Match Preview | Dumbarton
Dumbarton versus MORTON
Tuesday 14 August 2018
C&G Systems Stadium, Dumbarton
Kick-off 7.45pm
Scene Setter
Morton turn their attentions to the Irn-Bru Cup and a first round tie against Dumbarton at the C&G Systems Stadium tonight as they aim to continue a run of form that has seen them go four competitive games unbeaten.
Ray McKinnon’s men followed Betfred Cup wins over Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers with a league draw at home to Queen of the South and a Chris Millar-inspired 2-0 victory away at Alloa Athletic.
The Ton boss has made it clear that he will make several changes to the team that succeeded on Saturday in order to give a number of fringe players an opportunity to shine and stake a claim for a regular starting spot.
He was also keen to explain that this was nothing to do with the opposition as he has total respect for Stevie Aitken’s Sons side and the threat they pose.
The ex-Ton midfielder has a half dozen former Cappielow players at his disposal, and the likes of Ross Forbes and Bobby Barr will be keen to impress against their former employers, if selected.
Dumbarton also have history on their side in this competition having reached the final last term, whereas Morton will be aiming to use their recent momumentum to make it over their first hurdle for the first time since 2014.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
“I told the players on Saturday that I’m going to make changes for the Dumbarton game. I want to give everybody the opportunity to impress me, to put their case forward to be playing in the team.
“So we will make lots of changes tonight. That’s no disprect to Dumbarton, because it will be a very, very tough game – and I’m going there to win the game.
“But I need to be fair to the players; I need to make sure they get the opportunity to get themselves in the first-team and I’ve said that to them.
“Scott Tiffoney hasn’t played recently, and he was in the stand on Saturday obviously, but he’ll get some game time tonight and hopefully he can add to the squad and give us a wee spark.”
Team News
Denny Johnstone (knee) and Lewis Strapp (toe) remain sidelined through injury. Elsewhere manager Ray McKinnon has made clear he will make a number of personnel changes for this Irn-Bru Cup tie.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Midfielder Kyle Thomson could make his first appearance for the club.
1 – Scott Tiffoney could make his first appearance of the season after returning on loan from Livingston.
3 – Morton have kept three clean sheets in their last four competitive fixtures.
4 – Michael Tidser is Ton’s top scorer this term, with four goals in six starts.
5 – Michael Tidser is also Ton’s top creator this term with five assists.
5 – A win or draw would see Morton go five competitive fixtures unbeaten.
65 – Derek Gaston could record his 65th clean sheet should he start and keep Dumbarton out.
Current Connections
Robert Thomson made a direct move between the clubs in July 2017 and counted recent recruit Gregor Buchanan as a team-mate during the 2016/17 season. Buchanan was also on the Sons’ books the year before.
Dumbarton boast six former Ton players amongst their ranks – Grant Adam, Jamie McGowan, Willie Dyer, Ross Forbes, Bobby Barr, and Iain Russell – not to mention Stevie Aitken’s eight seasons at Cappielow.
Head to Head
Sat 21 Oct 2017: Morton 1-1 Dumbarton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 10 Feb 2018: Morton 3-0 Dumbarton (William Hill Scottish Cup, fifth round)
Tue 20 Feb 2018: Dumbarton 0-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Tue 10 Apr 2018: Morton 3-2 Dumbarton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Jack Iredale briefly resuscitated Morton’s promotion play-off chances back in April by scoring a monumental 94th-minute winner against Dumbarton at Cappielow.
Anything less than maximum points would have all but ended any realistic hopes the Ton had of a top-four finish, and it looked like that would indeed be the case when Liam Burt’s deflected drive drew the Sons level late on.
The Aussie defender materialised inside the box deep into stoppage time to steer a rebound into the net at the Wee Dublin End, however, and procure victory for the Cappielow club.
It was the final thrill in a real rollercoaster ride in which Jim Duffy’s side fell behind to a Danny Handling strike, turned the game around through goals from Gary Fraser and John Baird before conceding that Burt goal.
The Rangers loanee’s 88th-minute effort looked to have shattered the Greenock men’s play-off aspirations until Sinclair Street saviour Iredale slotted home right at the death to breathe life back into their season.
Officials
Referee: Gavin Ross
Assistant one: David Roome
Assistant two: George King
Fan File
Entry is pay at the gate. Admission prices are:
Adults: £10
Concession: £5
Under-12s: Free*
*Children must be accompanied by a paying adult and collect a ticket at window at east side of the stadium
Morton fans will enter via turnstiles 3 and 4 situated at west side of the stadium.
Club stewards are trained and authorised to conduct searches as part of Dumbarton Football Club policy and conditions. Stewards may also be using body cameras.
Dumbarton F.C. in accordance with regulation and as a condition of entry will not tolerate instances of unacceptable behaviour at their stadium. Full details can be found at www.dumbartonfootballclub.com
Dumbarton F.C. do not permit banners to be displayed in front of the stand. If space is available, suitable banners may be displayed on the perimeter fence. This will be at the discretion of stewards who will assist as required.
Please note, Dumbarton F.C. will allow a drum into the stadium. It must be presented to a steward for inspection prior to entry.
If the use of the drum is causing a disturbance and affecting fan behaviour then it will be removed from the individual until the end of the match.
Disabled Access
Wheelchair users and carers should enter via the main entrance. Admission is £5 and there is no charge for carer.
Travel
By Road: Dumbarton Football Club, C&G Systems Stadium, Castle Road, Dumbarton, G82 1JJ
A8/M8 east to M8 Erskine Bridge (junction 30) and follow signs for A82 Crianlarich. At Milton (A82), merge left onto Glasgow Road (A814). Turn left at Castle Road to stadium car park.
By Rail: Greenock to Glasgow Central – Glasgow Central to Partick (platform 2) – Partick to Dumbarton East.
Total journey time approximately one hour 30 minutes. There is a five-minute walk to stadium.
Parking
Car and coach parking: Official car park around stadium is for both cars and coaches. There is also on-street parking in residential areas near stadium. However, please ensure that driveways into houses are kept clear.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 6.30pm sharp. Costs are £7 for adults and £5 for concessions.
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 6.30pm. Visitors costs are £7 for adults and £5 for Under-16s and OAPs.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus leaves the Sutherland Bar at 7pm.
Image: Gary Bradley
