Match Preview: Queen of the South

Queen of the South v  Raith Rovers  Palmerston Park, Dumfries Saturday 25th February   Kick off: 3.00pm

 Admission Prices: 

Adults – £16

OAP/Concession – £9

Student – £9

Age 16-21 – £9

Under 16 – £5

Match Preview:

John Hughes takes charge of his first away match as Rovers boss this weekend, and much like last week, he’ll be up against a side who are in the midst of a fine spell of form.

The Championship’s early pace-setters were in something of a slump when Gary Naysmith arrived to take charge in December, but after embarking on a win-less run which stretched from the end of September to January, Naysmith has now steered his new charges to just two defeats from their last nine fixtures.

Raith’s last league win was actually against The Doonhamers back in October, but since then, a number of new additions have bolstered the Dumfries side’s squad.

Right-back, Scott Mercer followed Naysmith from East Fife, whilst experienced midfielder, John Rankin has signed up after leaving Falkirk.

Joe Thomson has signed on loan from Celtic after impressing so much during a similar deal at Dumbarton, and he’s been joined by wingers Dom Thomas from Motherwell, and Danny Carmichael after he was released by Hibs.

There’s been a win apiece so far in this fixture, with the first back in September a fairly convincing 3-1 win for Queen’s at Palmerston.

Stephen Dobbie scored twice, while Dean Brotherston added a third, before a Jean Yves M’Voto header deflected in off Jamie Hamill for a late consolation.

Q.O.S were slightly unfortunate not to take anything from the return encounter at Stark’s Park the next month, as they held the upper-hand for the majority of the match, before falling to a last-minute Mark Stewart goal in a 1-0 Raith win.

Rovers can take some encouragement from Queen’s home form this season, with their recent 3-0 win over Morton their first league win in Dumfries since beating Rovers there back in September. They’ve also conceded 19 goals at home in the league this term, the joint highest figure in the division, along with Ayr United.

Rovers have a slight advantage in the recent record between the clubs, with five wins from the last ten league meetings, compared to Queen of the South’s four. Saturday’s match referee will be Barry Cook

 Head-To-Head League Record At Palmerston Park:

Queen of the South Wins: 19 | Raith Rovers Wins: 16 | Draws: 16

Queen of the South Goals: 81 | Raith Rovers Goals: 70

Current Form:

Queen of the South: W-D-W-L-W-L

Raith Rovers: L-L-L-L-L-D

Top Goal-Scorers:

Queen of the South: Stephen Dobbie 19 | Derek Lyle 12

Raith Rovers: Mark Stewart 5 | Declan McManus 5

Match Odds:

Queen of the South: 4/5 | Raith Rovers: 7/2 | Draw: 27/10

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