Game Off!

Tomorrow's Morton versus Falkirk fixture will not now go ahead.

The match was cancelled after Polish officials drafted in to cover the Scottish referees' strike withdrew their services.

A statement on Ton's official website says: "With the S.F.L. now not having access to these additional officials, our game has been cancelled.

"We would like to apologise to supporters of both clubs for any inconvenience caused by this postponement, however we know that supporters will appreciate that it is due to the difficult circumstances experienced this week."

However, the match may not have went ahead anyway, due to tonight's snow and freezing cold weather.

The match has been speedily re-arranged and will now be played on Tuesday, December 7, with a 7.30pm kick-off.



gmfc.net - Match Postponed (26.11.2010)

gmfc.net - Morton vs Falkirk (26.11.2010)

Greenock Telegraph - Morton Game Is Called Off (26.11.2010)

Ton Game Goes Ahead... For Now

Morton's match with Falkirk will go ahead on Saturday despite the chaos caused by the refereeing strike.

The SFA and SFL have secured the services of referees from several European associations, including Poland and the Netherlands. However, they could not secure enough to cover all of Saturday's fixtures.

The Ton match was drawn ahead of nine other SFL fixtures. Meanwhile, six SPL games and the Alba Challenge Cup final will also go ahead.

Despite the good news that our match was picked out of the hat, the cold weather means that the match may still be in doubt, as the club issued a plea earlier this evening for help to lay covers over the pitch.

gmfc.net - Morton vs Falkirk - Game On! (25.11.2010)

Daily Record - Refs Crisis: SFL fixture card decimated by strike with only Morton v Falkirk going ahead (25.11.2010)

Dumbarton 1-2 Morton

Dumbarton 1 - Geggan (11)
Morton 2 - Graham (43, 49)

Morton secured their passage to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup with a battling 2-1 win over serial cup opponents Dumbarton.

Allan Moore's men started brightest but conceded an early goal against the run of play when Colin Stewart put his name on a corner but failed to collect, leaving Andy Geggan the easy task of heading into an empty net.

Ton struggled for around half an hour after that as their lowly opponents - the Sons currently sit bottom of the Second Division - took a huge lift from their goal.

However, the visitors gradually fought their way back into the game and levelled minutes before the interval when Brian Graham popped up at the back post to nod home Graeme Holmes' inviting cross.

The young striker added a second shortly after the restart when he rifled the ball into top corner from close-range after Stewart Kean's low centre found him in acres of space just outside the six-yard box.

David MacGregor was sent off in the 79th minute after a second yellow card for a slide tackle that looked both well timed and fair. His initial booking, which arrived just six minutes earlier, was for a fairly innocuous looking obstruction.

Young St Mirren loanee Jon McShane and impressive left midfielder Alan Cook both went close for the hosts but could not quite find the breakthrough as 10-man Ton held on for the win and a fourth round tie with Airdrie United or Beith Juniors.

You can read my full Greenock Telegraph match report here: Double Puts Ton Into Next Round.

And match reaction from Ton goalscoring hero Brian Graham and manager Allan Moore here: Brian: Now Bring On The Old Firm.

Morton (4-4-2):

1. Colin Stewart - 6
2. David MacGregor - 5
3. Kevin McKinlay - 6
4. Marc Smyth - 8
5. Stuart McCaffrey - 7
6. Michael Tidser - 7
7. Graeme Holmes - 6 (15. David O'Brien, 68 - 3)
8. Darren Young - 7 (12. Fouad Bachirou, 70 - 4)
9. Brian Graham - 7
10. Stewart Kean - 6
11. Carlo Monti - 6 (14. Peter Weatherson, 81 - 3)

Subs not used:

16. Kevin Kelbie
20. Kevin Cuthbert

Stewart
MacGregor Smyth McCaffrey McKinlay
Holmes Young Tidser Monti
Grahah Kean

Dumbarton (4-4-2): Grindlay - 7; Devlin - 7, Nugent - 8, McNiff - 7, Creaney - 6 (Chisholm, 81 - 2); Brannan - 5, Geggan - 7, McLeish - 6 (McStay, 76 - 3), Cook - 8; Campbell - 6 (Smith, 61 - 4), McShane - 7.

Subs not used: Walace, White (gk).

Dumbarton bookings: McLeish (23), Brannan (75).

Morton bookings: MacGregor (73), McCaffrey (75), Smyth (77).

Morton sending off: MacGregor (79).


