Match Preview | Peterhead
MORTON versus Peterhead
Saturday 24 November 2018
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Morton set out on a road they hope will lead all the way to Hampden on 25 May 2019 when they enter the William Hill Scottish Cup at the third round stage with a home tie against Peterhead tomorrow.
Former Ton boss Jim McInally and his Blue Toon side will arrive at Cappielow believing they are capable of causing a cup shock on Sinclair Street.
Riding high near the top of League Two and boasting experienced pros such as Simon Ferry, Nicky Riley, and Rory McAllister as well as familar faces Jamie Stevenson and Derek Lyle, they will be no pushovers.
But Greenock gaffer Jonatan Johansson says his squad are up for the cup and determined to build on a positive goalless draw away at Championship league leaders Ayr United by booking their place in the fourth round.
If the clubs cannot be separated on the day, they will meet again at Balmoor on Tuesday, but the intention is to look forward to the 5.45pm draw safe in the knowledge Ton have already secured passage to the next stage.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Denny Johnstone, Reece Lyon, and Ben Armour remain sidelined while loanees Ross MacLean and Scott Tiffoney are ineligible.
Kerr Waddell, on the other hand, has been given permission to play by parent club Dundee, and Chris Millar is expected to make the matchday squad after recovering from a groin injury.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
4 – Bob McHugh has scored four goals in his last six appearances.
7 – McHugh (7 in 18 appearances) and Michael Tidser (7 in 18 appearances) are Ton’s joint top scorers this term.
8 – Tidser is also Ton’s top creator with eight assists.
65 – Derek Gaston kept his 65th clean sheet for the club in last week’s 0-0 draw with Ayr United, taking him ahead of Dave Edwards and into fifth place in Ton’s all-time record shutout holders.
Current Connections
The Blue Toon are bossed by ex-Ton manager Jim McInally. The former Dundee United and Dundee midfielder was in charge at Cappielow between 2004 and 2008, winning the Second Division title in season 2006/07.
Jamie Stevenson was signed by McInally in 2006 and spent three seasons in Greenock, scoring 11 goals in 59 starts and 12 substitute appearances.
Striker Derek Lyle is also on the books at Balmoor. The 37-year-old spent a solitary season with the Ton in 2010/11, scoring five goals in 17 starts and four substitute appearances.
Head to Head
Sat 23 Aug 2014: Peterhead 1-2 Morton (League One)
Sat 20 Dec 2014: Morton 0-1 Peterhead (League One)
Sat 28 February 2015: Peterhead 1-3 Morton (League One)
Sat 2 May 2015: Morton 3-1 Peterhead (League One)
Last Time Round
In an occasion dubbed ‘Helicopter Saturday’, Morton overcame Peterhead in front of an impressive Cappielow crowd of 6,024 to claim the League One title on the final day of the 2014/15 campaign.
Goals from Michael Miller, Mark Russell and Declan McManus saw the Ton come back from behind to beat 10-man Blue Toon and clinch a vital victory.
Late former chairman Douglas Rae OBE presented skipper Peter MacDonald with the trophy after the match as the Ton celebrated promotion back to the second tier at the first time of asking.
Officials
Referee: Mike Roncone
Assistant one: Graeme Leslie
Assistant two: David McKniff
Fan File
Season cards are not valid for the game and admission prices are:
Adult: £15
Concession^ (Over-65s, Students, 18-20 year olds): £10
Children 12 to 17^: £5
Children Under-12*: £1
^Proof of entitlement must be provided for concessionary tickets, while proof of age is required for children between 12 and 17 and those between 18 and 20.
*Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please note, prices apply irrespective of the day or time of purchase.
Supporters are asked to purchase in advance where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office on a matchday.
Briefs can still be bought from the following outlets:
Smiths of Greenock – During opening hours, 9am – 5.30pm
Sinclair Street ticket office – Saturday matchdays from 11am to 3pm
Match tickets can also be purchased in advance online at www.gmfctickets.co.uk or by calling the club on 01475 723571. These can collected at the ticket office on matchday.
The William Hill Scottish Cup tie can be pre-loaded to fan cards on Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk.
Image: Gary Bradley
