Seconds in and Thistle were almost ahead, experienced forward Gary Harkins having his close range effort well saved by Cowie. The young Queen's side were already being overrun by their vastly more experienced opponents and Michael Robertson hit the bar from Stevie Murray's corner kick.
Queen's best chance of the first period came on 25 minutes when Chris Colquhoun couldn't quite squeeze home a cutback from David Waters, John Tuffey collecting well. Thistle did take the lead five minutes later, Stevie Murray's low shot finding the net from the edge of the area.
Four minutes later and it was two for Thistle, Paul Di Giacomo hammering home from close range. Cowie kept the score down prior to half time with two fantastic saves, denying both Harkins and Murray. Stephen Connor made it three for Thistle in 52 minutes before Queen's enjoyed their best period of the game. Ross Dunlop came close from the edge of the box forcing a good save from Tuffey and David Torrance almost meeting a Dunlop back post cross. Alan Trouten had Queen's best chance but instead of shooting when he skinned the Thistle defence inside out he preceeded to attempt to spray in Torrance who couldn't reach the ball.
Thistle once more took control of the game once more and ex Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday star Simon Donnelly finished the game on 88 minutes beating Cowie from close range. Cowie did have time to make another two great stops to keep the score down.
QUEEN'S PARK: Alex Cowie, David Waters, Martin Ure, Alan Harty, Jamie Brough, Chris Colquhoun, ? (Paul McLory), Alan Trouten, ?, David Torrance, Ross Dunlop
ATTENDANCE: 45 (est.)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Alex Cowie