Now with the run-down of the performances.
Colin Stewart has played fairly well since coming back to Hampden on loan, but I don't feel he has come back to form. To blame for the goal? Judge for yourselves, but it did look as if his positional play had gone to hell. Made a great save after the goal, allegedly - I was at the pie stand. I'll give him credit for a fantastic save made in the second half. A bouncing volley, superbly parried when it looked certain to hit the net. A save worthy of the Premier Division.
Steven Fallon played fairly well, and showed calmness at the back. Not a player you can say much on. Should start for McCormack in future weeks.
John Gallagher had a decent match, but pace could become a problem further on in the season. Intelligence and a cool head make up for lack of speed. Amazingly, not tested very often.
Steven Moffat was one of QP's best players and I believe that he is the best at the club. He is such a composed player with a great future ahead of him and I hope that Queen's can hold onto him for a bit longer. Missed a golden opportunity in the first half, but played very well overall.
Damiano Agostini played steadily again. Nothing more to say. No nonsense defender doing his job!
Tony Quinn didn't attack enough, in my opinion. As Queen's have a very light-weight attack, his offence is required in an attempt to look for goals.
Danny Ferry started magnificently, but fell away somewhat after the Stirling goal. By far QP's best player, confidence is everything for the Queen's captain, and he was well supported by the travelling support. Can he shoot from 20 yards? Eh, no. Was expected to drive a shot in, in injury time, and needless to say, it didn't go anywhere. Which brings us on to............
Johnny Whelan. Unfit. Off-form. Whatever. The man is not playing well. What he was doing on the half-way line when the game was in the Stirling box is a huge mystery. Hasn't played well this season, if I'm being honest. Time to give the experienced Darren Magee a chance in the side. Craig Taggart came on to replace Whelan, and was given a respectful round of applause from the Stirling crowd.
Willie Martin tries hard, very hard. But the attack is so weak at the moment, and Martin can't be expected to score following poor crosses and set-pieces. Set the man up, and I'm sure he will score. Needs a helper up-front. Paddy Gallagher came on near the end, but was easily escorted out of the box when Stirling were in some danger at the death.
Stuart Jack's crossing needs to be worked on. Some corners were laughably, or, if you are a Queen's fan, quite painful to watch. He is a good player, but he doesn't have the strength to trouble defenders such as Stirling's. Their centre-halfves aren't good footballers, but they have size - and size plays a huge role at this level. John Gemmell came on with 20 minutes left, but inexplicably didn't do anything. At the moment, he is scoring barrels of goals for the reserves. Disappointing.
Jimmy Allan - see Stuart Jack.
I'm not putting the entire team down, far from it, but there is a distinct lack of a goal-scorer and decent dead-ball player. The usual stand-outs played well again; Danny Ferry and Steven Moffat. I think Whelan should be left out, as there is no point in sticking with a guy that has failed to produce the goods this season. I feel like a hypocrite by saying that Queen's need strength when they have John Gemmell, but they need a bit of presence too. Maybe I'm asking too much, but if goals aren't going to be scored in the future, I can't see beyond 10th place.
No "Allez" after the Montrose game, seeing as I am away on holiday ( The sunny climes of North Berwick, no less ), but I will keep my eyes and ears on the score. Look out for a potential "Oh Hampden In The Sun" coming to you from the nation's capital. See you soon.
Star Player - Danny Ferry
Match Rating - **