Queens shared four goals in an entertaining friendly match at Palmerston in front of a healthy crowd many of whom had travelled down from Ayrshre.
Queens started brightly with a 442 formation wth familiar the old guard of Higgins and Dowie at the back. Lyle and new signing Hilson led the attack.
The Killie defence looked suspect and Russell could have had a brace early on but he made a hash of both easy chances.
However it was no surprise when Hilson cut in from the wing on 21 minutes to beat former Queen's goalie McDonald from close in.
Killie at this stage struggled to get going and Queens were well worth their interval lead.
Killie settled in once the second-half started and spurned on by their vocal travelling support dominated Queens for long periods. Dowie received a shoulder injury and had to leave the field which upset the Doonhamers defence.
Killie equalised on 56 minutes through McKenzie who finished off a fine move and the same player equalised on 75 minutes.
There were wholesale changes on both sides which were hard to follow due to a number mix up in fact one player had no number at all.
Queens pressed in the final few minutes and deservedly equalised through a superb free kick via Ryan Conroy on 80 minutes.
Queen's manager Fowler used most of his squad and must have a fair idea of his best line up. Several players looked a bit ring rusty and I think we may struggle in the striking department with Russell and Lyle looking very subdued.
Our defence looks solid and the midfield looks competitive with Miller,Conroy and Tapping to the fore.
Much work to be done but we should be able to handle the Cleyholers for our first compettive game.
There as an emotional farewell to Paul Burns as the players formed a guard of honour for a great servant to the club.
Images courtesy of www.qosfc.com
Team line-up;-
Queens
Robbie Thomson
Jordan Marshall
Andrew Dowie
Chris Higgins
Derek Lyle
Mark Millar
Ryan Conroy
Ian Russell
Kyle Jacobs
Callum Tapping
Dale Hilson
Subs- Jim Atkinson
Lewis Kidd
Paul Burns
Adian Smith
Jake Pickard
Steve Higgins
Scott Hooper
Shaun Rutherford