Academy spotlight with Cameron Middleton

By Cameron Middleton

Under-18s looking to go seven games unbeaten

Morton Under-18s recently stretched their unbeaten run to six games with a 1-1 draw against Hibernian at Parklea and look to continue their fine form at home to Kilmarnock tonight.

Sean Crighton’s side started superbly against the Easter Road outfit, Michael Garrity, filling in for Jonathan Lyon on the right, tested Hibs keeper Jay Cantley early on.

The Ton’s pressure paid off in the 37^th minute, as Garrity, who was handed his reserve debut against Motherwell on Monday, picked up a John Gallagher cross, turned his man, and placed a shot low to the keeper’s right.

The second half was a cagier affair. Both sides enjoyed spells of possession, albeit punctuated by flying tackles and physical battles. The next goal was always likely to be crucial – and so it proved.

In a heartbreaking moment for a Ton side that had dominated the majority of the match, they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils after conceding a late equaliser.

Striker Ryan Shanley stole the ball outside the box and then, with hardly any room to power up a shot, he somehow fired a dipping effort into the top-right corner, leaving Ton keeper Andrew Coyle helpless.

Head of youth pathway Crighton said: “I thought we were excellent all over the park and I’m gutted for the boys as they put everything into it. I can’t really fault them, but they are just missing a ruthless streak at the minute.”

 

Next Up:

Fri 2 November: Morton Under-18s v Kilmarnock Under-18s (Parklea, 7.30pm kick-off)

Sat 3 November: Morton Under-13s v Dundee Under-13s (Battery Park, 12pm kick-off)

Sat 3 November: Dundee Under-11s v Morton Under-11s (Riverside, 1.30pm kick-off)

Sat 3 November: Dundee Under-15s v Morton Under-15s (Riverside, 1.30pm kick-off)

Sun 4 November: Dundee Under-14s v Morton Under-14s (Riverside, 1pm kick-off)

Sun 4 November: Morton Under-12s v Dundee Under-12s (Parklea, 2pm kick-off)

Sun 4 November: Morton Under-16s v Dundee Under-16s (Parklea, 2pm kick-off)

 

Image: Gary Bradley