Holmes (centre) scored Queens' second goal in Peterhead

By Sandra Brown BBC Scotland at Balmoor Stadium

Two goals in the space of a minute midway through the second half booked Queen of the South a place in next month's ALBA Challenge Cup final.

They had to fight for it as Peterhead were well in the game at Balmoor.

However, Craig Reid drilled in the opener after 65 minutes and the win was secured when Derek Holmes fired the ball past goalkeeper John Bateman.

Martin Bavidge headed a reply with 13 minutes remaining, but it is Queens who are through to their third final.

Dennis Wyness had a great chance to open the scoring for the home side after three minutes.

Reid (right) put the Dumfries side ahead at Balmoor Stadium

But Queens goalkeeper Lee Robinson touched his 20-yard effort out for a corner.

Paul Emslie also came close as he rattled the crossbar at the end of a goalless first half.

After the break, it was Queens' turn to hit the woodwork, Holmes' header coming off the base of the post.

Those quick goals, the second coming after good work from Willie McLaren, ensured the victory.

While Neale Cooper's side did not give up and pulled a goal back, it was the Dumfries side who advanced to yet another Challenge Cup final.

Peterhead: Bateman, Donald, MacDonald, Stuart Smith, Moore, McVitie (Strachan 82), Anderson, Emslie, Bavidge, Wyness (David Ross 73), Sharp.
Subs Not Used: Jarvie, Scott Ross, Campbell.

Booked: Stuart Smith.

Goals: Bavidge 78.

Queen of the South: Robinson, McGuffie, Lilley, Harris, Craig Reid, Burns, Quinn (Scally 83), Johnston, Conroy, Holmes (Weatherston 71), McLaren.
Subs Not Used: Hutton, Carmichael, McShane.

Booked: Lilley.

Goals: Craig Reid 66, Holmes 69.

Att: 1,003

Ref: M Tumilty

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