Match Preview | Inverness C.T.
MORTON versus Inverness C.T.
Saturday 22 December 2018
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Morton hope to spread some Christmas cheer this afternoon by claiming three points against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Cappielow.
The Ladbrokes Championship round 18 fixture is both Jonatan Johansson side’s last before the big day and their final home outing of 2018.
Even a cursory glance at the formbook would point to a festive season stalemate on Sinclair Street, particularly the fact Inverness have drawn 10 out of their last 13 fixures in all competitions.
Moreover, Morton have shared the spoils in their last two outings – 1-1 with Dundee United and 0-0 at Falkirk – while gaffer Johansson’s tenure has turned up seven ties in 15 matches.
The clubs cannot be separated on the head-to-head record either, having contested a 1-1 draw in the Highlands back on 6 October.
And, with just a solitary point separating them in the league table, it would seem to suggest that the margins will be wafer thin in Greenock this afternoon.
However, manager Johansson and players such as Robert Thomson have outlined the importance of turning draws into wins, and the aim today is to deliver an early Chritsmas present by picking up three points.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Long-term absentee Denny Johnstone is back in full training and edging closer to a return to action, albeit he is short of match sharpness and today’s game is likely to come too early.
Fellow frontman Gary Oliver and left-back Jack Iredale are definitely out, and they are joined on the sidelines by Gregor Buchanan after the defender suffered a knee injury at Falkirk last Saturday.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Morton have lost just one of their last six matches in all competitions.
2 – Morton have drawn their last two league fixtures.
2 – Morton are unbeaten in two matches.
5 – Bob McHugh has scored five goals in his last 11 appearances.
7 – Seven of Jonatan Johansson’s 15 matches in charge have finished in stalemate.
8 – Striker McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with eight goals in 17 starts and six substitute appearances.
10 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 10 direct assists in 23 starts.
Current Connections
Striker Connor Bell spent last season with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, scoring seven goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.
Head to Head
Sat 23 Dec 2017: Morton 1-0 Inverness C.T. (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 24 Feb 2018: Inverness C.T. 0-2 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 28 Apr 2018: Morton 0-3 Inverness C.T. (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 6 Oct 2018: Inverness C.T. 1-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton rebounded from a heavy home loss against Ayr United by picking up a precious point away at unbeaten Inverness Caledonian Thistle in early October.
Jonatan Johansson’s side took an important early lead through in-form Charlie Telfer, who steered home a shrewd Michael Tidser cutback to net his second goal in two matches.
The Highland outfit equalised with just 10 seconds of normal time remaining in the first half when striker Jordan White managed to squeeze the ball past Ryan Scully after finding a yard of space inside the Ton box.
Officials
Referee: Steven Reid
Assistant one: Paul O’Neill
Assistant two: Richard Murray
Fan File
Admission prices are:
Adult | Fan Card: £18, Ticket: £20
Concession (Over 65, Student, and Under 21s) | Fan Card: £13, Ticket: £15
Child (12 – 17)^ | Fan Card: £5, Ticket: £5
Child (Under-12)* | Fan Card: £0, Ticket: £1
^Proof of entitlement must be provided for concessionary tickets, while proof of age is required for children between 12 and 17 and those between 18 and 20.
*Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please note, prices apply irrespective of the day or time of purchase.
Supporters are asked to purchase in advance where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office on a matchday.
Briefs can still be bought from the following outlets:
Smiths of Greenock – During opening hours, 9am – 5.30pm
Sinclair Street ticket office – Saturday matchdays from 11am to 3pm
Tickets can also be purchased in advance online at www.gmfctickets.co.uk or by calling the club on 01475 723571. These can be collected at the ticket office on matchday.
All home fixtures are also available to be pre-loaded onto fan cards via Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk.
Children Under-12 Go Free With Season Card and Fan Card
Children Under-12 in possession of a season card or fan card attend all home league fixtures free of charge, and parents are encouraged to sign their kids up for the campaign if they have not already done so.
Those children without a season card or fan card will be required to purchase a physical match ticket with scannable barcode at a cost of £1.
You can order or renew your child’s season ticket online by CLICKING HERE or by contacting club secretary Brendan McEleny on admin@gmfc.net or calling 01475 723571.
Image: Gary Bradley
