Tony Mitchell: Once more, he lacked authority when dealing with crosses and set-pieces, and did not command his area with enough conviction. Letting in 4 goals will hopefully not damage his belief too much. Made a fine double-save early on, as Queen's allowed Shire back into the game despite them seemingly 2-goals-down-and-out after only a few minutes. 5.
Gordon Lappin: One of Gordon's best games so far, especially during the first half when he was able to get down the right flank on a few occasions. Had a hand in the opening goal, with his free-kick being met by Gemmell, however was exposed for Shire's second by substitute Gerry Boyle. This occurred after he switched wings with Danny Ferry, to cater for the danger of Dylan Kerr. More comfortable on the right, and replaced by Stuart Kettlewell, possibly because of tiredness accelerated by his lack of games recently. 7.
Danny Ferry: Had quite a clever game during the first half, when he marauded down his wing and totally outfoxed the visiting defence with an impudent turn in one instance. Sadly, as Queen's were penned back more during the second period, Danny struggled, and a swap of sides to shadow Kerr did not help matters, leaving the defence looking confused. 6.
Steven Moffat: Only managed 45 minutes, as a knock picked up just before half-time forced Steven to leave the field, to be replaced by Richard Sinclair. Didn't have too much to cope with until going off, but his value was much appreciated by his absence in a torrid second half for Queen's. 6.
Damiano Agostini: Too hesitant to make tackles on opposing forwards at times, and not commanding enough in the air either, despite his ample height. 5.
Steven Fallon: Playing in a sweeper role allows Stevie to mop things up and cover for others' mistakes, and it's a role he fulfils well. Like Agostini, not assisted by having the defensive unit disrupted by Moffat's injury. 6.
Willie Martin: Ran his socks off again, before being disappointingly subbed, David Menelaws his replacement. Perhaps Kenny Brannigan felt a change was needed with the score back to 3-3, as Queen's desperately had to change the pattern of the game, but I felt Willie had a little more left to give. 7.
Johnny Whelan: Having scored in both of the last two home games, Johnny was less impressive yesterday, though he always gave his all. Flicked on for Gemmell to head home the second, and missed a great chance to put Queen's back in front in the last 10 minutes, cracking a right-footer off the post from a few yards out. 6.
John Gemmell: A dream start, but Gemmell faded as the game wore on, and was perhaps fortunate to remain on the park. Did very well, though, to fire home two goals so early on. Although Queen's tend to play stronger away from home, in goal terms the opposite is true with John: all 7 of his goals this season have been scored in Mount Florida. 7.
Ross Clark: Getting stronger by the game. Ross is settling into the team well, though Queen's do still miss the tackling and authority of Quinn in the middle of the park. Ross's attacking instincts also seem to curtail Whelan's chances of getting forward enough in the game, as he is forced to be more defensive-minded. 7.
James Allan: Didn't really let us have the pleasure of seeing his jinking runs on enough occasions, but scored a fine goal in 26 minutes; after dispossessing a lacklustre defender, he moved forward and fired the ball across goalkeeper Todd from the edge of the six-yard box into the back of the net. Now joint-top goalscorer, along with Gemmell and Moffat, with 7 goals. 7.
Substitutes:
Richard Sinclair: Not particularly comfortable in a central defensive role after coming on for Moffat, then asked to cover the left-hand side after Lappin's withdrawal. With James Allan pushed forward, Queen's did seem a little exposed on this side of the pitch. 6.
Stuart Kettlewell: Stuart's debut, though hardly made at the ideal time. Played in central midfield and in truth contributed little. But there should be a lot more to come. 5.
David Menelaws: His best chance came after being fed by Allan, but his low shot was well stopped by the goalkeeper. Playing against his former club. 6.
As for Steven Moffat, his injury will hopefully not keep him out of next Saturday's Scottish Cup tie, as Queen's desperately need his cool head and skills in such a crucial match.