A hat-trick from Paul Burns against Second Division East Fife saw the Doonhamers safely through to the Semi Final of the Alba Challenge Cup.

It was the visitors who enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges with Lloyd Young and Kurtis Byrne looking lively but a Weatherston free kick from the edge of the penalty area provided Burns with ample time and space to open the scoring in 32 minutes.

If the Methil Men considered themselves unfortunate to be behind at the interval it was to be a different story after the break. Within two minutes Burns directed a low drive past goalkeeper Michael Brown to give Queens a crucial two goal cushion. Byrne and Linn both spurned good chances to bring the Fifers back into the game before the Dumfries side added to their tally through the unfortunate John Ovenstone, whose flying header found the back of his own net in 64 minutes.

The home side were by now well on top and man of the match Burns completed his hat-trick with 12 minutes left on the clock, firing home from close range after some poor defending.

With just seconds remaining the Doonhamers made it five when Smart conceded a free kick within shooting range and Bob Harris duly provided the finish.

A long trip home for the fans from Fife who have yet to see their team progress beyond the Quarter Final stage in this competition.   

Queen of the South: Robinson, Reid, Lilley, Harris, Burns, Johnston (Carmichael 70), McKenna (McShane 74), Conroy, McLaren, Weatherston (Scally 73), Holmes
Substitutes Not Used: Hutton, McGuffie

East Fife: Brown, Muir, Durie, Murdoch, Smart, Sloan (Cargill 74), Young, Byrne, Hislop (Crawford 79), Linn, Johnstone (Ovenstone 57)
Substitutes Not Used: Baillie, Deland

Attendance: 1,751

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