Match Preview | Queen of the South
Queen of the South versus MORTON
Saturday 6 April 2019
Palmerston Park, Dumfries
Kick-off 3pm
by Jonathan McQuillan
Scene Setter
Having picked up a point away at Ayr United on Tuesday, Morton will be looking to build on Greg Kiltie’s equaliser as they head down to Dumfries to take on Queen of the South in the Ladbrokes Championship tomorrow afternoon.
The Ton’s last victory in the league came against The Doonhammers on the final week of February. Despite only playing four games since, picking up two points on the way, they’re set to face each other again at Palmerston Park.
On their last visit to Dumfries in October last year Reece Lyon nabbed a late winner in sublime fashion with top goalscorer Bob McHugh also getting on the scoresheet.
Queen of the South came back from a goal down in incredible scenes against Falkirk on Tuesday night as they conceded a 92nd minute penalty, only to equalise in the 96th minute through a penalty of their own.
Jonatan Johansson’s side sit in 6th place in the Ladbrokes Championship, with Queen of the South sitting one point behind them in 7th meaning tomorrow’s encounter will be a must win game for both sides.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Speaking to GMFC.net Jonatan Johansson gave his thoughts going into tomorrow’s clash with Queen of the South.
He said: “Every game is a big game from now on, we looked at the league table before the Ayr United game and every team has got something to play for, which can be quite rare at this point in the season, it’ll be a tough game but we’re looking forward to it.”
“We’ve got good memories there from earlier on in the season, they gave us a tough test last time at Cappielow with us getting the win.
“Looking at Queen of the South the threat is obvious with their two strikers, Stephen Dobbie scoring 40 goals being the main threat and Lyndon Dykes who can play either as a striker or a winger so they have two good forward players which we’re going to have to keep quiet.
“With the way we played in the second half against Ayr United, it gives us a bit of confidence going into the weekend.
“Queen of the South will be a tough game because having had spell of bad results they’ve been picking up a few points recently against Dundee United that ended their run of defeats and snatched a last-minute point against Falkirk so it’s going to be a tight game and it’ll be the quality on the day that will determine the match.”
Team News
Denny Johnstone, Rory McKeown, Michael Tidser, Bob McHugh and Kerr Waddell will miss out through injury.
Defender Kerr Waddell is recovering from an ongoing issue which he has played through in the last couple of games and will be now assessed to see how quickly he can return to action.
Striker Bob McHugh and midfielder Michael Tidser continue their recovery as they look to return to the squad within the next few weeks.
Long term absentees Denny Johnstone and Rory McKeown have been involved in light training sessions and their progress will continue to be monitored as they try and return to full match fitness before the end of the season.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
10 – Striker Bob McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with ten goals in 24 starts and six substitute appearances.
12 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 12 direct assists in 28 starts.
100 – Striker Gary Oliver made his 100th appearance for the club against Ayr United on Tuesday night.
150 – Defender Lee Kilday made his 150th appearance for the club against Ross County on 9 March.
Current Connections
Cappielow striker Gary Oliver arrived in Greenock in 2016 on the back of a campaign in Dumfries with the Doonhamers making 29 appearances and scoring 7 goals.
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 right back Michael Doyle made 64 league appearances for Morton over two seasons before leaving for the Dumfries side last summer.
Head to Head
Sat 14 Apr 2018: Morton 0-1 Queen of the South (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 04 Aug 2018: Morton 2-2 Queen of the South (Ladbrokes Championship)
Tue 30 Oct 2018: Queen of the South 1-2 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Tue 26 Feb 2019: Morton 1-0 Queen of the South (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Gregor Buchanan netted his second goal of the season to gift Morton a massive three points under the floodlights at Cappielow in February.
The Greenock side started strong with Reghan Tumilty nearly putting The Ton ahead twice early in the first half but his effort were blocked by goalkeeper Alan Martin.
The visitors would start the second half in the driving seat and Stephen Dobbie had a terrific chance but impressive goalkeeper Robby McCrorie made sure to deny the experienced forward by getting down well to stop the half volley going in the back of the net.
As time marched on it looked as though both sides would have to settle with a point, Michael Tidser could not convert his free-kick late on and Stephen Dobbie would be denied a second time from Robby McCrorie.
The Ton’s efforts were eventually rewarded on five minutes from time as towering centre-half Gregor Buchanan headed home a Tidser corner on the right which would spark wild celebrations from players and supporters at full-time.
Officials
Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant one: Sean Carr
Assistant two: Gary Logan
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: An international ice hockey competition is being hosted at the ice bowl adjacent to the BDS stand. This necessitates the deployment of the tunnel. It may be that parking close to the ground is busy. Spectators should arrive in plenty of time to ensure that they find suitable parking & purchase their ticket and gain entry to the stadium for the kick off.
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 12pm sharp. Cost is Adult £12 and Under-16/OAP £10.
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 12.15pm. Cost is Adult £12 and Under-16/OAP £10.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus leaves The Sutherland Bar at 11.30am.
