Doonhamers boss Wullie Gibson welcomed the win over top-flight St Johnstone but told of his despair at needing a penalty shootout to clinch victory.
He said: “To dominate in large spells against a Premiership side was pleasing and the bonus point could go a long way (to qualifying) depending on the standings.”
He added of beating Saints: “I don’t want to get carried away with it being so early in the season and St Johnstone were missing a few key players.
“It was disappointing not to see the game out and Lee (Connelly) missed a great opportunity to kill the game and he knows it. To go 3-1 up would have killed it and put us in an even better position to face Elgin.
“All we can do is try and win against Elgin and see where that takes us.”
Queens pocket rocket Connelly told of his relief after team-mates bailed him out with the spot-kick win when he squandered two late chances.
The pint-sized frontman headed the opener which took a nick off Saints’ John Mahon before the Perth men levelled after the break through Jamie Murphy.
But Queens moved 2-1 in front with Ruari Paton prodding home a close-range effort at the back post in 64 minutes. Then Connelly swerved a shot inches past the far post before passing up a great one-on-one with eight minutes left by hitting the upright.
Saints surged upfield and Murphy took the tie to penalties curling a neat low shot in off a post.
Two fine penalty stops by goalkeeper Max Currie paved the way for Queens’ Calvin McGrory to batter home the winner.
Connelly said: “We knew after our last performance that it wasn’t good enough and we had to give a good performance for the home fans.
“We started well and had chances to kill the game but we didn’t do it and I missed too many chances.
“The one at the end, I would score that in training.
“I’ve maybe had too much time to think about it but that’s no excuse.
“I don’t score too many headers but my dad always says if it’s the right height I’ll get it. I don’t beat too many people in the air but I was happy with it.”
