MATCH PREVIEW: Dundee United

Greenock_Morton_FC_logo

      Dundee United versus MORTON

Saturday 25 January 2020
Tannadice Park, Dundee
Kick-off 3pm

By Ewan Boyle

Scene Setter

As the Ton move on from their Scottish Cup exit against St. Johnstone, a return to league duty is now on the cards for the Cappielow side as they travel up to Tannadice this Saturday for a match against the league leaders Dundee United

With a 17-point gap at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship, the table speaks for itself as to the quality of Dundee United with Scotland international Lawrence Shankland leading the way for goals in the league this season as well after scoring 22 goals so far.

Robbie Neilson’s men have been fairly cruising in this year’s Ladbrokes Championship with 17 wins from a possible 21 fixtures and are fresh from their draw against Premiership side Hibernian as they welcome Greenock Morton in this league encounter.

However, Morton have been on great league form prior to this match with two wins on the trot leading into this game as well as having won two away games in a row just on the turn of the new year.

The Sinclair Street side will be hoping to make it three wins on the bounce as they travel to Dundee for what should be their final match at Tannadice in this season

Current Connections

In-form striker Lawrence Shankland came to Cappielow on loan for sixth months in January 2017, scoring 4 goals in his time at Morton.

Dundee United recruited Paul McMullan following his release by Celtic, from whom he spent three months of the 2015/16 season on loan with us here at Cappielow, scoring one goal in 11 appearances

Head to Head

Sat 02 Feb 2019: Dundee United 2-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)

Sat 04 May 2019: Morton 1-0 Dundee United (Ladbrokes Championship)

Sat 28 Sep 2019: Dundee United 6-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)

Tue 10 Dec 2019: Morton 1-2 Dundee United (Ladbrokes Championship)

Last Time Round

Morton were very unlucky not to earn at least a draw in the previous encounter between both sides after goals from Lawrence Shankland and Louis Appere gave Dundee United the win.

The Ton had a chance before half-time when Kyle Jacobs tried to curl an effort in from inside the box but a great save from Benjamin Siegrist denied the equaliser.

It seemed like Morton were having the most chances in the second half including a mistake from a Dundee United defender setting up Cameron Salkeld with a chance which was saved.

However, the final whistle was blown on what was a very courageous effort from the Sinclair Street side against the Ladbrokes Championship leaders.

Gaffer’s Thoughts

“Our last match at Tannadice was a difficult day because we had 7 or 8 new players who were trying to gel at this point.

“In the last game when we lost 2-1 against United, I thought we were unlucky not to win the game never mind draw the game but you can see the team Robbie has at his disposal and their position in the league speaks for itself.

“Our wins in the league in the previous fixtures have been very good wins and the boys are starting to believe in themselves now as the mentality is changing.

“We’ve had Aidan Nesbitt training in Tuesday, Bob McHugh just missed out last week but he’s been back training but I don’t know if the game will come a bit early for Cameron Salkeld who won’t be too far away from coming back.”

Officials

Referee: Andrew Dallas

Assistant one: Dougie Potter

Assistant two: Colin Drummond

Fan File

Tickets are available to purchase online prior to day the game, prices will be £22 for adults and £11 for concession. To purchase a ticket please click: https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/tickets/away-club-online-ticket-hub

Supporters who purchase in advance of game day are able to use the QR code on a mobile device for entry or have a printable ticket that will also be scanned.

Admission prices will increase for supporters who are buying on the day at the ground:

Adults: £22
Concession*: £12

*Over 65, under 18 and full time student. Proof must be shown)

Morton fans will be situated in the upper section of the Fair Play Stand.

Fans under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted and all bags will be searched with random searching undertaken.

Musical instruments, including drums, are not permitted inside the ground. Surfing flags are not permitted and any other flags will be checked to ensure that they are not offensive or derogatory.

Disabled Access

Access is through gate K and into the west stand or the ‘bus shelter’ on the trackside.

Travel

By Road: Dundee United Football Club, Tannadice Park, Tannadice Street, Dundee, DD3 7JW

A8/M8 – M80 – M9 – A9 – M90 and continue to A90 following signs for Dundee. On entering Dundee at Kingsway continue straight on through three roundabouts.

At the fourth roundabout take the third exit into Glamis Road – roundabout take first exit into Clepinton Road – turn right into Provost Road – turn left into Sandeman Street – right into Tannadice Street.

Check www.trafficscotland.org regarding any delays or roadworks on the route.

Parking

Car parking: On street car parking. Restrictions will be in place. Drivers should find areas away from the stadium to park legally.

Coach parking: Parking available in Neish Street.

Travel Club Info

  • The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 12pm sharp. Costs for everyone is £15.
  • The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus leaves the Sutherland Bar at 12pm.