Match Preview | Airdrie
AIRDRIE versus MORTON
Scottish Championship Play-Off Final First Leg
Tuesday 18 May 2021
Penny Cars Stadium
Kick-off 7.35pm
Live on BBC Alba
by Brendan McEleny
Scene Setter
Morton take on Airdrie at the Penny Cars Stadium this evening in the first leg of their Championship play-off final.
The ‘Ton secured their place in the final in dramatic fashion last Tuesday night after Craig McGuffie netted a last minute winner in extra time to overcome Montrose.
It has been a difficult week of planning for manager Gus MacPherson after goalkeeper Aidan McAdams was ruled out for both legs of the final after suffering an injury midway through Tuesday’s game but MacPherson was quick to bring in Scott Fox to get his team out of the injury crisis ahead of tonight’s match.
Ian Murray’s Airdrie progressed into the final after a 4-3 aggregate win over Cove Rangers and they host the Greenock side this evening in front of 500 home supporters. The Diamonds will be hoping to use that to their advantage as they look to gain the upper hand in the opening tie.
Team News
Club captain Sean McGinty returns to the squad after serving his two game suspension in the play-off semi-final against Montrose. The defender was shown a red card against Arbroath in the final league game of the season but will be available for selection tonight.
Kalvin Orsi remains on the treatment table as he continues to recover from an injury sustained two weeks ago.
Aidan McAdams suffered a hamstring injury during last Tuesday night’s game and will miss both legs of the final this week.
New recruit Scott Fox will head straight into the starting eleven this evening after signing a 7 day emergency loan from Motherwell yesterday.
Chris Millar is set to miss this evening’s game after playing right into extra-time on Tuesday night, the 38-year-old made his first appearance for the ‘Ton in three months last week but will be sidelined for tonight’s first leg.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
5 – Aidan Nesbitt is the top goalscorer for the club this term with a total of 5 goals.
33 – The ‘Ton have scored 33 goals in all competitions so far this season.
Current Connections
Greenock born Sean Crighton signed for Morton at the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign, spending one season with the ‘Ton making a total of 34 appearances as he helped lift the League One trophy. He departed the club in 2015 to sign for Airdrie and enjoyed spells at Livingston and Brechin City before returning to the Diamonds for a second time in 2018.
Head to Head
13 Sep 2014: Morton 2-1 Airdrie (Scottish League One)
15 Nov 2014: Airdrie 0-1 Morton (Scottish League One)
3 Jan 2015: Morton 0-1 Airdrie (Scottish League One)
14 Mar 2015: Airdrie 2-1 Morton (Scottish League One)
Match Officials
Referee: David Munro
Assistant 1: Dougie Potter
Assistant 2: Graeme Leslie
Fourth Official: Peter Stuart
Streaming Information
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live on BBC Alba and is also available for overseas fans to view DTVLive for £12.
If you experience any issues with the streaming platform, please visit our DTVLive FAQ section.
Image: David Bell
