Match Preview | Queen of the South
Queen of the South versus MORTON
Tuesday 30 October 2018
Palmerston Park, Dumfries
Kick-off 7.45pm
Scene Setter
Morton have been handed an immediate opportunity to make amends for Saturday’s 5-0 loss away at league leaders Ross County when they take on Queen of the South at Palmerston tonight.
The Ladbrokes Championship fixture list has thrown up a scheduled midweek meeting with the Doonhamers in Dumfries, presenting the Ton with a welcome chance to rebound from their heavy defeat in the Highlands.
They will, however, require a signifcant improvement to register a positive result against a Palmerston Park outfit unbeaten in four league matches and with victories over Dunfermline and Falkirk in their last two outings.
Manager Jonatan Johansson was left angry after the collapse against County and could be tempted to make changes as he looks for the reaction that he demanded from the squad in his post-match interview (below).
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Forwards Robert Thomson, who made his comeback for the reserves yesterday, Connor Bell, Denny Johnstone, Ben Armour and Scott Tiffoney are all expected to miss out through injury.
Experienced midfielder Chris Millar is also rated doubtful after suffering a groin injury during Saturday’s match against Ross County in Dingwall.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
6 – Michael Tidser is Ton’s top scorer this term, with six goals in 14 starts.
6 – Tidser is also Ton’s top creator with seven assists.
Current Connections
Cappielow forward Gary Oliver arrived in Greenock two seasons ago on the back of a campaign in Dumfries with the Doonhamers.
Fellow frontman Bob McHugh enjoyed a loan stint at Palmerston in the second half of season 2013/14, the then-Motherwell man netting five goals in 15 appearances.
Queen of the South recruited midfield playmaker Gary Harkins and right-back Michael Doyle following their Morton departures at the end of last term.
Head to Head
Sat 4 Nov 2017: Morton 1-2 Queen of the South (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 17 Feb 2018: Queen of the South 1-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 14 Apr 2018: Morton 0-1 Queen of the South (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 4 Aug 2018: Morton 2-2 Queen of the South (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton were held to an opening-day draw after visitors Queen of the South fought back from two down to claim a point in this Ladbrokes Championship curtain-raiser at Cappielow.
Michael Tidser opened the scoring on 46 minutes and Motherwell loanee Ross MacLean added a second with a fierce finish just after the hour to seemingly set the Ton on their way to victory.
But Doonhamers defender Callum Semple side-footed a Stephen Dobbie cross into the net before Josh Todd levelled with 14 minutes remaining to ensure an exciting game would end all square.
Officials
Referee: Alan Newlands
Assistant one: John McCrossan
Assistant two: David Dunne
Fan File
Admission is by ticket and these will be available to buy on the day from the matchday ticket office (portacabin) at the Global Energy Stadium right up until kick-off.
Adults: £18
Concession: £10
Under-16: £5
Morton supporters will be sat in the BDS Digital (east) stand, section 6 and enter using turnstile 3. Entry is by ticket only from the ticket office, which will be open adjacent to turnstiles. To pay by card, you need to attend the arena ticket office.
Queen of the South have adopted a robust and thorough search policy for spectators entering the ground to ensure that ground rules and regulations are strictly adhered to.
This is especially in relation to pyrotechnic devices and controlled containers. All bags will be searched, and spectators presenting themselves for entry may also be subject to search.
PLEASE NOTE: A specific search operation due to the time of year and availability of fireworks in addition to pyrotechnics will be in operation so may result in late admission for those who do not allow plenty of time for access.
Palmerston Park is a non-smoking venue, this includes e-cigarettes and other such devices. Stewards are empowered to eject spectators who disobey these rules.
No persons will be admitted to the ground who are deemed to be under the influence of alcohol. All spectators are required to abide by our unacceptable behaviour policy.
Disabled Access
There is a layby on King Street for vehicles to drop off as there is flat access to ground. Disabled parking is available on the north side of the BDS Digital stand with admission priced at £8 adult, £5 concession, and £3 Under-16.
Travel
By Road: Queen of the South, Palmerston Park, Terregles Street, Dumfries, DG2 9BA
A8/M8 – M74 towards Carlisle (junction 21) – M74/A74 – Leave at junction 15, A701 towards Dumfries – At roundabout take 3rd exit A701 – Continue on A701 through a series of roundabouts – Leave A701 onto A75 – Take 2nd exit at roundabout onto Glasgow Road/A76 – Continue to Lochfield Road – Continue through first roundabout and take 1st exit at second roundabout into Terregles Street.
By Rail: Greenock – Glasgow Central – Dumfries, which takes around three hours with the station located a 20-minute walk to the stadium.
Exit station on to main car park outside Station Hotel, turn right into Lovers Lane, left into Edinburgh Road, continue into Buccleuch Street towards stadium.
The stadium is a five minute walk from the town centre and less than 500 metres from the train station. Please check www.scotrail.co.uk for times.
Parking
Car parking – Car parking is available in the Arena car park, alternatively there is plenty of other on- and off-street parking available around the stadium.
Coaches – It is suggested that buses/minibuses drop off their passengers in Terregles St/King Street, and thereafter park on College Mains road just off the roundabout with the A76 on the town bypass (adjacent to Curry’s/PC World, as the other side at Aldi is the access road to the ambulance depot and is extremely busy). Pick up should be the same location.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 5.15pmm. Cost is £10 for everyone.
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 5pm. Cost is Adult £12 and Under-16/OAP £10.
Image: Gary Bradley
