Match Preview | Dunfermline Athletic
MORTON versus Dunfermline Athletic
Saturday 26 January 2019
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
A Morton side boosted by the arrival of Rangers loan signings Robby McCrorie and Andrew Dallas host Dunfermline Athletic at Cappielow this afternoon.
Goalkeeper McCrorie and striker Dallas joined the Ton until the end of the season yesterday and go straight into manager Jonatan Johansson’s matchday squad for today’s Ladbrokes Championship clash with the Pars.
It is a big game for two clubs in need of a positive result following shock Scottish Cup exits at the hands of lower league opposition last weekend.
While Johansson’s men were losing 2-1 at League One outfit East Fife, new Dunfermline boss Stevie Crawford saw his side go down to a 3-0 derby defeat at Raith Rovers.
Those results should guarantee a compelling 90 minutes on Sinclair Street today as both clubs bid to get their campaign back on the right track by collecting maximum points.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Denny Johnstone’s knee is collecting fluid and remains sidelined; the striker has been joined on the treatment table by Rory McKeown after the left-back suffered a calf injury in training.
Gary Oliver made his return from a broken collarbone at East Fife last weekend, and he will be joined in the matchday squad by new signings Andrew Dallas and Robby McCrorie.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Dylan Dykes made his first Morton start in last weekend’s Scottish Cup tie against East Fife.
9 – Striker McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with nine goals in 22 starts and six substitute appearances.
11 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 11 direct assists in 25 starts.
300 – Captain Jim McAlister made his 300th appearance for the club after coming off the bench at East Fife.
Current Connections
Goalkeeper Ryan Scully enjoyed two loan spells with the Pars, in seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15, and spent the first half of this term at Cappielow before returning to East End Park earlier this week follow his Ton release.
Defender Gregor Buchanan was a team-mate of Scully’s during the shot-stopper’s second campaign with Dunfermline and made 36 appearances in all competitions.
Competing with Scully for the No.1 spot will be Englishman Lee Robinson, who will be familiar to Ton fans from the 24 starts he made whilst on loan from Rangers in season 2007/08.
Frontman Robert Thomson spent a short time with today’s opponents in the first half of the 2013/14 campaign, scoring one goal in seven starts and one substitute apperarance before joining Brechin City.
Head to Head
Sat 3 Feb 2018: Morton 2-1 Dunfermline Athletic (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 17 Mar 2018: Dunfermline Athletic 0-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 22 Sep 2018: Morton 1-1 Dunfermline Athletic (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 1 Dec 2018: Dunfermline Athletic 3-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton saw a run of success on the road come to a shuddering halt back at the beginning of December after suffering a 3-0 defeat against Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park.
Jonatan Johansson’s side had registered some impressive results on their travels by beating Queen of the South and Peterhead either side of a goalless draw with Ladbrokes Championship league leaders Ayr United.
But the Pars put paid to that promising run of away form in Fife as the Ton saw their form dip following the midweek win against the Blue Toon.
Officials
Referee: Alan Newlands
Assistant one: Mark McLean
Assistant two: Chris Phillips
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.
Image: Gary Bradley
