Match Preview | Queen of the South
MORTON versus Queen of the South
Saturday 4 August 2018
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Optimism is high and excitement at fever pitch as we edge ever closer to the hotly anticipated 2018/19 Ladbrokes Championship campaign and tomorrow’s opening-day encounter with Queen of the South.
Pre-season is a distant memory, the friendlies have been played, the Betfred Group stage is done and dusted – now it’s time for the big league kick off at Cappielow.
A new management team of Ray McKinnon and Darren Taylor was installed at the end of May, and the duo have spent the summer building a squad to compete in what is sure to be a fiercely competitive second tier.
After a defeat at Ayr United and an undeserved reverse at Partick Thistle, the Ton have recorded back-to-back League Cup successes at home to Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers.
McKinnon’s men scored twice against Stenny and put five past Albion whilst keeping consecutive clean sheets, and they’ll be hoping to carry that momentum on tomorrow as they bid to make a positive start to the campaign.
The Doonhamers are the visitors to Greenock, with the return of Gary Harkins and Michael Doyle adding an extra layer of intrigue to what is already bound to be a fascinating clash.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Denny Johnstone (knee) and Lewis Strapp (toe) remain sidelined but Robert Thomson is likely to retain his place on the bench as a potential impact sub in the closing stages.
Defender Kerr Waddell came through 90 minutes against Albion unscathed after recovering from an ankle injury, but he is a slight doubt after suffering a stomach bug through the week.
The overall situation has improved, though, with manager Ray McKinnon hoping to have Gregor Buchanan, Charlie Telfer and Chris Millar back in contention for a starting spot.
Midfielder Kyle Thomson could make his first appearance after receiving international clearance on Tuesday, although Rory McKeown was still awaiting similar cross-border clearance as this piece was published.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Left-back Rory McKeown could make his first appearance for the club should he receive clearance.
1 – Midfielder Kyle Thomson could make his first appearance for the club.
3 – A win over Queen of the South would see Morton record a third concesutive competitive victory.
3 – A shutout against Queen of the South would see Morton record a third successive shutout.
3 – Michael Tidser is Ton’s top scorer and creator this term, with three goals and three assists.
10 – Bob McHugh reached 10 goals in his Ton career when he opened the scoring against Albion Rovers.
65 – Derek Gaston could record his 65th clean sheet should he start and keep Queens out.
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 16 Sep 2017: Queen of the South 1-2 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
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)
Last Time Round
Morton’s promotion play-off hopes were left hanging by the thinnest of threads after suffering a hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat against Queen of the South at Cappielow back in April.
Doonhamers striker Lyndon Dykes scored the only goal of the game to leave a listless Ton requiring a remarkable run of results to have any chance of making the top four.
Rivals Dunfermline Athletic and Dundee United, who had a game in hand, won their respective fixtures, leaving the Sinclair Street side trailing both clubs by five points with just six to play for.
Officials
Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant one: Andrew McWilliam
Assistant two: Kevin McElhinney
Fan File
Admission prices are:
Adult | Fan Card: £18, Ticket: £20
Concession (Over 65, Student, and Under 21s) | Fan Card: £13, Ticket: £15
Child (12 – 17)^ | Fan Card: £5, Ticket: £5
Child (Under-12)* | Fan Card: £0, Ticket: £1
^Proof of entitlement must be provided for concessionary tickets, while proof of age is required for children between 12 and 17 and those between 18 and 20.
*Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please note, prices apply irrespective of the day or time of purchase.
Supporters are asked to purchase in advance where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office on a matchday.
Briefs can still be bought from the following outlets:
Smiths of Greenock – During opening hours, 9am – 5.30pm
Sinclair Street ticket office – Saturday matchdays from 11am to 3pm
Tickets can also be purchased in advance online at www.gmfctickets.co.uk or by calling the club on 01475 723571. These can be collected at the ticket office on matchday.
All home fixtures are also available to be pre-loaded onto fan cards via Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk.
Image: Gary Bradley
