As mentioned, the first match was no classic and Queen's looked very off colour. Danny Ferry struggled at the back on the left hand side and even the formidable duo of Damiano Agostini and Steven Moffat were struggling with the Rovers attack. Johnny Whelan did brilliant in midfield and it was his magnificent diving header which produced the draw.
A strong travelling Hoops support roared, screamed, shouted and sung their way through the second match and an equal amount of spirit was shown through the way that Queen's played. Steven Fallon and Willie Martin were the two main factors of the tie, and the supporters showed their appreciation of the two youngsters by voting the couple as the best players in the side. It's not fair, however, to say that it was solely a two man show as every player worked their socks off in what were tough conditions at Cliftonhill.
Tony Mitchell : 8 Tony struggled against Gretna and the wind was going to be no help to him against Rovers, but after a shaky start Tony made some brilliant saves in the second half when Queen's were under pressure from the direct style of the Coatbridge side.
Gordon Lappin: 7 Gordon came into the side for Richard Sinclair and played very well considering he has not played consistently for a few months. Played with boundless energy, got forward well and got stuck into some tough midfield challenges. Good comeback.
Danny Ferry: 8 A much better performance from the Queen's captain and set a brilliant example with a fantastic all-round display. He was unfairly booked in the second-half, but Ferry played like a gentleman in what was a difficult atmosphere.
Steven Moffat: 8 Steven simply did his job with excellent clearing under pressure and met every high ball with assurance. Steven is a brilliant help to Tony Mitchell who is currently going though a rough patch with crosses. What more can be said about this brilliant talent?
Damiano Agostini: 8 Should Steven Moffat leave at the end of the season, big "D" will no doubt be upset as he and Moffat have created a superb partnership at the back. An absolute rock.
Steven Fallon: 9 Man of the match all the way, in my opinion. Tackled, grafted and did everything and more to help the cause. Queen's can only pray that Steven stays at the club for years to come. Wonderfully fantastic.
Willie Martin: 9 Willie did the running and was a brilliant distraction for the Albion defence. More importantly he scored the second goal by running a good 40 yards before smashing the ball underneath the less than convincing Scott Shearer. A huge prospect.
Johnny Whelan: 8 Whelan is one of the best players at the club and a brilliant leader too. He has held the midfield together alongside the inexperienced Ross Clark in the absence of Tony Quinn.
John Gemmell: 7 John did well to win plenty in the air against some tough Albion defenders, but needs to up the work rate if he wants to realise his full potential. Replaced by Menelaws at the death.
Ross Clark: 7 Ross played his best match and got stuck in when it mattered. If he can shake off any confidence worries, Ross could be a vital player alongside Whelan.
James Allan: 8 Allan ran for the duration and was having a field day on the left-hand side. He will certainly go at the end of the season, but I'm sure he will never forget 2002/2003 with Queen's Park. Replaced by Chris Fisher.
Should this be Paul Martin's final match in charge, he will be proud to leave with a fine cup win under his belt. Will Kenny Brannigan be his replacement?
Either way, thank you, Paul.