Match Preview: Dunfermline Athletic
MORTON versus Dunfermline Athletic
Saturday 3 February 2018
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Match Preview
Morton and Dunfermline Athletic reconvene for a rematch in the Ladbrokes Championship today just a fortnight after Jim Duffy’s men managed an impressive 2-1 win at East End Park in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
The Sinclair Street side headed through to Fife following a couple of patchy results having lost against Falkirk the previous week on the back of a 1-1 draw away at Brechin City, taking a point despite dominating the game.
However, goals from Gary Oliver and Jai Quitongo saw the Ton progress to the fifth round – where they will face another fellow second-tier outfit in Dumbarton a week today – at the Pars’ expense.
They surpassed that result and performance seven days later with a magnificent 3-0 win away at Dundee United last weekend – a display that has to be considered one of, if not the best of the current campaign thus far.
The challenge now, though, is to sustain that run of results at Cappielow this afternoon by besting what is sure to be a Dunfermline bursting to avenge their recent cup loss.
In terms of personnel, Greenock gaffer Duffy has selected the same starting XI in the last two outings, and it will be interesting to learn whether he sticks or twists for a fixture against opposition they’ve played so recently.
The real source of fascination, however, will be the result. An away win would see Dunfermline move five points clear of their hosts and strengthen their play-off credentials.
But there is the potential for the Ton to jump from sixth up to fourth – or at least leapfrog Allan Johnston’s side – with a third consecutive victory in all competitions.
Manager’s Thoughts
Team News
Lee Kilday, Jamie McGowan, Ross Forbes, and Robert Thomson remained sidelined, while Jai Quitongo is rated doubtul due to a throat infection.
After starting away matches at Dunfermline Athletic and Dundee United, Aberdeen loan signing Frank Ross is in line for a home debut.
Current Connections
Ross Forbes made the switch from East End Park to Cappielow midway through the 2014/15 season in a deal that saw striker Andy Barrowman move in the opposite direction.
Frontman Robert Thomson spent a short time with the Pars in the first half of the 2013/14 campaign, scoring one goal in seven starts and one substitute appearance before joining Brechin City.
Dunfermline boast former Ton loan star Declan McManus amongst their ranks. McManus enjoyed three seperate stints at Cappielow, finishing as top scorer in the League One title winning season with 23 goals.
The Pars recently signed goalkeeper Lee Robinson on a short-term deal, and the 31-year-old Englishman will be familiar to Ton fans from the 24 starts he made whilst on loan from Rangers in season 2007/08.
Recent Meetings
Sat 29 Apr 2017: Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 9 Sep 2017: Morton 3-2 Dunfermline Athletic (Ladbrokes Championship)
Tue 21 Nov 2017: Dunfermline Athletic 1-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 20 Jan 2018: Dunfermline Athletic 1-2 Morton (William Hill Scottish Cup, fourth round)
Last Time Out
Morton booked their place in the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup with a 2-1 win at East End Park just a fortnight ago.
Striker Gary Oliver opened the scoring after 24 minutes, chesting down debutant Frank Ross’s header before flashing a fine volley past Lee Robinson.
Ex-Ton hitman Declan McManus equalised early in the second half, but Jai Quitongo produced a moment of individual excellence, receiving an Oliver pass and curling home a beautiful finish, to send Ton through.
Officials
Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant one: Stuart Stevenson
Assistant two: Calum Spence
Supporters Notes
Supporters are asked to purchase tickets in advance where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office on a matchday, with briefs currently available from the following outlets:
Smiths of Greenock – During opening hours, from 9am.
Sinclair Street ticket office – Home matchdays, from 11am to 3pm.
Match tickets can also be purchased in advance online at www.gmfctickets.co.uk or by calling the club on 01475 723571. These can collected at the ticket office today.
This afternoon’s Ladbrokes Championship fixture can also be pre-loaded to fan cards on Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk.
Tickets Prices
Tickets purchased after 1pm on a matchday are priced at:
Adults – £20*
Concessions – £15
Children aged 12-16 – £5
Children under 12^ – Free
*£2 from each adult admission will be invested directly into our youth development programme.
^ Children under 12 who do not have a season card or fan card will be required to collect a match ticket from our ticket office on the day of the game and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
However, fans who purchase tickets in advance – prior to 1pm on matchday – will enjoy a freeze upon last year’s pay-at-the-gate prices and these are:
Adults – £18
Concessions – £15
Children aged 12-16 – £5
Children under 12^ – Free
Club safety officer James McLaughlin has confirmed the situation involving Sinclair Street has now been resolved and will be closed as previously and the car park is open with the fee of £3. See here for details.
Vehicles, on exiting the car park, must turn left and exit under the railway bridge. Thereafter, turn right into Carwood Street if travelling towards Greenock town centre and or the second left into Weir Street if travelling towards Port Glasgow.
Image: David Bell
