Morton Reserves 0 - 0 Queen's Park Reserves

Morton and Queen's Park fought out a dull no score draw in a Reserve League West fixture at Cappielow last night.

Brian Graham threatened a couple of times for Morton but lacked composure when it came to his finishing. Dean Keenan had a long range drive that had to be tipped over the bar.

Queen's Park's best effort came when they hit the post at the Sinclair Street end in the second half. McGurn also had to look lively to pull off a couple of important saves.

Morton's young left back Gary Philip was impressive. He was very comfortable on the ball and attempted to link up on the left by keeping the ball on the ground rather than clipping it up the line all the time.

I got talking to Brian Graham's Dad at the game. He said that Brian has 14 goals in 16 games for the reserves this season and that he (Brian) is getting a little frustrated at his lack of chances. He's hoping to get on the pitch for some (or all) of the Ayr United match on the last day of the season. He also said that Graham's contract runs out at the end of this season. From what I've seen he seems like a decent prospect.

Morton

1. McGurn - 7
2. Philip - 7
3. Black - 6
4. Walker - 7
5. Gilbride - 7
6. Keenan - 6
7. Fulton - 6
8. McKellar - 7
9. Graham - 7
10. Linn - 6 (14. McLean - 5)
11. Russell - 5

12. Laughran
15. Barbour
GK. Baxter

Reserve League West Table (before tonights fixture) :
http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/scottish_football_league.cfm?showtype=table&show=tablesreservewest&init=M&curpageid=1080

Reserve league West Fixtures :
http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/scottish_football_league.cfm?showtype=match&show=reservewestbymonth&init=O&curpageid=1079

Raith Rovers 2 - 0 Morton

On Saturday 14th of April 2007 Morton were crowned 2nd division champions for season 2006/07.

Around 2400 Morton fans crammed into Starks Park's North Stand on Saturday in expectation of a title party and that's just what we got. The final whistle started joyous celebrations with the players at the end of the match and again when they returned from the dressing room, led by the enthusiastic Jim McAlister.

Ayr United's 3-2 win over Stirling Albion meant that Morton have finally returned to the 1st division and for this reason there was an overwhelming sense of relief all around. We can finally look forward in to a new season of bigger crowds, better stadiums and a higher standard of play.

The match was a very poor one from Morton's perspective with only two real attempts on goal - Chris Templeman's 'pass back' and a late drive from Bobby Linn. Rovers took the lead in the 70th minute when Todd Lumsden drove home a loose ball. They doubled their lead when Hearts loanee Denis McLaughlin's deflected effort squirmed past Paul Mathers six minutes later.

The Morton players looked very nervous, this combined with the efforts of a good Raith Rovers side - inspired by my man of the match Marvin Andrews - meant that Rovers ran out comfortable and worthy winners.

I felt that the defeat took a little of the shine off of the celebrations at first but once the players came backout of the tunnel the fans and players (and Douglas Rae) both started to really enjoy the moment.

Well done Morton !

Morton

1. Mathers - 7
2. Weatherson - 6
3. MacGregor - 7
4. Harding - 7
5. Greacen - 7
6. McLaughlin - 6
7. Finlayson - 6 (12. Millar - 4)
8. Stevenson - 6
9. Templeman - 5 (15. Linn - 4)
10. McGowan - 5 (16. Russell - 3)
11. McAlister - 7

14. A. Walker
20. D. McGurn

Att : 4327

Raith Rovers v Morton - Match Preview

Raith Rovers will be going all out to prevent Morton from celebrating at Starks Park today. They currently sit 3rd in the table and have a decent team who still have a chance of promotion via the dreaded play-offs (personally i think Rovers will win the play-offs). Jim Mcinally has made it clear that his players will not underestimate the team that stands between them and the championship.

If Morton match Stirling Albion's result (win, draw or loss) tomorrow we will be crowned 2nd Division Champions for season 2006/07. This will mean a return to the 1st Division where most Morton fans feel we belong and where I always remember Morton playing when I was younger.

The Hugh Scott era and the recent catastrophes (2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06) have meant that we have not played in the 1st division since season 2000/01. That is far too long of an absence for a club of Morton's size.

