Match Preview: Dumbarton
MORTON versus Dumbarton
Saturday 10 February 2018
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Match Preview
Morton and fellow Championship outfit Dumbarton go head to head at Cappielow tomorrow with a place in the quarter-finals of the William Hill Scottish Cup on the line.
The stakes are high for both clubs, with the potential for a money-spinning draw in the last eight a huge bonus to the coffers and a source of real excitement for supporters.
Jim Duffy’s side disposed of divisional rivals Dunfermline Athletic in the last round, triumphing 2-1 at East End Park thanks to goals from Gary Oliver and Jai Quitongo.
With home advantage on their side on top of a hot run of form that has seen them win their last three matches in all competitions, the Sinclair Street approach this fifth round clash in a particularly positive frame of mind.
Stevie Aitken’s Sons should never be underestimated, however, and are guaranteed to provide stiff opposition and be equally as determined as the Ton to ensure they are in the hat for the next round.
Proof of that, if any were needed, is that the teams have met twice on league duty so far this term with little or nothing to separate the sides, drawing 0-0 on the opening day of the league season and 1-1 in October.
With the reward of a spot in the latter stages of Scotland premier cup competition at stake, it all points to a taxing but exhilirating cup tie.
Manager’s Thoughts
Team News
Although he made his return to action with a 45-minute run-out in Tuesday’s Development League West win over East Kilbride, Lee Kilday is still a bit away from a first-team return and remains sidelined.
Jamie McGowan, Ross Forbes, Robert Thomson, and Jai Quitongo have all been absent in recent weeks and are expected to miss out.
Current Connections
Striker Robert Thomson made a direct move between the clubs in the summer, while midfielder Ross Forbes spent time on loan with the Sons as a teenager, helping them lift the 2008/09 Third Division title.
Dumbarton boss Stevie Aitken, meanwhile, enjoyed eight seasons as a player at Cappielow, making 97 starts, 34 substitute appearances and scoring five goals.
Recent Meetings
Sat 7 Jan 2017: Morton 2-1 Dumbarton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 1 April 2017: Dumbarton 1-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 5 August 2017: Dumbarton 0-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 21 October 2017: Morton 1-1 Dumbarton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Out
Morton came from behind to draw 1-1 with Dumbarton at Cappielow last October but were disappointed not to have claimed all three points on home turf after a one-sided second half.
Mark Stewart’s early opener was cancelled out by Bob McHugh’s 50th-minute strike, and, although the remaining 40 minutes saw one-way traffic head towards the Sons goal, keeper Scott Gallacher kept Ton out.
The Sinclair Street side actually claimed three points at Brechin City seven days earlier despite the fact the Glebe Park outfit’s goalie had little to do by comparison with Gallacher.
Officials
Referee: Craig Thomson
Assistant one: Alan Mulvanny
Assistant two: Paul O’Neill
Fourth official: Craig Napier
Supporters Notes
Admission prices for the tie have been agreed between the clubs and set as the same as home league fixtures here at Cappielow.
The Scottish Cup tie can be pre-loaded to fan cards on Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk, while match tickets are on sale at all the usual outlets.
Cappielow – During office hours, Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm.
Smiths of Greenock – During opening hours, 9am – 5.30pm.
Sinclair Street ticket office – Home matchdays, from 11am to 3pm.
Supporters are asked to purchase in advance where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office on a matchday.
We would remind season card holders who plan to attend tomorrow’s tie that they will be required to purchase a match ticket as this fixture is not part of their package.
However, as valued supporters who have made a season-long commitment to the club, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to purchase a ticket for this weekend’s match as we aim to reach the quarter-finals.
Anyone who has, or will be unable to make it along to the stadium or Smiths before Saturday can order their ticket and make payment over the telephone until 5pm today by calling 01475 723571.
Pre-ordered tickets will then be left at a dedicated season card-specific collection point at the ticket office in order to avoid excessive queues on matchday.
Tickets Prices
Tickets purchased after 1pm on a matchday are priced at:
Adults – £20
Concessions – £15
Children aged 12-16 – £5
Children under 12^ – Free
^ Children under 12 who do not have a season card or fan card will be required to collect a match ticket from our ticket office on the day of the game and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
However, fans who purchase tickets in advance – prior to 1pm on matchday – will enjoy a freeze upon last year’s pay-at-the-gate prices and these are:
Adults – £18
Concessions – £15
Children aged 12-16 – £5
Children under 12^ – Free
Sinclair Street
Safety officer Jim McLaughlin has confirmed the situation involving Sinclair Street has now been resolved and the road will be closed as previously and the car park is open with the fee of £3. See here for details.
Vehicles, on exiting the car park, must turn left and exit under the railway bridge, turn right into Carwood Street if travelling towards Greenock town centre, or the second left into Weir Street if travelling towards Port Glasgow.
Image: David Bell