Referee: Craig Charleston

Attendance: 905

My man of the match: Marc Smyth

Sponsor's man of the match: Paul Nugent (Dumbarton)


View from the other side:

dumbartonfootballclub.com - match report

Saint Grady

Former Morton striker and manager James Grady has been given a coaching position at St Mirren.

The 39-year-old (pictured, making a sub appearance against St Mirren in the 2009/10 Renfrewshire Cup final) has been brought in to work with the Saints' strikers on a part-time basis.

Although born in Paisley, this is Grady's first ever involvement with his home-town team.

St Mirren gaffer Danny Lennon told the Daily Record: "James is a bubbly character and I feel having someone who has been there and done it as a striker can help the guys."

Daily Record - St Mirren Call On Ex-Morton Boss Grad To Boost Their Firepower (17.11.2010)

Partick Thistle 0-0 Morton

Partick Thistle 0 -
Morton 0 -

Entertainment was at an absolute premium as Morton secured their second away point of the season at Firhill.

In the first half, Martin Grehan had a curling effort tipped over the crossbar by ex-Partick goalkeeper Colin Stewart, while Liam Buchanan had a weak side-footed effort cleared off the line by another ex-Thistle player, Kevin McKinlay.

For Morton, Darren Young's deflected strike looped onto the roof of the net and Michael Tidser had a swirling 30-yard free-kick saved by Scott Fox. But these were about the only noteworthy incidents in a dull and scrappy match.

At the end of the day, leaving Firhill with a point is a decent result, especially if you consider Morton's terrible away record and the fact Thistle have recently beaten Falkirk and Cowdenbeath at home.

However, fans will be hoping to see more of the side that played so well against Dunfermline the previous weekend rather than the team that scrapped for a point in Glasgow on Saturday.

You can read my full Greenock Telegraph match report here: No Thrills At Firhill For Morton.

And match reaction from Ton left-back Kevin McKinlay and manager Allan Moore here: Kevin Pleased With Away Point.

Morton (4-4-2):

1. Colin Stewart - 6
2. David MacGregor - 5
3. Kevin McKinlay - 6
4. Stuart McCaffrey (c) - 6
5. Marc Smyth - 7
6. Michael Tidser - 7
7. Allan Jenkins - 6 (14. Graeme Homes, 72 - 1)
8. Darren Young - 7
9. Brian Graham - 6
10. Jonathan Toto - 5 (16. Stewart Kean, 65 - 4)
11. Carlo Monti - 6 (15. David O'Brien, 78 - 3)

Subs not used:

12. Grant Evans
20. Kevin Cuthbert

Stewart
MacGregor Smyth McCaffrey McKinlay
Jenkins Young Tidser Monti
Graham Toto

Partick Thistle (5-3-2): Fox -6; Paton - 7, Kinniburgh - 6, McNamara - 6, Archibald - 7, Boyle - 6; Flannigan - 6, Cairney - 6, Hodge - 7 (Erskine, 67 - 4); Buchanan - 6 (Donnelly, 73 - 2), Grehan - 7 (Rowson, 78 - 1).

Subs not used: Maxwell, Halliwell (gk).

Partick Thistle bookings: Archibald (32), Kinniburgh (46).


Referee: Brian Winter

Attendance: 2,436

My man of the match: Darren Young

Sponsor's man of the match: Alan Archibald


View from the other side:

ptfc.co.uk - match report

ptfc.co.uk - photographs

Young Signs On

Morton trialist Darren Young has today signed a short-term contract with the club.

Young had previously played three trial matches for the Ton and the contract will now ensure that he will be at Cappielow until January.

Yesterday, I suggested that the 32-year-old might not be getting a deal due to the fact there was no news so late in the week, but it turns out I was a wee bit premature as Chris Tait revealed that a deal had been agreed in today's Greenock Telegraph.

Moore told Tait: “I think he will give us a bit of experience in the middle of the park."

The club later confirmed the contract had been signed and that the former Aberdeen and Dundee player has signed until the beginning of January.

Greenock Telegraph - Young Is Set To Sign (12.11.2010)

gmfc.net - Player News (12.11.2010)

All Quiet On Potential Young Deal

It is looking more and more unlikely that Ton trialist Darren Young has earned a deal at Cappielow.

The 32-year-old central midfielder featured in three trial matches for Morton - appearing as a substitute against Cowdenbeath and starting matches against Raith Rovers and Dunfermline - and impressed in the most recent win against the Pars.

However, Saturday's appearance was the final outing which he could make while listed as a trialist. Young would now have to be offered a contract to play for the club again and the fact that it is now Thursday suggests that a contract offer might not be forthcoming.

