This weekend we welcome Dunfermline Athletic to Palmerston for our penultimate home game of the season.  It’s honours even in the three games between the sides this season so far, with a win apiece and a draw.  

There haven’t been many goals in the meetings, Josh Todd scored the only goal of the game at East End Park in October to give us victory, while it finished goal-less at Palmerston in December.  And Ryan Blair scored during the second half when we played last month in Stevie Crawford’s sides one – nil win.

Preparing for the game, Queens Manager Gary Naysmith has been sharing his thoughts “With three games left, we all realize that due to our recent run of results we are in a real scrap at the bottom of the table. However, what I must stress is that it is still entirely in on our own hands to make sure that we remain in the Championship next season.

I have every confidence in the players for the fight that lies ahead. If our recent performances had been poor then I would be really worried but I am taking confidence from the fact that the boys have played well of late. We’ve made individual and collective mistakes that have been punished but I know there is sufficient quality in my squad to get enough points from the last three games.

Last weekend’s game at Alloa probably summed up our season. We controlled the game in both halves, but we conceded a goal that was inexcusable and we failed to take a single chance of the many chances that we created and ended up coming away with nothing from a game we should comfortably have took three points in.

This weekend we welcome Dunfermline to our place. Our games against them this season have all been very close and I am expecting nothing else.

Finally, Please don’t under-estimate the roll that you, the supporters, can play. You have been great to me from the day I walked through the door and I know that you believe in what we are trying to do. In recent home games, despite some indifferent results, you haven’t turned on me or the players and we really appreciate that. So on Saturday, more than ever before this season, I am asking you to get right behind the players and give them your total backing for the full 90 minutes.

We are still without Stephen Dobbie and Nicky Low for the game”.

Notes for supporters:

Dunfermline fans should note that sections six and seven of the BDS Digital (East) Stand have been set aside for away supporters. Turnstiles three and four will be in use.

Entry is by ticket only. The Arena ticket office will be from about noon with the BDS Stand away 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’s - £5

Pre-school children – FREE

Adult Accessible - £8

Concession Accessible - £5

U16 Accessible - £3

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.

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.

There will be on street parking restrictions around the ground but 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 no on-going roadworks currently around Dumfries that may affect travel times to Palmerston Park. Fans should check the Traffic Scotland website at http://trafficscotland.org/index.aspx for confirmation of any delays.

For those travelling by bus, 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. Supporters buses including minibuses will not be allowed to park in the Arena car park.

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.

Ahead of the match we will be holding our penultimate Saturday Kids club for primary school children in the Arena from half past 12.  Two hours of coaching, fun and games followed by a pre-match packed lunch and entry to the match.  It costs £10 per child or £8 for Junior Blue season ticket holders.  No need to book – just register on arrival

And Saturday is Retro Day when Queens fans are being asked to look out their classic strips,  scarfs, hats etc from over the decades for a bit of fun to help us mark our centenary.  A group photo will be taken at half time in section one of the BDS Stand, all those attending in vintage gear should make their way to the area at half time.  Those already seated in the area who are not taking part in the photo will be asked to move to section two on a temporary basis until the photograph has been taken.

Queen of the South FC look forward to hosting you at Palmerston and wish you a safe and enjoyable journey to and from the stadium.

Kick off, 3pm Saturday.