Jim McIntyre was thankful his side were only one down at half time – as he knew they could only get better.

The Queens gaffer watched Blair Alston fire Falkirk in to the lead in the early stages of Tuesday night’s match and admits his team could only improve on a dismal first half.

And the 41-year-old was right as two Bob McHugh strikes in the second 45 turned the game on its head, with Queens winning 2-1.

McIntyre said: “We just never got started in the first half and I thought Falkirk did most things better than us – winning more headers, winning the second ball and they had better quality in their play.

“I was pleased just to go in at half time 1-0 down because David McCracken has had a great chance to make it two and Zander’s had to stave off another couple of attempts.

“We knew we could only get better and I thought in the second half we were more at the races, passed the ball better and made some decent opportunities.

“We wanted to make positive substitutions when we could see a couple of players who were tiring and in these types of games there’s a lot of nervous energy and people start to cramp up.

“The subs made a real impact for us, especially Danny Carmichael which is good because he’s had such a stop-start season.

“Bob McHugh’s missed a few chances since he’s been here but one thing which has been a constant with Bob is his work rate and he’s held the ball up well, winning headers, so it’s great to see him score.

“That’s three goals in two games for him so I’m delighted for him and I think it’s a goal fit to win any game.”

McHugh’s fantastic strike in the dying minutes on Tuesday sets Queens up well for the second leg on Saturday and McIntyre knows Queens are in for a close-run game, as has been the case all season.

He said: “It’ll be difficult as Falkirk are a good side and we seen that tonight and we continue the theme of only having the odd goal between us which has been the case all season.

“Our away form is good, we played well the last time we were there and you’ve got to embrace these types of games as they’re the ones you want to be involved in.

“We expect Falkirk to come at us but we won’t be going there to defend, that’s for sure.”

Meanwhile, Bairns boss Gary Holt was thrilled to see his side still in the tie and insists his side will pile the pressure on Queens this Saturday.

He said: “I’m delighted that we’re still in the tie even though I’m disappointed we lost the game.

“We will play football on Saturday, we can play a lot better and I know we will.

“We didn’t play to the level that we wanted and they know what they can do, especially playing at home.”

Queens face Falkirk in the SPFL Premiership play-off second leg this Saturday in a 3pm kick-off at the Falkirk Stadium.

• On the website tomorrow - hear from two-goal hero Bob McHugh