As the 2018/19 season comes to an end it all comes down to the last game of the season for both ourselves and Partick Thistle on Saturday as we face a battle for Championship survival. A win for either side would guarantee their place in the league for next season.
Head to head this season there hasn't been much between the two sides with the odd goal settling each match. Thistle have two wins with Queens one. The first game at Firhill finished three - two to Thistle with all the goals coming in an incredible first half. They also took maximum points in January on our second visit to Glasgow when they won by the odd goal in three, with Queens winning at Palmerston in December when Stephen Dobbie scored the only goal of the game.
With a lot at stake for both sides, it's been a big week for Manager Gary Naysmith.
"We were soundly beaten at Ross County last weekend and I had no complaints afterwards. It was always a tough fixture for us and we could see why they are worthy champions of the division.
This week we are up against Partick Thistle, we are all aware that a victory will secure our Championship status for next season and that is what we will be trying to achieve. Our destiny is entirely in our own hands and that's all that you can ask when you are down to the final game of the season.
I haven't needed to over-stress the importance of the game to the players because they know it. We are in a situation that we should never have found ourselves in but it's now up to all of us to pull together and get ourselves out of it.
We haven't changed too much this week. As I have stated many times in recent weeks, I would be very concerned if we weren't playing well but generally performances have been decent - we just haven't been clinical enough when we've created chances and we've been punished regularly for defensive slip-ups.
Gary Caldwell in the opposite dugout is someone who I've known for a long time and I'm sure he will also be setting his side up to get the three points they require to keep themselves safe.
We haven't put any extra pressure on the players this week but nor have we tried to play it down. We all know the importance of the game and we all have to play our part. We will be giving it our all to make sure we come away with the result we require and we hope that you will all turn out in numbers to give us your all important backing".
Due to the significance of the game we are expecting a large crowd on Saturday. Entrance to the match will be by ticket only.
Partick Thistle fans should note that section six - nine of the BDS Digital (East) Stand and Terregles Street Terrace have been set aside for away supporters.
They should enter the stadium via turnstiles three and four for the BDS Stand and turnstiles one and two if they have a ticket for the Terregles Terrace.
No movement between the BDS Stand and Terregles Terrace will be allowed. Entry will only be allowed to the area identified on your ticket. BDS Stand and Terregles Terrace tickets have been forwarded to Partick Thistle FC for pre-purchase.
A limited number of Terregles Terrace tickets will be available for purchase on the day from the BDS Stand away ticket office which will open around half past 12. Please note that the BDS Stand ticket office is a CASH ONLY office.
For home supporters ONLY, the Arena ticket office will be open from around half past 11.
Ticket prices:
Adults: £18
Concessions: £10
Under 16's: £5
Adult Accessible: £8
Concession Accessible: £5
Under 16 Accessible: £3
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.
There will be on-street parking restrictions. However, car parking is available in the QOS Arena car park, alternatively there is plenty of other on and 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. Supporters buses including minibuses will NOT be allowed to park in the Arena car park.
Although it is likely to busy with people getting to and from the Stadium, there are no ongoing 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.
There will be catering facilities for both sets of supporters throughout the stadium or you can visit the QOS Arena café where a full menu is on offer prior to gaining entry to the ground. 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 are deemed to be under the influence of alcohol.
All spectators are required to abide by our acceptable behaviour policy.
Prior to kick off our Saturday club for primary school children will take place in the Arena from half past 12. There is no need to pre-register, just sign up on arrival. It costs £10 per child (£8 for Junior Blues). The price includes, two hours of coaching, fun and games, a packed lunch and entry to the stadium to watch QOS v Partick Thistle.
Kick off at Palmerston, 3pm on Saturday.