Match Preview | Ayr United
Ayr United versus MORTON
Tuesday 2 April 2019
Somerset Park, Ayr
Kick-off 7.45pm
by Jonathan McQuillan
Scene Setter
Morton will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing result against Partick Thistle at the weekend as The Ton return to Somerset Park with the two teams looking for all three points tonight under the floodlights.
Ayr United picked up a vital win away at Dunfermline just last week as they look to take full advantage of their games in hand to close the gap on 2ndplaced Dundee United.
Morton, having collected two points in their last two encounters with Ayr United, sit sixth but will be looking to catch up to Dunfermline who currently sit six points ahead but with The Ton having one game in hand.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Speaking to GMFC.net Jonatan Johansson gave his thoughts ahead of this evening’s fixture.
He said: “In this league you can’t really predict games since it can be so even, it’s so up in the air.
“If you look at Ayr United they can go and beat Dundee United and then have problems against Falkirk so we have to look at each game on an individual basis.
“They have got some really talented players especially moving forward, Shankland and Moffat pose the main threat but it’s going to be about what we do and how we set up and tweak it to make sure we are solid against them.
“We’ve had some good games against them this season so we can feel confident going to play them.
“It’s important with the games we have left to play this season we look at how we’re playing, how we’re defending and make sure we’re solid and tight as a team and take the game to Ayr.”
Team News
Long term absentees Denny Johnstone and Rory McKeown joined in full training last week as they look to get back to match fitness before the end of the season.
Striker Bob McHugh remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a fracture he received two months ago during the game against Queen of the South.
Defender Kerr Waddell and midfielder Michael Tidser remain doubtful for tonight and will be subject to late fitness tests to determine their involvement.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
10 – Striker Bob McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with ten goals in 24 starts and six substitute appearances.
12 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 12 direct assists in 28 starts.
100 – Striker Gary Oliver will make his 100th appearance for the club if selected.
150 – Defender Lee Kilday made his 150th appearance for the club against Ross County on 9 March.
Current Connections
Dunoon native Declan McDaid came through the youth ranks at Cappielow and made one first-team appearance before electing to move to Partick Thistle in the summer of 2013.
Striker Lawrence Shankland fired the Honest Men to the League One title last term with 29 goals and is well known to Ton fans having spent the second half of 2016/17 on loan here, scoring four times in 18 appearances.
Ian McCall added midfielder Andy Murdoch to his squad last summer. The former Rangers man spent two seasons at Cappielow, making 75 appearances and scoring four goals before departing at the end of last term.
At the same time as former Greenock gaffer McCall brought Murdoch on board, he also secured the loan signing of goalkeeper Ross Doohan. Doohan was brought in as cover for Derek Gaston last season but did not feature.
Head to Head
Sat 14 Jul 2018: Ayr United 3-1 Morton (Betfred Cup, Group E)
Sat 29 Sep 2018: Morton 1-5 Ayr United (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 17 Nov 2018: Ayr United 0-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 16 Feb 2019: Morton 0-0 Ayr United (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton and Ayr United could not be separated at Cappielow back in February as the clubs shared the spoils following a goalless draw.
The Ton had to withstand heavy pressure from Ian McCall’s side for the duration of the first half and shot-stopper Robby McCrorie pulled off a wonderful double save on early on denying Michael Moffat and then ex-Ton player Andy Murdoch.
A much improved second half from Morton saw Keelan O’Connell make his debut for the club. The flashy winger made a good first impression by pulling off a number of nice turns on the ball as the Ton looked to get further forward and open the scoring on the game.
The last chance of the game would come on 86 minutes and to the league’s top goal scorer Lawrence Shankland who’s shot from inside the box hit the post meaning both sides were left to settle for a point apiece as the match ended in stalemate.
Officials
Referee: Willie Collum
Assistant one: Mark McLean
Assistant two: Alan Grainger
Fan File
Entry is pay at the gate. Admission prices are:
Adults: £17
Concession (Over 65, Student, and Under 21s): £11
Under-18: £6
Morton fans will be housed the Railway End and West Stand and enter the ground using turnstiles 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10.
Fans under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted to the stadium and are liable to arrest. All bags will be searched, with random persons searching undertaken.
Surfing flags are not permitted, while other flags will be checked to ensure that they are not offensive. They cannot be draped over any advertising boards. If anyone intends bringing a drum they must enter at the Railway End.
Travelling fans will be welcome in the Hawkhill Bowling Club and the Ayr United hospitality suite, which are adjacent to the stadium.
Travel
By Road: Ayr United Football Club, Somerset Park, Tryfield Place, Ayr, KA8 9NB.
Inverkip Road A78 – A77 – High Road A719 (journey time around 1 hour 14 minutes)
OR
A78 – A8 – M8 – M77 (journey time around 1 hour 18 minutes)
By Rail: Greenock – Gilmour Street, Paisley – Ayr (journey time around 1 hpur 30 minutes)
Ayr Railway Station is a 10-minute walk away from Somerset Park. Exit the station through the back entrance (to the left as you come off the platform, over the footbridge) and turn left once outside. Walk up to the roundabout at the fire station and go straight ahead at the roundabout, past the left-hand side of the Civic Theatre. Continue up Craigie Road to the traffic lights at the top. Go straight across the road at this junction then take a left and a right.
Parking
Car parking: Available in Craigie Park. When coming past the racecourse, the top of Craigie Road is blocked off, for ease go to the next roundabout, turn left to the fire station roundabout, parking is opposite. Car park is on the right. Barrier is in place to prevent high-sided vehicles entering.
Coach parking: Coaches can drop off in Craigie Street and park at the Ayrshire College, Dam Park. Pick up in Craigie Street.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 6pm and pick ups are available en-route. Costs are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 5.45pm with pick ups en-route. Visitors costs are £8 for adults and £6 for concessions.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus for tonight’s match leaves the Sutherland Bar at 6.15pm.
