Match Preview: Falkirk
Falkirk versus MORTON
Saturday 10 March 2018
The Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk
Kick-off 3pm
Match Preview
Morton travel to the Falkirk Stadium tomorrow for the first of two demanding Ladbrokes Championship away fixtures in the space of four days.
Jim Duffy’s side go head-to-head with Paul Hartley’s improving Bairns this weekend before travelling through to West Lothian to meet second-placed Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
And they do so on the back of the most demanding fixture in Scottish football: facing SPFL Premiership champions and current league leaders Celtic at Parkhead.
Despite coming out on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline in Glasgow, the Sinclair Street side gave a commendable account of themselves, particularly in the first hour of the Scottish Cup quarter-final tie.
Not only that but the fact they have a strong record on the the road, including a fantastic 3-0 win at Falkirk on their last visit, should ensure Morton make this return journey confident of their ability to claim maximum points.
The hosts, though, have served warning they are a side on the up with six wins in their last nine in all competitions, which started with a 1-0 triumph at Cappielow in January.
Manager’s Thoughts
Team News
Lee Kilday, who continues to make progress, Jamie McGowan, Ross Forbes, Robert Thomson, Jai Quitongo, and Luca Gasparotto all remain sidelined.
Michael Tidser missed the first couple of days training this week after experiencing a tight hamstring early in the Scottish Cup tie against Celtic but is expected to be available after returning to training on Thursday.
Striker John Baird was cup tied for last Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie at Celtic Park and comes back into contention against his former club, while Jack Iredale is close to full fitness following a full week of training.
Current Connections
Canadian central defender Luca Gasparotto has sandwiched a spell at Falkirk in between two stints at Cappielow, including a period on loan from tomorrow’s opponents.
Former midfielder Joe McKee signed for the Bairns following his release by Carlisle United before penning a two-year extension at the end of last term.
Current Ton top scorer Bob McHugh swapped the Forth Valley for Greenock last summer after two successful seasons at the Falkirk Stadium.
Current Cappielow assistant manager Craig McPherson played for the Bairns between 2002 and 2006, finishing his career there and enjoying a stint as academy director.
Manager Jim Duffy was given his managerial break at Brockville when he was handed the reins back in 1988 at just 29 years old.
In the opposite dugout is Paul Hartley, who enjoyed a month on loan with the Ton in season 1999/00, scoring one goal, in a Renfrewshire derby, in three starts.
Emergency loan signing John Baird enjoyed a fruitful stint at the Falkirk Stadium between 2015 and 2017, netting 36 goals in 106 appearances.
Recent Meetings
Sat 18 Mar 2017: Falkirk 0-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 30 Sep 2017: Morton 0-1 Falkirk (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 25 Nov 2017: Falkirk 0-3 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 13 Jan 2018: Morton 0-1 Falkirk (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Out
Although Jim Duffy’s side saw four attempts cleared off the line over the course of the 90 minutes, their difficulties finding the net at that time continued and saw them draw a blank.
The Sinclair Street side had also failed to find the goals necessary to pick up victories against St Mirren and then Brechin City in previous weeks despite controlling the second half in both fixtures.
Officials
Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant one: Graeme Stewart
Assistant two: Steven Strang
Supporters Notes
Entry is pay at the gate and the admission prices are:
Adults: £20
Concessions (Over 65s, full-time students*): £13
Under 18s: £7
Under 12s: Free if accompanied by an adult
*Please note that proof will be required.
Morton fans will be housed in the North Stand, occupy sections D and E, and enter via turnstiles 11 and 12. Disabled access is via the north/west gate of the main stand and admission is free.
Fans under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted and are liable to arrest. All bags will be searched, with random searches undertaken.
Surfing flags are not permitted and any other flags will be checked to ensure that they are not offensive or derogatory. Falkirk have a policy on unacceptable conduct and behaviour, which will be fully enforced.
Travel
Travel by Road: The Falkirk Stadium, 4 Stadium Way, Falkirk, FK2 2EE
A8/M8 – M80 – M876 – M9 and exit at junction six for BP Grangemouth – turn right at end of slip road to Earlsgate roundabout. The stadium is on the left. No major roadworks listed, but check trafficscotland.org for updates
Travel by Rail: Greenock – Glasgow Central – Queen Street – Falkirk High. Journey time is approximately one hour, 40 minutes. The stadium is a 30-minute walk away, although taxis are freely available from the station.
Parking:
Coaches: Free parking is available at rear of north stand.
Cars: Parking is available at the rear of north stand. There is a £4 charge. Alternatively, there is on-street in West Mains Industrial Estate.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus to Falkirk leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 1.30pm sharp and pick ups are available en-route. Costs are £8 for adults and £6 for concessions.
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus to Falkirk for tomorrow’s match leaves the club at 1.15pm with pick ups available en-route. Visitor costs are £8 for adults and £6 for concessions.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus to Falkirk for tomorrow’s match leaves the Sutherland Bar at 1.30pm.
- If you would like a seat contact Bryan on 07969760291 or leave a private message on Facebook.
Image: David Bell
