We are back in action tomorrow night as we welcome Dundee to Palmerston for our William Hill Scottish Cup 4th round replay after our one all draw at Dens Park.
Saturday's defeat at Firhill was a disappointing result but it was only the second time we have lost in twelve games so the players and Manager, Gary Naysmith are still upbeat "I didn't think we played badly on Saturday, we are frustrated at the goals we lost and being missing key players, we probably just struggled to control the game as much as we do when they're playing, but we still had chances and bossed parts of the game. The difference was Thistle got their first goal when they were on top and we made it hard for ourselves by conceding a second through not being set up properly at a throw-in. But I really can't fault the players for the effort they gave as they gave everything they had.
The visit of Dundee will be another tough game for us but I genuinely thought we were unlucky not to win the first one at Dens Park. I was delighted with our intensity in that game. We started on the front foot, moved the ball really well and our players were excellent. Hopefully we can put on a similar performance at Palmerston.
Jim is a very good, very experienced manager and he was gracious enough to say after the first game that we were the better side. However that game at Dens now counts for nothing and It's how we perform in the replay that will decide if we progress into the next round of the cup. The carrot at the end of the stick for the winners is a trip to Aberdeen or Stenhousemuir so there is real incentive for both teams to win.
I watched Dundee against Hearts and they were very good, you could see any rustiness they may have had in our first match were gone. They lost at home on Saturday but Jim was pleased with the way they played against Motherwell and is installing belief in the squad that they can turn it around so there is no doubt we have to be at the top of our game but we know we can go toe to toe with them and again we will give it our best efforts.
It's Palmerston under the floodlights, I've not had too many of them in my time in Dumfries but it's something I enjoy. Even though we're at home, Dundee are still the clear favourites so we've got a shot to nothing. We'll give it our best and we'll try and get through because it's a big game for the club and its a big game for me, the players and it can be financially rewarding for the club.
We are a little short on numbers just now and we are still trying to add one or two to the squad before the window closes but it makes no difference to the game against Dundee as we can't play anyone who wasn't already signed before the first game.
We will definitely be without Josh Todd who injured his knee against Partick on Saturday and we are still assessing the fitness of Nicky Low (groin) and Callum Fordyce (ankle), we will give them every chance to play but will have to wait and see if we can take a chance on them, if we can get them available it will be massive but if they're not fit we'll go with what we've got".
Supporters should note that season tickets are not valid for this match.
Visiting fans will be seated in sections six and seven of the BDS Digital (East) Stand, they should enter the stadium via turnstile three.
Entry is by ticket only. The Arena ticket office will be open for away supporters from around 5 pm with the BDS Stand ticket offices opening around half past six.
Please note that the BDS Stand ticket office is a CASH ONLY office. Should spectators wish to pay by card then they should purchase their tickets at the Arena ticket office.
Ticket prices:
Adults £18
Concessions £10
Under 16 £5
Adult Accessible £8
Conc. Accessible £5
U16 Accessible £3
Spectators should arrive in plenty of time to ensure that they purchase their ticket and gain entry to the stadium for the kick off. Turnstiles open for admission at 7 pm.
Wheelchair access for away supporters is on the south side of BDS Digital stand. There is a lay-by on King Street for vehicles to drop their passengers for flat access to the ground. Disabled parking is available on the north side of the BDS Digital Stand or at the Arena car park. The cost of entry of one personal assistant is included in the price of the accessible ticket.
Separate catering outlet and toilets in the BDS stand will be available for use. Catering is also available in the Arena café where a full menu is available before kick-off. The bar under the Gates Stand will also be open for refreshments.
We also have hospitality available in our Tartan Lounge, it will be a one course curry dish for £32.50 per person.
The price also includes your match entry with premier seating in the hospitality box, a programme and team-sheet. As well as a half time food boost and access to a private pay bar in the Tartan Lounge. The offer is open to both sets of supporters. Food will be served at 6pm so 5.45pm arrival. To book in or find out more, contact the office on 01387 254853 or email [email protected]
There will be some on-street parking restrictions in close proximity to the ground. Car parking is available in the Arena car park, alternatively there is plenty of other on & off street parking available around the stadium.
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.
We aren't aware of any roadworks around Dumfries that would affect travel times to Palmerston Park however fans should check the Traffic Scotland website at http://trafficscotland.org/index.aspx for confirmation and of any other delays.
The weather forecast is for sleet/light snow during travel time and for the duration of the match. This could have an effect on travel times. Please leave plenty of time to travel safely to the ground.
QOS have adopted a robust and thorough search policy for spectators entering the ground to ensure that ground rules and regulations are strictly adhered to, 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. Spectators who refuse to be searched by stewards will be denied entry to the ground.
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 acceptable behaviour policy.
The match kick's off at 7.45pm with the winners away to the winners of the other replay between Aberdeen and Stenhousemuir in the next round.