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Striker Rory McAllister and manager Paul Hartley spoke to the media after our 2-2 draw with Championship side Queen of the South at Balmoral Stadium in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Rory came off the bench to equalise in the first minute of injury-time in an action packed and at times controversial tie that included a first goal of the campaign for midfielder Iain Vigurs.

He was pleased he and fellow substitute Jamie Masson, who set up his goal, were able to make telling contributions.

Rory said: “When Jamie and I were watching from the bench we didn’t think we would get on because we were actually playing so well.

“I really couldn’t believe we found ourselves 2-1 down because we were so much on top, despite the poor conditions.

“When I was told to warm up I was thinking; ‘Oh my God, it’s going to be hard to get going!’

“It was cold, but I’m pleased we were both able to come on and do alright.

“Their keeper had an unbelievable save from Jamie just before I scored, after I had laid the ball off to him.

“When that happened you couldn’t help wondering if it was going to be one of those days for us.

“Thankfully I managed to get the goal after that and it was enough to give us a replay.

“It was what we deserved because, no disrespect to them, we were the better side on the day.

“They have a lot of young boys, so it’s hard for them, so you also have to give them credit for coming so close to beating us.

“Hopefully that extra experience will be enough to help us get the job done in the return game, although we know we are going to have to work hard again and earn the right to get through to the next round.

“I’m hoping the goals will keep coming for me too.

“I hadn’t felt right at it the last couple of weeks, maybe because it’s been pretty hectic.

“The manager and I spoke about it and agreed we maybe need to manage what I’m doing, in terms of training, so that I can continue to make a contribution.

“Making sure I’m fully fit for the games is the priority because when that’s the case I always feel confident about getting on the scoresheet.

“I would love it if I could go on a wee run now and maybe notch another five or six before Christmas, I will doing my best to make that happen, that’s for sure.”

We twice had to fight back from a goal down, although manager Paul felt Queen of the South’s first, from Ruben Soares Jnr, didn’t actually cross the line.

Paul said: “I don’t think we would have deserved to lose the game.

“They didn’t create a lot of chances and we were well on the front foot throughout.

“Their keeper made some great saves, in both halves.

“We were disappointed with both of their goals.

“The first doesn’t actually cross the line, you can see that in the replays.

“The other one was from a corner that was retaken after we had cleared the ball.

“We got a great reaction from the players though.

“They were terrific and gave everything, as you could see by some of the saves their keeper made.

“We’ve got loads of character and I’m delighted that left us with an opportunity to still go through to the next round.

“We have another tough game ahead of us, but we showed what we are about.

“We are a good team and we will go there believing we can win.”

Paul was delighted to see midfielder Vigurs break his scoring duck for the club.

“He’s been really good over the last month or so, so I’m really pleased for him,” said Paul.

“It was an excellent free-kick, really good technique and we know Iain has got that in his game.”

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