PAUL Hanlon believes it will take just one big performance to kick-start Hibernian in the SPFL Championship, but knows it must happen fast and that the youths in the Easter Road squad mature quickly.

Saturday's defeat in Dumfries was Hibs' fourth loss in six in the league - dropping them to seventh in the table, 10 points behind leaders Hearts.

"We are massively disappointed," said Hanlon, who has played almost 200 matches for Hibs. "We weren't good enough all over the pitch. We are conceding too many goals, not scoring enough and getting punished for it.

"We are a young squad and have to learn fast. Teams are going to raise their game against us and we need to be ready and accept that is going to happen all season. We are getting the ball in middle areas, but not creating enough chances. We know that one big performance is in us. It's just about putting it all together."

Queens had missed a chance to go ahead on 28 minutes when an unmarked Andy Dowie shot over from 10 yards, but scored what proved to be the winner a minute later. Scott Robertson was robbed by Gavin Reilly, who fed Iain Russell and he charged through on the left before cutting back the ball to Ian McShane to shoot past goalkeeper Mark Oxley from 12 yards.

McShane said: "There is a great team spirit in the squad with a mixture of experience and youth. We are delighted for James Fowler, who has taken over since Jim McIntyre left, and hopefully he gets the job. He's not changed much and all the boys are working hard for him."

Hibs were bereft of ideas for the most part and it was Queens who missed the game's best chance for the second goal - Russell heading over from six yards out in the 80th minute.

Alan Stubbs, the Hibs manager, said: "We are not doing enough in all areas of the pitch. But it's going to take time to get things right. There have been a lot of changes."

For Queen of the South stand-in player/manager Fowler, it was four points out of six, and this week he may find out if he has done enough to get the Palmerston job on a permanent basis with, it is understood, more than 30 applicants.

Fowler said: "I'm planning to speak to the board later this week and we will see how we get on. Four points from two games and I know the group well. Hopefully I get the nod. I know there is a lot of interest, but hopefully I've shown that I'm ready."