It wasn't a great match by any means and the goals - all excellently taken - were the only real highlights of the game.
Queen's, however, couldn't have gotten off to a worse start and Kerrigan found the net after 4 minutes. Allan Dunning came in to replace Davie McCallum, but was played too deep to be effective and Danny Ferry was often lost on the left. The second goal was even more disappointing. A header from the unmarked Morris proved that Agostini can't cope on his own in aerial situations.
Although a back three is played by Brannigan, Agostini at times seems to be the only player in the centre of the area with Fallon playing more on the left helping Ferry and Sinclair pushing himself forward. The defence seems to be needing a bit of tightening up as too often Queen's are caught off guard either in the air or in counter-attack situations.
The first and third Stirling goal came from break aways with the third coming from a header. It must be said, however, that Stirling are a team of great physical strength, especially at the back. That didn't stop John Gemmell from playing one his best games of the season so far up front, though. He looked more mature and worked much harder on the ground. His partner, David Menelaws, didn't get much of a look in up front.
In midfield, the play was even. In the first half, Stirling played some excellent football, but they fell away in the second period allowing the grit of Ross Clark to over power the likes of Crilly and Hay. Johnny Whelan commanded the play well and scored a brilliant goal on 82 minutes. He turned superbly in the box and fired a low shot past Hogarth, off the post, and into the net.
The return of Allan Dunning was a cause for hope, but he looked uncertain in his right wing back position. It would seem than Dunning would be more comfortable in an attacking role.
Stuart Kettlewell was unusually invisible in the middle of the park, perhaps missing the partnership he has with David McCallum.
Although the game saw four men booked - two for both sides - referee Fyfe handled the game well and saw through the blatant cheating from certain Stirling players. Crilly and Kerrigan weren't afraid to fall to the ground on random occasions and the ref - well clued up on this type of clowning around - rightly ignored all attempts of acting.
Stirling took their chances well and Queen's goalkeeper Mark Cairns was unfortunate with all three. He was called into action in the second half and made two very good stops.
The man of the match, however, goes to John Gemmell. As I said, he looked hungrier and fought for every ball. His injury time equaliser was a beautiful downward header. Danny Ferry, who had played reasonably well, flighted a majestic cross into the area and Gemmell out-jumped Rowe and McNally to send the crowd into hysteria. Stirling 'keeper Hogarth had no chance with the header that bounced off the post and into the net.
There are positives and negatives that can be taken from this match. Three goals from three different players is a good sign as is the increase in work-rate on the park from most players. The fitness levels are still very high and Stirling seemed to tire towards the end.
However, I hate to say that the defence needs to be sharper to attacks in future. Queen's have conceded 22 goals in Brannigan's 12 game term and many of these could have been avoided. The absence of Steven Moffat is extremely evident and it's up to the manager to fix these defensive leaks.
Currently, the strongest area is in midfield. McCallum, Whelan, Clark and Kettlewell are all playing very well in the centre and the skill of McCallum and Kettlewell is well balanced by the determination of Clark and Whelan.
I suppose it's the story of the season all of this. Queen's play well, but are still punished by falling asleep at the wheel. Today, though, the team woke up just in time to gain a well earned point.
Player Ratings: Cairns 6, Ferry 6, Dunning 7 (Martin 6), Sinclair 6, Agostini 6, Fallon 6, Clark 7, Whelan 7, Gemmell 8, Kettlewell 6, Menelaws 6
Man of the Match: John Gemmell
Match Rating: **