Match Preview | Ross County
Ross County versus MORTON
Saturday 27 October 2018
Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Morton start the second quarter of the Ladbrokes Championship campaign tomorrow with an away fixture against a Ross County side sat at the league summit.
The Staggies are currently in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten run that saw co-bosses Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell pick up the September Manager of the Month award as their team climbed to the top of the pile.
Their last – and only – league defeat, however, was inflicted by none other than ourselves when goals from Michael Tidser and Bob McHugh were enough to clinch a 2-1 triumph at Cappielow back in August.
The memory of that relatively recent victory, combined with last weekend’s welcome 1-0 win over Falkirk, should ensure that Jonatan Johansson’s side head to the Highlands in a confident frame of mind.
A bullish Rory McKeown has made it clear that while Ton fully appreciate the wealth of talent possessed by County, they have no reason to fear anyone in the division and travel north in the belief they can triumph again.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Manager Johansson is without a number of attacking options due to injury, with Robert Thomson, Connor Bell, Denny Johnstone, Ben Armour and Scott Tiffoney all likely to miss out.
There is positive news from the treatment table, though, as defender Lee Kilday has recovered from the ankle knock that forced him off against Falkirk and will be in contention for a starting spot.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Jonatan Johansson picked up his first win as Morton manager with a 1-0 victory against Falkirk last week.
1 – Dundee loan defender Kerr Waddell made his first league start at Cappielow in the Bairns fixture.
1 – Waddell also registered his first senior assist with his header to Bob McHugh.
2 – Morton are two games undefeated.
3 – Morton are three games undefeated against Ross County.
6 – Morton recorded their first win in six matches with victory over Falkirk.
6 – Michael Tidser is Ton’s top scorer this term, with six goals in 13 starts.
6 – Tidser is also Ton’s top creator with seven assists.
8 – Morton kept their first clean sheet in eight matches by shutting out Falkirk.
225 – Chris Millar made his 225th appearance for the club in last Saturday’s fixture .
Current Connections
Midfielder Michael Tidser spent part of the 2013/14 season on loan with the Staggies, making 16 starts in the Scottish Premiership, while summer signing Reghan Tumilty joined the Ton following two years in Dingwall.
County can count four former Morton players amongst their squad in Michael Gardyne and Brian Graham and more recent ex-Ton loan stars Declan McManus and Jamie Lindsay.
Head to Head
Sat 29 Oct 2011: Morton 0-2 Ross County (First Division)
Tue 13 Mar 2012: Ross County 2-2 Morton (First Division)
Sat 21 Apr 2012: Morton 1-1 Ross County (First Division)
Sat 25 Aug 2018: Morton 2-1 Ross County (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton fought back from behind to claim a fantastic three points against title favourites Ross County on a thrilling afternoon at Cappielow.
Staggies midfielder Don Cowie prodded past a prone Ryan Scully to open the scoring on 58 minutes, but red-hot Michael Tidser levelled things up inside 120 seconds with a searing strike from 30 yards.
Bob McHugh is the second name in the Sinclair Street scoring charts, and he fired the Ton to a memorable victory with his third strike of the season.
Substitute Denny Johnstone nodded down and McHugh snapped onto the ball in a flash, lashing an unstoppable left-footed half-volley across goalkeeper Scott Fox and into the top-right corner to seal the win.
Officials
Referee: Steven Reid
Assistant one: Andrew McWilliam
Assistant two: Steven Traynor
Fan File
Admission is by ticket and these will be available to buy on the day from the matchday ticket office (portacabin) at the Global Energy Stadium right up until kick-off.
Adults: £20
Concession (Over 65s and students): £10
Under-18*: £5
*Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Morton supporters will enter via turnstiles 1 to 2 at the east stand extension.
Ross County is a family club and expects fans to behave reasonably. Searching may take place prior to entry and unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated, with offenders liable to ejection of arrest. Anyone consuming alcohol to excess will be refused entry.
Disabled Access
Disabled access is through the appropriate turnstile at away end, where club stewards will direct. Carers enter free of charge.
Travel
By Road: The Global Energy Stadium, Victoria Park, Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9QZ
A8/M8 – M80 – M9 – A9 towards Inverness – follow signs for A9 Wick – at roundabout follow signs for A835 Dingwall – at roundabout follow signs for A862 – enter Dingwall and turn right into Hill Street – turn right into High Street – left into Achamy Road – right into Ferry Road – left into Jubilee Park Road.
By Rail: Greenock – Glasgow Central – Queen Street – Inverness – Dingwall.
The stadium is a five minute walk from the town centre and less than 500 metres from the train station. Please check www.scotrail.co.uk for times.
Weather
The Met Office have issued a yellow warning for snow and ice across the Highlands and supporters are warned that hail, sleet and snow showers could leave surfaces prone to patchy ice and slushy snow over upland routes.
Check the Met Office website for up to date information: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings#?date=2018-10-26
Parking
Car and coach parking: There is ample free and well-signposted car parking in Dingwall town centre. There is also limited parking around the stadium.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 10am. Costs are £17 for adults and £15 for concessions (U-16/OAP).
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 9am. Cost is £20 for everyone.
Image: Gary Bradley
