Match Preview: Queen of the South

MORTON versus Queen of the South

  Saturday 4 November 2017

Cappielow Park, Greenock

Kick-off 3pm

Match Preview

Morton will look to use the spirited comeback that saw them fight from behind twice in last weekend’s dramatic Renfrewshire derby draw as a springboard to three points when Queen of the South come calling tomorrow.

The fightback stretched the Sinclair Street side’s unbeaten run to three matches following a 1-0 win at Brechin City and a 1-1 home draw against Dumbarton.

Despite picking up five points, Jim Duffy felt his team deserved more than a point from the tie with the Sons and looked the team most likely to take all three after equalising for a second time against St Mirren.

If they are to claim maximimum points this time they will have to overcome a Doonhamers side on an impressive undefeated streak of their own.

Gary Naysmith’s men have not lost in their last five outings in all competitions, recording a resounding 4-2 win over Falkirk in their most recent fixture.

With the likes of Stephen Dobbie, Derek Lyle, and Jame McFadden, who recently scored four goals in a Development Leaue West clash against the Ton, they have a potent attacking arsenal at their disposal.

On that basis, Duffy expects an open and exciting affair tomorrow afternoon – one he believes his side can come out top in if they channel the desire that charactered their tenacious derby display.

Manager’s Thoughts

 

 

Team News

Lee Kilday (ankle), Connor McManus (calf strain), and Michael Tidser (adductor) are all likely to miss out against the Doonhamers, while there is a doubt over Jai Quitongo, who suffered a muscle problem against St Mirren.

Current Connections

Cappielow stars Gary Oliver and Andy Murdoch both arrived at Cappielow last season on the back of spells with the Doonhamers .

Ton striker 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.

In the Queens ranks is former Ton frontman Derek Lyle, who scored five goals in 17 starts and four sub appearances in 2010/11.

Recent Meetings

Sat 24 Dec 2016: Morton 1-0 Queen of the South (Ladbrokes Championship)

Sat 4 Feb 2017: Queen of the South 3-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)

Sat 11 Mar 2017: Morton 1-0 Queen of the South (Ladbrokes Championship)

Sat 16 Sep 2017: Queen of the South 1-2 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)

Last Time Out

Frontman Jai Quitongo scored a goal of the season contender as he fired Morton to a 2-1 win away at Queen of the South in September.

Quitongo celebrated his 20th birthday two days earlier and kept the party going at Palmerston by playing a huge part in sending his side up to third in the league with his strike and an assist for Ross Forbes’ opener.

Officials

Referee: Mat Northcroft

Assistant one: Andrew McWilliam

Assistant two: Craig King

Supporters Notes

Supporters are asked to purchase tickets for Saturday’s home fixture against Queen of the South in advance where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office.

Fans without a season card can purchase briefs from the following outlet:

Sinclair Street ticket office – Matchday, from 11am to 3pm.

The fixture against the Doonhamers can also be pre-loaded to fan cards on Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk.

Admission Prices

Following the Dumbarton fixture, the board are now fully satisfied the electronic turnstile entry system is operating smoothly. Therefore, adult ticket prices will return to those outlined at the start of the season, which are:

Adults – £20*
Concessions – £15
Children aged 12-16 – £5
Children under 12^ – Free

*£2 from each adult admission will be invested directly into our youth development programme.

^ Children under 12 who do not have a season card or fan card will be required to collect a match ticket with a scannable barcode from our ticket office on the day of the game and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

However, fans who purchase tickets prior to 1pm on matchday will enjoy a freeze upon last year’s pay-at-the-gate prices and these are:

Adults – £18
Concessions – £15
Children aged 12-16 – £5
Children under 12^ – Free

If you do intend to purchase a ticket at Cappielow after 1pm, please allow for the fact that there may be a queue at the ticket office.

See the following link for important car park information: https://gmfc.net/2017/11/02/important-car-park-information/

 

Image: David Bell