John O'Neil opened the scoring in controversial circumstances for the Dumfries side before Derek Lyle sealed victory with a free header two minutes after the break.

The game kicked off 10 minutes late and Queens looked like they wanted to make up for the lost time by pushing ahead straight away.

But Brechin enjoyed the first real chance when Chris Jackson's pass was met by Graham Gibson and he unleashed a long, low shot that was easily held by goalkeeper Andy Goram.

Dick Campbell's men threatened again four minutes later when Gibson played a short ball to defender Greig McCulloch but he sent his effort well over the crossbar.

Queen of the South took the lead after 33 minutes. Steve Bowey's shot was blocked and John O'Neil followed up with the rebound. Brechin defender McCulloch claimed he had hooked the ball off the line but referee John Underhill awarded the goal.

Peter Weatherson could have added to Queens' lead shortly before the break when he met Robbie Neilson's cross but his point-blank header was held by Brechin goalkeeper David Hay.

Queen of the South, clearly boosted by their lead, started the second half with all guns blazing and were rewarded with their second goal two minutes after the restart. Andy Aitken played a long ball out to the left wing to Joe McAlpine, who spotted unmarked Lyle on the six-yard line and he bulleted a header past Hay.

Queen of the South could have added to their tally a few minutes later when McAlpine produced a long-range effort which just went over the crossbar.

Brechin tried to haul themselves back into the game and could have pulled a goal back after 58 minutes. Charlie King tried his luck with an opportunist drive from 20 yards and packed enough power behind the strike to force Goram into his first real save.

But Queens still looked the side more likely to net again and could have extended their lead when McAlpine tried to find Bowey at the far post just a few yards out but the midfielder failed to connect with the ball.

Queen of the South were still pressing for another goal. Neilson played the ball to Aitken on the right flank and he tried to find substitute Sean O'Connor in the area but goalkeeper Hay intercepted and cleared the danger.

With three minutes remaining, the Palmerston Park supporters were already celebrating.

And they almost had another goal to cheer when McAlpine's corner was met by O'Connor, who nodded the ball just past the upright.