‘Massive’ game at Palmerston

Feb 13 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

Queen of the South

TOMORROW’S crunch tie between Queens and Airdrie United is “one of the most important games of the season so far”.

That’s the view of Queens boss Gordon Chisholm, and an opinion likely to be shared by players and fans of the Doonhamers and the Diamonds.

Airdrie sit bottom of the first division, four points behind a Queens side which, after a dreadful run of form, is beginning to look like its old self again.

And with the chance for Queens to create a seven-point gap between themselves and Airdrie, tomorrow’s game will be crucial.

Chisholm said: “It’s a massive game and we’ll be ready for it. It is one of the most important games of the season so far.

“I like to think we’re favourites, but it will be a really tough game. There is no way we’ll be underestimating Airdrie and we’ve got to match them.

“We’ve had a fortnight off and we need to get back into it and be on top of our game.”

The Doonhamers have been working hard on the training pitch preparing for tomorrow’s big game, although the winter chill has made it hard for the Queens’ management to evaluate the extent of Barry Wilson’s groin injury.

The veteran midfielder was injured during the first half of the 2-0 win over Dunfermline at East End Park a fortnight ago.

Chisholm said: “It’s very difficult to judge.

“Last time the team were on grass, was against Dunfermline, so we will be having a look at Barry to see how he is.”

Wilson is expected to miss the game through his injury, and Stevie Tosh is suspended for the big match.

The Diamonds beat Queens 2-0 at Airdrie back in October as the Doonhamers began their miserable nose-dive down the league table.

But after picking up four points in their last two games, the Doonhamers look a different outfit from the side that lost on that occasion and in good form going into the match.

Seventh-placed Morton are in action against Clyde, who are level on points with Queens, meaning that Saturday’s fixtures could be among the most important of the season in determining which side gets relegated.