yalamanchili in the penalty area. Kurosh Nikbin duly converted to give Queen's a dream start.
The early penalty breathed new life into the game as play became disrupted by a number of reckless tackles on the rutted and uneven pitch.
Hayter was then twice denied from close range, first by the woodwork and then from a last ditch clearance from the impressive Paul Gorrie in the heart of the visitor's defence.
Queen's doubled their lead on the half hour mark when Gorrie rose above the defence to score with a well-placed header past Saunders.
The second half saw early Magdalen pressure as they sought to reduce the deficit. Humphries produced a good save from the Queen's keeper before the home side's defensive weaknesses were exposed as Nikbin was released down the right flank. A surging run brought him one-on-one with Saunders, and he showed no sign of nerves as his angled shot found the far corner of the goal.
The host's efforts were also rewarded soon after, however, as Rob Ivanmee evaded the Queen's defence and neatly lobbed the ball in from 12 yards out.
Ivanmee's goal rejuvenated Magdalen as they began to take hold in the middle third. A second goal seemed imminent, but strong defensive organisation marshalled by Gorrie protected Queen's lead.
At the other end, Yalamanchili fired just wide on the volley before an excellent cross nearly teed up a fourth, only to sneak agonisingly wide.
As the match drew to a conclusion, Magdalen seemed to give up hope of a comeback as conditions deteriorated. The last ten minutes were dominated by a succession of petty free-kicks.
Queen's skipper Nikbin praised a 'competent and solid team performance' and insisted his side had played 'the better football'.
Overall, this was an impressive performance which leaves Queen's in good stead for Wednesday's crucial game against Worcester. Victory there will all but seal the title.
27th Jan 2005