It was back to Palmerston under the lights as we welcomed Stenhousemuir for the first leg of our promotion play-off semi-final. Ross Stewart had recovered from his recent injury and was back in goals and Jack Hannah was also back after his ankle injury. They were two of five changes made by the manager from the side that started at Alloa, captain Matty Douglas, Kai Kennedy and Nicky Clark were also back in the side. Jamie Sneddon returned to Falkirk after his emergency loan came to an end while, Jordan Allan, Ben Johnstone, Niall Rogerson and Euan Ross all dropped to the bench.
It was a very attacking start to the game by Queens and the visitors cleared an early header from Douglas. The hosts were really on the front foot and Liam Smith showed some great footwork as he jinxed his way into the box, before playing in Clark, with no space to shoot the ball was played out to Kennedy who floated the ball back across the box but Zander Mackenzie mis-timed his connection.
Two minutes later, Smith again threatened and as the ball was knocked clear for a corner, Douglas tried an acrobatic kick but it was too high. Queens continued to press and Smith continued to run the visitors ragged and as his run set-up a chance for Kennedy, Darren Jamieson made a good save. As the corner was played in Clark, Brennan Dickenson and Mikey Hewitt all had attempts but couldnt get through the solid backline.
It had been very much Queens in the opening period but midway through the first half, Dale Carrick played the ball over the top for Euan OReilly who had stayed onside to deliver the ball into the area but it was out of reach of Matty Aitken.
Back at the other end, Kennedy delivered a great ball into the middle for Clark, his header was decent but Jamieson made the save. Queens were relentless and were denied what looked like a penalty when Hewitt crossed from the right and Mackenzie was taken out as he went to shot, it looked like a strong claim but it wasnt given by Lloyd Wilson.
With just over half an hour gone, the visitors were allowed to take a quick free-kick and as Oli Whyte chased, Douglas made a well-timed challenge inside the box.
Queens had really gone for it in the first half and as they looked to make a breakthrough Jamieson fumbled Kennedys free-kick. They had created a number of chances but hadnt been able to make them count and against the run of play the visitors took the lead. When three minutes before the break, Gregor Buchanans effort took a deflection past Stewart.
HALF TIME: Queens 0 Stenhousemuir 1
Five minutes after the restart Mackenzie made a great challenge inside the box as Carrick broke but it was Queens who quickly stepped it up again and as Smith made his way down the right he played in Jack Stott, who had come on at half-time for Dickenson who had taken a head knock, the midfielders effort was cleared for a corner.
A minute later a mistake by Reece Lyon let OReilly away but as he shot, Stewart got down to save. The ball was quickly back up field and Kennedy and Smith again combined to force yet another corner. That came to nothing as the visitors had everyone back behind the ball crowding out any threat. But as Kennedys free-kick was knocked back out to Stott, Jamieson made a terrific save to deny him from 20-yards.
Midway through the second half, Mackenzie played the ball into the box for Douglas to head on but as it fell to Clark who was at the back post his header was saved. Into the final fifteen minutes, Queens were still searching for a goal but they have Stewart to thank for keeping them from falling further behind when he had strong arms to clear from Ross Taylor.
Queens had been dominant but still trailed and as they threw everything at it, Kennedys free-kick was bundled clear before Clark missed a great chance when he dragged his effort wide. It looked like it was going to be one of those nights until the 91st minute when Lyon latched onto a Smith cutback and drilled the ball past Jamieson to level.
It was no more than Queens deserved and they now head to Ochilview on Saturday for the second leg.
FULL TIME: Queens 1 Stenhousemuir 1