It`s almost four months to the day since Queens last played at the Falkirk Stadium. A lot has changed since then.

For one, Queens and Falkirk were facing off in the play-offs with a chance to play in the Premiership. The league didn`t contain any of the `big three` in May either.

And, perhaps most notably, Jim McIntyre was the Doonhamers manager. But the World keeps on turning and James Fowler`s Queens side stuck in and performed doggedly to grab an important point in a 1-1 draw with the Bairns.

Gavin Reilly smashed home the game`s opening goal but an unfortunate Mark Durnan own goal meant Fowler`s caretaker reign didn`t get off to a winning start.

However, after the opening 45 minutes, it seemed like this game was destined for a dull 0-0 draw. Derek Lyle was the first man to register a shot on target after ten minutes but his effort was drilled straight at Jamie MacDonald in the Falkirk goal.

Lyle smashes a shot goalward

At the other end, Chris Higgins was booked for chopping down Rory Loy just outside the box and David Smith came close for the hosts with the resulting free kick. However, the opening 20 minutes passed with little incident and both sides struggled to break down one another.

Rory Loy forced Zander Clark in to his first save after the half hour mark but the Queens `keeper didn`t have to move far to stop the former Rangers striker. Moments later Dan Carmichael delivered a dangerous cross in to the box for Gavin Reilly to rifle home but the striker failed to connect with the ball.

Reilly went close again ten minutes later as he swivelled on the edge of the box and volleyed the ball past Jamie MacDonald who didn`t move an inch. Unfortunately for the visitors the ball flew inches by the post as Queens had the best chance of the first half.

Craig Thomson blew the whistle for half time and a chorus of boos echoed around the Falkirk Stadium as the 3793 in attendance were disappointed at the quality of football on show in the opening 45.

Queens set about improving the quality early on as Carmichael ran at the Falkirk back four, causing them problems but it was the final ball which was lacking. Kevin Holt tried to inspire Queens to the game`s opening goal when he drilled the ball across the six yard box but McCracken cleared the danger for Falkirk.

Rory Loy tried to edge the visitors in front but his shot scraped by the post as the Bairns started to apply pressure to Queens.

The 250 travelling Doonhamers were almost celebrating moments later, however, as Carmichael forced MacDonald to make a superb save as he fired in a shot which looked destined to make the top corner.

MacDonald challenges Carmichael

Queens then drew first blood through Gavin Reilly as he opened the scroing just before the 70 minute mark. Carmichael was the provider and the 22-year-old smashed the ball home from six yards, finding the top corner superbly

Reilly, left of photo, drills the ball home

Reilly celebrates his strike

However, the Queens euphoria didn`t last long and with ten minutes to go Falkirk drew level through a Mark Durnan own goal. Craig Sibbald fired a free kick low and hard and the ball appeared to strike several players with Durnan being the unlucky man to touch it last.

Falkirk equalise but Higgins looks innocent

Both sides failed to create any chances to go on and win the game but James Fowler`s side grabbed a share of the points. 

Queens remain fourth in the table and with a tough run of fixtures coming up, every point is vital in this season`s Championship.