Tomorrow is a huge day in the recent history of this club. If (when) we get up I think that only then can the ghost of Hugh Scott be laid to rest. The emotions of the Morton support wont just be of joy and celebration but also an overwhelming feeling of relief. I'd expect a few tears from a support that has suffered for far too long.

Team News - Morton have a full team to choose from today. It's almost certain that McInally will go with the same XI that destroyed Forfar Athletic last week.Derek Carcary is out for Raith while Paul McManus is doubtful. A Raith team without McManus would be a huge advantage for Morton.

My prediction : Raith Rovers 0 Morton 2

SPL 2 Edging Closer ?

According to today's Sun 30 SFL clubs will meet at Hampden next Thursday to decide whether or not to form SPL 2. The snippet by Paul Hughes also suggests that clubs like Livingston will quit the SFL if they 'don't get their own way'.

The principal clubs behind SPL 2 received a boost when Clydesdale bank hinted that they would consider sponsoring SPL 2 if it were to be formed. Clydesdale have already agreed a sponshorship deal with the SPL for next season.

In the Morton v Cowdenbeath matchday programme (31.03.07) Morton chairman Douglas Rae said : "I personally believe that if by First Division Clubs joining the SPL, more money would be brought in to Scottish Football, then we should all vote for it."

If Clydesdale bank agree to sponsor the SPL 2 and a TV deal can be found (probably with the ever expanding Setanta Sports) I can't see how Morton could not get involved. The SFL needs a major shake up and in spite of the flaws in SPL 2 (Pearse Flynn's money grabbing) I would like to see Morton involved. It's all very well saying that clubs like East Stirling and Forfar would be left behind but those clubs have little or no ambition and are quite happy to maintain the status quo.

Hopefully SPL 2 wouldn't become the virtual closed shop that the SPL has become. It would also be beneficial if a pyramid system were formed at the base of Scottish Football. This would allow ambitious junior clubs and highland league clubs to progress up through the leagues and replace those 'professional' clubs who are happy to stagnate while paying players £10 per week.

If Clydesdale bank are genuinely interested in getting involved it would bring SPL2 a significant step closer to being realised.

Clydesdale bank express an interest in sponsoring SPL 2 : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/6550759.stm

Celtic v Dundee April 1999

As a Setanta Sports subscriber I get Rangers and Celtic TV for free. I just finished work at 10pm and switched on the TV, after flicking through the sports channels I came across Celtic v Dundee from 1999 and who's there strutting his stuff in centre midfield -Jim Mcinally. Strange to see him playing again. Unfortunately for him a Celtic team containing Henrik Larsson, Mark Viduka and Harald Brattbakk (Brattbakk and Viduka both scored their first goals for Celtic v Morton in the Scottish Cup) hammered his side 5-0.

Ex- Morton players Robbie Raeside and Eddie Annand were also playing for Dundee.

Weatherson and McGowan nominated for SPFA Award

Peter Weatherson and Paul McGowan have both been nominated as candidates for the SPFA Second Division player of the year. The list also includes Stirling Albion's ex-Morton midfielder Chris Aitken and Brechin City's Iain Russell.

I'm pretty surprised to see Chris Aitken's name mentioned. I'd expect Weatherson to win convincingly after the amazing season he has had. 17 goals from a player who has played the majority of his games at right-back is phenomenal.

Well done to both Morton players mentioned.

Read more here : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/6548485.stm

In the Papers Today (Wednesday)

Greenock Telegraph (Roger Graham) :

Paul Mathers looks forward to Saturdays game with Raith Rovers. Describing the day as one 'footballers relish'. He says that it 'definitely helps' that the game will be played in a Premier League standard stadium.

He also laments losing a goal to Forfar in the 9-1 demolition as it ended a run of 3 clean sheets in a row. Mathers' best run since he joined Morton.

Peter Weatherson has been officially announced as the Albert Hotel Morton Suppoters Club Player of the Year. Peter received 67% of the vote.

Chirs Templeman finished second (13%) and David MacGregor & Paul McGowan came in joint third (5%).

http://www.greenockmorton.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=12940&hl=albert+hotel