Dumbarton 0 - 1 Morton

Dumbarton 0 -
Morton 1 - McGuffie (59)

Att - 566

This match can join Tow Law, Ayr United and Hartlepool in the file marked 'mundane and slightly worrying pre-season friendly'.

I think most fans realise that when they attend a pre-season friendly they aren't going to be treated to a cracker of a match but what they do expect is to leave with some positives that bode well for the new season. Morton fans coming away from the Strathclyde Homes Stadium tonight may well feel less than excited about the new season.


The main positive to be taken from tonight is that the defence looks solid and organised - even in the absence of Allan McManus and regular first teamers Ryan Harding and Stewart Greacen. Chris Smith looks to be a find and I fully expect Irons to sign him should the funds be available. We don't look like we will concede many goals.

However, in my opinion there are more negatives than positives. Colin Stewart looks shaky in goal and his kicking is terrible. I really hope we sign a decent keeper who will play ahead of Stewart rather than as a back-up. The midfield lacks creativity especially through the centre. But my biggest concern is the forward line. I just can't see where the goals are going to come from next season. We need a fully fit and motivated Peter Weatherson.


You might not have noticed but we did actually win this match. In the 59th minute Stevie Masterton whipped in a dangerous free-kick from wide on the left. The Dumbarton keeper fumbled and Ryan McGuffie swept home the loose ball.

I can't really recall many more incidents of note except a couple of decent Jim McAlister runs down the left - at the end of which he managed to put in a better standard of cross than we have seen in the past and one where he exchanged passes with Iain Russell and placed his finish just past the post - and a series of offside decisions against Iain Russell, one of which he scored but was obviously disallowed.


In today's Greenock Telegraph Davie Irons said: "...pre-season games don't win you points or leagues it is all about gradually improving" - unfortunately I'm not seeing much improvement.

Morton (3-5-2):

1. Stewart - 6
2. Reid [Trialist] - 6
3. Smith [Trialist] - 7
4. Weatherson - 7
5. Paartalu - 6
6. Masterton - 7
7. Finlayson - 6
8. McGuffie - 7
9. Wake - 5 (12. Newby - 51 mins)
10. Russell - 6
11. McAlister - 7

Subs Not Used:

14. Walker
15. McAnespie
16. Trialist
17. Nicholl [Trialist]
18. Kerrigan
19. Mitchell
20. McGeough

Stewart
Reid Weatherson Smith

Paartalu
Finlayson Masterton McGuffie McAlister
Russell Wake

Dumbarton:

My man of the match: Ryan McGuffie

Sponsor's man of the match: n/a


Matchday Programme (Click to enlarge)

None for sale.



Greenock Telegraph match report:

Dumbarton official website match report: http://www.dumbartonfootballclub.com/news/?mode=view&id=2172

Tontastic pictures: