Match Preview: Livingston
LIVINGSTON versus Morton
Saturday 7 April 2018
Tony Macaroni, Livingston
Kick-off 3pm
Match Preview
Morton are back on the road again after two successive home fixtures and travel intent on reversing a trend that has seen them fail to beat Livingston in their four previous meetings this term.
David Hopkin’s second-placed side won the first three clashes, one in the Irn-Bru Cup ut all at Cappielow, without conceding a goal.
The most recent head-to-head, played at the Tony Macaroni Arena just under a month ago, saw the Ton literally come within seconds of claiming maximum points.
Forward Gary Oliver fired Jim Duffy’s men into an 88th-minute lead and looked to have sewn up the victory, but 10-man Livi netted with the last kick off the game to snatch a share of the spoils.
Despite the outcome leaving the travelling contingent crestfallen, the performance that night was cause for optimism that the Ton have learned from previous outings against the West Lothian outfit.
They will, therefore, travel with optimism as they attempt to climb back into the play-off places, as well as closing the gap on that runners-up berth, by securing a positive result tomorrow afternoon.
Manager’s Thoughts
Team News
Jamie McGowan, Ross Forbes, and Jai Quitongo remained sidelined while Lewis Strapp misses out due to ankle ligament damage. John Baird is rated 50/50 after missing training in the latter part of the week with a tight hamstring.
Current Connections
Livingston gaffer David Hopkin is a well-known face at Cappielow having started and finished his playing career with the club, as well as serving on the coaching staff as Under-20s boss, assistant manager, and interim manager.
Recent Meetings
Tue 15 Aug 2017: Morton 0-2 Livingston (Irn-Bru Cup, first round)
Sat 26 Aug 2017: Morton 0-1 Livingston (Ladbrokes Championship)
Tue 27 Feb 2018: Morton 0-1 Livingston (Ladbrokes Championship)
Tue 13 Mar 2018: Livingston 1-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Out
David Hopkin’s side had Shaun Byrne sent off for a second bookable offence just after the hour, and Ton looked to have made their man advantage count when Gary Oliver opened the scoring with just two minutes remaining.
With the game seemingly dead and buried and three points in the bag, Jackson Longridge snatched a point with a hopeful 25-yard strike that took a deflection to leave Derek Gaston wrong-footed and creep inside the post.
Taking a point away at second-placed Livi would have been a commendable outcome prior to the game, but the circumstances in which it came to pass meant it felt more like a defeat.
Officials
Referee: Steven Kirkland
Assistant one: Alastair Mather
Assistant two: Chris McTiernan
Supporters Notes
Entry is pay at the gate and the admission prices are:
Adults: £18
Concessions*: £12
Under 16s: £5
*Full-time students on production of a current matriculation card, U18s, registered disabled (if with a carer and under 65 full price paid but carer admitted free)
All fans will be housed in the main stand. Morton supporters will occupy sections A1 and A2, and enter via turnstiles 1 and 2.
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. Livingston have a policy on unacceptable conduct and behaviour, which will be fully enforced.
Travel
Travel by Road: Tony Macaroni Arena, Alderstone Road, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7DN
A8/M8 eastbound – exit at junction 3 (Livingston) – A899 (south) following the signs for St John’s hospital or the stadium.
Travel by Rail: Greenock – Glasgow Central – Livingston South (25-minute walk to stadium).
Parking:
Coaches and cars: Parking is available in the main car park. There is a £5 charge.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus to Livingston leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 1pm sharp and pick ups are available en-route. Costs are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.
- You can sbook a seat by leaving a message at https://www.facebook.com/AHMSC/ or texting 07517045005.
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus to Livingston leaves the club at 12.30pm with pick ups available en-route. Visitors costs are £9 for adults and £7 (OAPS/U-16s) for concessions.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club’ bus to Dunfermline leaves the Sutherland Bar at 1.15pm
- You can book a seat by leaving a message on Facebook or contacting Bryan on 07969760291.
Image: David Bell
