We kick off the final round of fixtures on Saturday with a home game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Games between the two sides have been close encounters this season. Our first meeting in the Highlands back in September ended goal-less. While the last time we played each other in Dumfries also finished level, as John Robertson’s side fought back from three goals down to take a point. However, we did win the game in January, as Scott Mercer and Stephen Dobbie scored two goals in the space of a minute to give us a late victory.
With a disappointing run of results recently, Queens Boss Gary Naysmith is looking for a return to the form we showed in previous games against the visitors.
“The last month or so has been the most frustrating of my entire career in football.
We’ve lost six on the bounce now and that cold statistic doesn’t make good reading but it’s only part of the story because we’ve played well in nearly all of the games. I would be very concerned indeed if the performance levels were poor, but they’re not. The effort and the commitment in the games cannot be questioned. The players put in a really good shift again last weekend but the reoccurring problem is that we are not scoring goals when we are on top. Dunfermline were only in control of the game for about 15-20 minutes last weekend but they scored in that period. When we were dominant and on top, we didn’t take one or two of the chances we created and that was the only difference between the two teams.
I didn’t have a go at the players after the game because the performance didn’t merit any criticism. They are hurting at the moment and so am I but it’s on my shoulders to try and turn things around. What I will say is that if the players sustain their current level of performance then the results will come back again. I am certain of that.
There are no easy games in this league, every manager in the Championship will tell you that, but we are all in this together. The players are putting their hearts and souls into their work and are determined to turn these good performances into positive results.
When we win, we enjoy it together and when we’re in a tough spell, we fight together. That’s always been my philosophy and it’s not going to change.
Inverness are on the cusp of the play-offs and yet a win for us would take us to within three points of them so that shows you just how tight the league is. Games between us are always tight and I don’t expect anything different this weekend.
They will be coming down with confidence after reaching the Scottish Cup semi-finals last weekend, but we want to get this final quarter off to a winning start.
Josh Todd and Nicky Low are both still side-lined with injury and will miss the game”.
Supporters travelling from Inverness should note that section six of the BDS Digital (East) Stand has been set aside for away supporters. Turnstile three will be in use.
Entry is by ticket only. The Arena ticket office will be from 12 noon with the BDS Stand ticket office opening around half past one.
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
Concession 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 2:15 p.m.
Wheelchair access for away supporters is on the south side of BDS Digital stand. There is a layby 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.
There will be on-street restrictions, therefore 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.
Car parking is available in the Arena car park; alternatively there is plenty of other on & off street parking available around the stadium.
There are various on-going road works currently around Dumfries that may affect travel times to Palmerston Park. High winds are also forecast that could have an impact on travel times. Fans should check the Traffic Scotland at http://trafficscotland.org/index.aspx for confirmation and of any delays.
Shared 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.
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 is deemed to be under the influence of alcohol.
All spectators are required to abide by our acceptable behavior policy.
QOS Saturday Kids Club for Primary School children will be held in the QOS Arena prior to kick off. For £10 per child (£8 for Junior Blues), kids can take part in two hours of coaching, fun and games before enjoying a packed lunch and then entry into the game. All included in the price! It’s open to ALL and there is no need to pre-register, just sign up when it starts at half past 12.