Match Preview | East Fife
East Fife versus MORTON
Saturday 19 January 2019
Bayview Stadium, Methil
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Morton and East Fife contest a Scottish Cup tie for the first time in 27 years when they go head to head for a place in the this season’s fifth round at the Locality Hub Bayview Stadium today.
The clubs last met in the tournament currently sponsored by William Hill back in 1991/92, Ton wining that Cappielow clash by four goals to two thanks to goals from Alex Mathie, who bagged a brace, Stuart Rafferty, and Rowan Alexander.
Jonatan Johansson’s side would certainly welcome a similar scoreline today as they look to bounce back from last weekend’s league loss away at Alloa with a cup victory.
The Finnish boss’s side progressed at the expense of League Two Peterhead in the last round, winning 3-0 in a midweek replay at Balmoor after drawing 1-1 at Cappielow three days earlier.
And they will require an equally professional away performance if they are to beat an East Fife side sat third in the League One table and secure their spot in tomorrow’s draw.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Denny Johnstone (knee) and Gary Oliver (broken collar bone) remain sidelined, while Derek Gaston could be back in contention for a starting spot after injury limited him to a place on the bench last weekend.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Dylan Dykes made his Morton debut as a second-half substitute in last weekend’s league loss at Alloa.
3 – Chris Millar’s goal against Alloa Athletic last weekend meant three of his four strikes this term have come against the Wasps at the Indodrill Stadium.
6 – Morton have been successful in making it past this stage of the tournament in six of the last eight seasons.
8 – Striker McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with eight goals in 21 starts and six substitute appearances.
11 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 11 direct assists in 25 starts.
25 – Gregor Buchanan and Reghan Tumilty made their 25th appearances for the club against Alloa Athletic.
300 – Captain Jim McAlister will make his 300th appearance for the club over his two spells if selected.
Current Connections
East Fife are bossed by ex-Ton midfielder Darren Young, who made 10 starts and four substitute appearances in season 2010/11.
Head to Head
Sun 16 Nov 2003: East Fife 0-0 Morton (Second Division)
Sat 14 Feb 2004: Morton 1-1 East Fife (Second Division)
Sat 27 Mar 2004: East Fife 1-0 Morton (Second Division)
Sat 3 Aug 2013: East Fife 2-6* Morton *AET (Scottish Communities League Cup)
Last Time Round
Morton romped to a 6-2 win over East Fife in the Scottish Communities League Cup in Augist 2013 – but only after the League One side had taken them to extra-time.
It took four goals in the additional 30 minutes to get Ton out of jail after a calamitous final six minutes saw them concede twice in the last 10 minutes to throw away what seemed a comfortable two-goal lead.
But Ton turned on the style in the additional half hour, scoring four times, including a debut goal for 18-year-old local lad David McNeil, to secure their place in the second round of the tournament.
Officials
Referee: Steven Kirkland
Assistant one: Andrew McWilliam
Assistant two: Kevin McElhinney
Fan File
Entry is pay at the gate and admission prices are:
Adult: £15
Concession* (Over 60s and students): £12
Under-16s*: £5
Parent & Child: £18
Parent & Two children: £21
*Proof may be requested
Morton fans will enter the ground using turnstiles 5 to 7. Disabled access via main entrance and admission is the concession price is £12 with carer free.
Searching will take place prior to entry and unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated with offenders liable to ejection of arrest. Anyone consuming alcohol to excess will be refused entry.
Travel
By Road: Bayview Stadium, Harbour View, Methil, Fife KY8 3RW
A8/M8 – M9 – M90 – A90 – A92 – A921 Rosslyn Road – A915 Randolph Road – B932 – A955 Methilhaven Road – South Street – left into Harbour View (Two hour, 20 minute journey time), Please check www.trafficscotland.org for any delays.
By Rail: Greenock – Glasgow Central – Haymarket, Edinburgh – Kircaldy (Two hour, 40 minute journey time). Service bus to Leven and 10-minute walk to stadium. Please check www.scotrail.co.k for times.
Parking
Car and coach parking: Around the stadium and stewards will direct to location.
Social
East Fife have a bar at the stadium where Morton fans will be made welcome. There are also two local pubs nearby, The Brig Tavern and the East Dock Bar, in Methil High Street.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 12pm sharp 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 12.15pm sharp with pick ups en-route. Visitors costs are £11 for adults and £9 for concessions.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club still have seats available on the bus for tomorrow’s match, which leaves the Sutherland Bar at 12.45pm.
