Dunfermline Athletic 0Morton 1 - Weatherson (21)
Att - 4,748
Morton produced an heroic performance to emerge from East End Park with all 3 points on Saturday.
Morton lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with Peter Weatherson returning to his familiar right-back role and young striker Brian Graham started his second game for the club on the left hand side of midfield. His performance was especially impressive as he was originally scheduled to be a sub but was called into the starting eleven when it emerged Jay Shields was stuck in traffic.
Dunfermline controlled the first half and had the majority of possession without looking too dangerous. Kevin Harper was seeing a lot of the ball on the right and the movement of McManus, Crawford and Burchill was impressive at times but they rarely threatened with serious attempts on goal. The one main attempt came when Lee Robinson blocked Crawford's close range effort and scrambled to gather at the second attempt.
In this period Morton scored against the run of play when Peter Weatherson strode forward from right back feigned a shot and neatly stepped inside the defender before delicately chipping the ball over McKenzie and in off the back post. I have always been of the opinion that Peter should be used further forward either in midfield or in a striking role. However Saturday convinced me that right-back might be the position he is most suited to, particularly in relation to the other players in the team. I believe he has a calming effect on Harding and Greacen at the back adding some solidity and an ability to pass out of trouble rather than hoof it forward. He's also a real threat coming forward and adds a signifant goal threat. In addition apart from his midfield performances against poor Forfar side I think he has been unimpressive there and as Jim McInally said in the press today he is not fit enough to play up front.
Morton were inspirational in the second half. They contained Dunfermline by working extremely hard to close down every Dunfermline player in possession. The defence were solid under pressure and some of our counter attacks were inspirational. Special mention to Jim McAlister who seemed to be everywhere. He was running from deep and causing the Pars defence all sorts of problems. Roddy McKenzie made a great save from Jim after he skinned one man then nicked it past another to put himself one-on-one but the referee and linesman gave the goal kick.
Morton could have made it two at the death as substitute Coakley was played in but his first touch was heavy and allowed the keeper to gather comfortably.
An all round great day. If the team continue to perform like this then we could surprise a few people this season. I can't help but think (especially after Saturday) that a couple of strong signings this summer could have seen us with a genuine chance of challenging for promotion.
Morton (4-5-1):
1. Robinson - 7
2. Weatherson - 8
3. Walker - 7
4. Harding - 8
5. Greacen - 8
6. Keenan - 7
7. Millar - 8
8. Stevenson - 7 (12. Shields - 87 mins)
9. Templeman - 7 (15. Coakley - 91 mins)
10. Graham - 7 (14. Linn - 77 mins)
11. McAlister - 9
Subs Not Used:
16. Black
20. McGurn
Booked - Stevenson, Templeman, McAlister
Dunfermline: McKenzie, Shields, Muirhead, Young (Hamilton 80), Bamba, Scott Thomson, Harper, McManus, Burchill (Owen Morrison 56), Crawford (Simmons 76), Glass. Subs Not Used: Woods, Murdoch
My man of the match : Jim McAlister
Matchday Programme (Click to enlarge)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/6940243.stm
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