In an interview for the Greenock Telegraph, Darren told me that despite Allan Moore's early statement that he had no money to sign him, he was still hopeful of getting a deal.

He said: “I’m not sure if there’s the chance of a deal. I’ve come here for a chance to get my fitness up, but I’ll speak to Allan Moore about it during the week and hopefully there is something there."

According to those in hosptitality after Saturday's match against Dunfermline, Moore stated that he'd have to speak to the chairman about signing Young, but that Douglas Rae was less than enthusiastic about a deal.

And, with time getting on, it looks like the chairman has maybe decided that there just isn't the money to sign Young.

Greenock Telegraph - Darren Hopes To Land Ton Deal (03.11.2010)

SFL - Young On Trial At Morton (21.10.2010)

The Kids Are Alright

Morton youngsters Nathan Shephard and Ryan Kane have extended loan deals with junior side Glenafton Athletic.

The teenagers both joined the New Cumnock team on initial one-month loans at the beginning of October, but after they impressed in that original spell, Glenafton manager Greig Denham, who is a friend of Allan Moore's, moved to extend their deals until December 31.

According to a Glenafton official I have spoken to, the pair have been very impressive and both netted a brace a piece in a recent 6-3 win over Vale of Clyde.

Although their deals are set to run until the end of December, the fact the loan deals are between senior and junior clubs means that they are free to play for Morton at any time during the loan. This was demonstrated when Kane (pictured, in action against Bellshill) was recalled to play in the 2-0 win over Queen of the South.

Their loan records so far are:

Shephard: 4 Starts, 0 Sub App, 2 Goals
Kane: 3 Starts, 1 Sub App, 2 Goals

Greenock Telegraph - Ton's Young Duo Extend Loans (05.11.2010)

Morton 2-1 Dunfermline Athletic

Morton 2 - Graham (24), Monti (36 pen)
Dunfermline Athletic 1 - Gibson (83)

After receiving a midweek boost when Dundee were deducted 25 points, Morton rounded off the week with an excellent win over second placed Dunfermline Athletic.

Brian Graham netted an opportunistic opener and Carlo Monti added a second from the penalty spot to push Allan Moore's side further up the table after the three points moved them ahead of Partick Thistle and Stirling Albion.

There were impressive performances from every single Morton player, including the much-maligned Jonathan Toto - who came on to a game after a slow start. The defence were particularly strong and Marc Smyth and Stuart McCaffrey marked the league's outstanding striker, Andy Kirk, out of the game, while left-back Kevin McKinlay nullified the threat of right-winger Willie Gibson.

Like Kirk, Gibson is one of the Scottish First Division's stand-out players, and although McKinlay could do nothing to stop the former Kilmarnock man's 83rd minute free-kick, the Ton left-back coped with everything Gibson had to throw at him and is proving to be a really influential player for the Cappielow men this season.

Despite the Pars' late goal, Morton held on for a very impressive win. I believe that this is the 'real' Morton we witnessed on Saturday and have faith that Allan Moore will continue to guide his team up the table.

You can read my full Greenock Telegraph match report here: Back On Track

And match reaction from Ton goalscorer Brian Graham and manager Allan Moore here:

Morton (4-4-2):

1. Colin Stewart - 7
2. David MacGregor - 7
3. Kevin McKinlay - 8
4. Marc Smyth - 9
5. Stuart McCaffrey (c) - 7
6. Michael Tidser - 7
7. Allan Jenkins - 7 (14. Graeme Homes, 88 - 1)
8. Darren Young [trialist] - 7 (15. Graeme Holmes, 75 - 1)
9. Brian Graham - 8
10. Jonathan Toto - 7 (12. Peter Weatherson, 70 - 2)
11. Carlo Monti - 8 (16. David O'Brien, 88 - 2)

Subs not used:

15. Grant Evans
20. Kevin Cuthbert

Booked: Tidser (73), Young (75).

Stewart
MacGregor Smyth McCaffrey McKinlay
Jenkins Young Tidser Monti
Graham Toto

Dunfermline Athletic (4-4-2): Smith - 7; Woods - 6, Dowie - 5, Higgins - 7, McCann - 6; Gibson - 7, Mason - 6, Bell - 4 (Thomson, 18 - 6), Graham - 6, (Cardle, 58 - 5); Clarke - 5, (McDougall, 58 - 3), Kirk - 5.

Subs not used: Keddie, Allison (gk).

