Match Preview | Falkirk
Falkirk versus MORTON
Saturday 15 December 2018
Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Morton make the journey through to Falkirk this afternoon for what promises to be another intriguing Ladbrokes Championship encounter.
The fixture is Ton’s second meeting with a Bairns side bossed by the former Cappielow management team of Ray McKinnon and Darren Taylor.
Current gaffer Jonatan Johansson expects that fact to add to the spectacle again but embraces the high-profile nature of the occasion and believes his players will do likewise.
They channelled any emotion in the right way when the clubs last faced off, winning 1-0 in Greenock thanks to a Bob McHugh header back in October.
A repeat would be most welcome later today at what is expected to be a bitterly cold Falkirk Stadium, with snow and sleet forecasted throughout the afternoon.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Denny Johnstone is back training with a ball but is still unavailable, while Gary Oliver remains sidelined with the broken collarbone suffered against Peterhead.
Manager Jonatan Johansson has also confirmed that Jack Iredale faces at least two weeks out due to an adductor tear that also saw him miss last weekend’s draw with Dundee United.
However, Bob McHugh has recovered from the illness that meant he was only fit enough for a place on the bench against the Arabs, while Kerr Waddell will be given a fitness test ahead of the game and could be included.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
5 – Bob McHugh has scored five goals in his last 10 appearances.
5 – Five of Jonatan Johansson’s 14 matches in charge have finished 1-1.
8 – Striker McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with eight goals in 16 starts and six substitute appearances.
10 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 10 direct assists in 22 starts.
Current Connections
Morton forward Bob McHugh swapped the Forth Valley for Greenock in the summer of 2017 after two successful seasons with today’s opponents.
Close-season recruit Reghan Tumilty arrived at Cappielow following his release by Ross County, but spent last term on loan with the Bairns, scoring two goals in 20 appearances.
The Falkirk management team of Ray McKinnon, Darren Taylor, and Graeme Henderson started the campaign here at Cappielow before taking the reins at the Falkirk Stadium.
On the playing side, former Ton midfielder Joe McKee is now in his second season with the Bairns, while Ton youth academy graduate Mark Russell penned a deal until January back in August.
Head to Head
Sat 25 Nov 2017: Falkirk 0-3 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 13 Jan 2018: Morton 0-1 Falkirk (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 10 Mar 2018: Falkirk 3-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 20 Oct 2018: Morton 1-0 Falkirk (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
An emotionally-charged afternoon saw former boss Ray McKinnon make his Cappielow return as Jonatan Johansson picked up his first three points as Morton manager with a 1-0 win over Falkirk.
Substitute Bob McHugh put his former club to the sword by coming off the bench to nod home the winning goal on 76 minutes.
The hitman was sent on by Greenock gaffer Johansson after the Bairns were reduced to 10 men following goalkeeper Leo Fasan’s dismissal early in the second half and earned Ton their first win in six matches.
Officials
Referee: Gavin Ross
Assistant one: Gary Hilland
Assistant two: Ross Macleod
Fan File
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, E, and F 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-persons searching 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.
Please note that there is an amber weather warning for snow and ice, with snow and sleet forecasted.
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 leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 1.15pm sharp and pick ups are available en-route. Costs are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions. The bus is FULL.
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 1.15pm with pick ups en-route. Visitors costs are £8 for adults and £6 for OAPs and Under-16s.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus for today’s match leaves the Sutherland Bar at 1.30pm.
Image: David Bell
