Match Preview: St Mirren

 

St Mirren versus MORTON

 Saturday 21 April 2018

Paisley 2021 Stadium, Paisley

Kick-off 3pm

 

Match Preview

Morton and St Mirren go head-to-head in the final Renfewshire derby of the 2017/18 Ladbrokes Championship season at the Paisley 2021 Stadium this afternoon.

The Ton are the reluctant guests at a title party, with their arch-rivals set to be crowned second-tier champions after finishing top of the pile this term.

Their ambition will be to curb the celebrations by recording a victory on enemy territory, thereby maintaining a record that has seen them go unbeaten against the Saints this season – the only side to do so.

There is also the slim chance of still claiming the final promotion play-off place and prize money in terms of league places to consider.

To have any chance of finishing ahead of Dunfermline in fourth, the Ton would be required to won both of their remaining games combined with the Pars losing theirs.

Even if that proves a bridge too far, Jim Duffy’s side will still be keen to pick up maximum points to attempt to reclaim fifth place after slipping below Inverness Caley Thistle, who they play on the final day, in midweek.

Manager’s Thoughts

 

Team News

Jamie McGowan, Ross Forbes, Jai Quitongo, Lewis Strapp, Derek Gaston, Luca Gasparotto miss out due ongoing injury problems.

Michael Tidser is back available for selection after missing the Queen of the South loss with a neck problem, as is Gary Oliver after overcoming a virus.

Current Connections

Development squad goalkeeper Jamie McGowan came through the Saints youth ranks while Mark Russell and Scott Tiffoney started out at St Mirren Boys’ Club.

Gary Harkins spent the 2013/14 season on St Mirren’s books, making 17 appearances and scoring two goals before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at English League One outfit Oldham Athletic.

Emergency loan signing John Baird spent three seasons with the Saints early on his career, scoring four goals in 26 appearances prior to loan spells with Stenhousemuir and Montrose.

Recent Meetings

Tue 11 Apr 2017: Morton 1-4 St Mirren (Ladbrokes Championship)

Sat 12 Aug 2017: Morton 4-1 St Mirren (Ladbrokes Championship)

Sat 28 Oct 2017: St Mirren 2-2 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)

Sat 2 Jan 2018: Morton 1-1 St Mirren (Ladbrokes Championship)

Last Time Out

A late Thomas O’Ware header earned Morton a deserved derby draw as they fought back from behind to claim a point against league leaders St Mirren in front of the BBC Alba cameras in the first game of 2018.

Talented Greenock-born winger Lewis Morgan fired the Saints in front after 25 minutes at Cappielow to send the visitors in leading at the break.

But Jim Duffy’s side upped their game considerably in the second half, and defender O’Ware headed home a Scott Tiffoney corner to open his account for the campaign and earn his side a merited share of the spoils.

Officials

Referee: Bobby Madden

Assistant one: Dougie Potter

Assistant two: David McKniff

Supporters Notes

Entry is by ticket only and supporters are reminded that they will not be on sale at the stadium on matchday. Prices are:

Adults: £20
Concessions (Over 65, Under 18, full-time student with valid card): £10
Child 12 and under: £5
Ambulant and carer: £10

Morton fans will be housed in the North Stand and will enter via turnstiles 17 to 20.

Fans under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted and all bags will be searched with random searches undertaken. Surfing flags are not permitted and any other flags will be checked to ensure they are not offensive.

St Mirren have a policy on unacceptable conduct and behaviour which will be fully enforced.

Travel

Travel by Road: St Mirren, Paisley 2021 Stadium, Greenhill Road, Paisley, PA3 1RU

A8/M8, exit at junction 29 St James and follow signs for Paisley, A726. Follow dual carriageway and pick up signs for ‘football traffic’.

Travel by Rail: Gourock to Paisley Gilmour Street runs every 30 minutes. Some trains will stop at Paisley St James, where fans alight for the Paisley 2021 Stadium. Check rail websites for details.

Parking

Car parking: MacFarlane Street/Clark Street, off the A726, and Ferguslie Park Avenue, off Greenhill Road.

Coach parking: Clark Street. Enter Clark Street from Greenhill Road before the low bridge.

Travel Club Info

• The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 1.45pm sharp and pick ups are available en-route. Costs are £7 for adults and £5 for concessions.
  If you would like a seat on the bus please ttext/call 07517045005 or comment on Facebook.
• The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus to Paisley for tomorrow’s match is now FULL. The coach leaves the club at 2pm with pick ups en-route. Visitors costs are £7 for adults and £5 for concessions.
• The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus to Paisley for tomorrow’s match leaves the Sutherland Bar at 2pm. Anyone looking for seats should contact Bryan on 07969760291 or leave a message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortGlasgowMTC/

 

Image: David Bell