Referee: Mat Northcroft

Attendance: 1,813

My man of the match: Marc Smyth

Sponsor's man of the match: Allan Jenkins

View from the other side:

dafc.co.uk - match report

dafc.co.uk - photographs

Tontastic - photographs

Moore Not Bothered By Dundee Deduction

Allan Moore is insisting that Dundee's 25-point deduction isn't a godsend for his team - as he's aiming to finish in mid-table anyway.

Morton were lifted off the bottom of the table earlier this week after the SFL decided to deduct 25 points from the Dens Park side for their financial mismanagement.

The penalty ensured that Dundee dropped from fourth to 10th in the table and now sit 20 points behind Ton on minus 11 points.

However, in an interview with the Greenock Telegraph's Chris Tait, Moore has stated that he his looking to climb the league rather than stay ahead of Dundee.

He said: “We’re concentrating on catching the teams above us.

“The Dundee situation obviously puts them below us but at the end of the day we’re only looking after ourselves and we’re not looking at anybody else."

He echoed those sentiments in a similar article in the Scotsman, saying: "Of course it's a bonus for ourselves and all the other teams that are down there.

"But we've got to start winning games and climbing the table ourselves. Never mind relegation, we want to be up there in the top half of the table."

Greenock Telegraph - Moore: Up To Us To Climb Table (02.11.2010)

The Scotsman - Morton: Allan Moore 'Bonus' (02.11.2010)

Fitzharris May Play For Ton Again

Sean Fitzharris may play for Morton again, according to the Greenock Telegraph's Chris Tait.

When Celtic loanee Fitzharris dislocated his shoulder in the 11th minute of last month's 2-0 win over Queen of the South, Ton boss Allan Moore hinted that the severity of the injury meant that it may well be the last time he played for the club.

However, Fitzharris revealed that he may back sooner than first thought after Celtic's physio informed him that he would not need an operation.

He told Tait: “There is a chance I could be playing in a month or so. It could be a possibility that I come back in time to play for Morton.

“I have a few weeks of rehab work then I’ll take it from there and we’ll see how it goes."

The 18-year-old Inverkip lad's loan deal expires on December 15 and he has already stated that he would be willing to extend the deal if it suited both clubs.

Therefore, it may be the case that Sean will feature at Cappielow again this season even if he fails to make another appearance before his initial loan spell comes to an end.

Read the full Tele' article here: Greenock Telegraph: Sean Could Be Back In Ton Shirt (02.11.2010)

Morton 0-1 Raith Rovers

Morton 0 -
Raith Rovers 1 - Walker (61)

Morton dropped back down to the bottom of the First Division after losing 1-0 at home to league leaders Raith Rovers.

The match was a fairly even one in which both goalkeepers pulled off a few strong saves.

However, Colin Stewart could not keep out Allan Walker's 61st minute volley, which turned out to be the winning goal.

Despite some late pressure, Morton couldn't find a way past a stubborn Raith Rovers defence expertly marshalled by former St Mirren defender Laurie Ellis and protected by sitting midfielder Iain Davidson.

You can read my full Greenock Telegraph match report here: Morton Go Back To The Bottom

And match reaction from Ton goalkeeper Colin Stewart and manager Allan Moore here: Colin: We Need To Cut Out Errors

Morton (4-4-2):

1. Colin Stewart - 7
2. Grant Evans - 6
3. David MacGregor - 6
4. Marc Smyth - 7
5. Stuart McCaffrey (c) - 7
6. Michael Tidser - 6
7. Allan Jenkins - 6
8. Darren Young [trialist] - 6 (15. Graeme Holmes, 75 - 1)
9. Peter Weatherson - 5 (15. Jonathan Toto, 60 - 2)
10. Brian Graham - 6
11. David O'Brien - 5 (12. Carlo Monti, 64 - 2)

Subs not used:

14. Kevin Kelbie
20. Kevin Cuthbert

Booked: None.

Stewart
Evans Smyth McCaffrey MacGregor
Jenkins Young Tidser O'Brien
Graham Weatherson

Raith Rovers (4-4-2): McGurn - 7; Wilson - 6, Murray - 7, Ellis - 7, Dyer - 6; Walker - 7, Davidson - 8, Williamson - 6 (Ferry, 65 - 2); Tade - 7, (Weir, 79 - 4) Mole - 6 (McBride, 88 - 1), Baird - 6.

Subs not used: Campbell, McNeil (gk).

Booked: Weir, Walker.

Referee: Steve Conroy

Attendance: 1,858

My man of the match: Colin Stewart

Sponsor's man of the match: Colin Stewart

View from the other side:

raithroversfc.com - match report

raithroversfc - photographs