Match Preview | Falkirk
Falkirk versus MORTON
Saturday 20 April 2019
Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Morton make the journey through to Falkirk tomorrow for a huge fixture that could have a significant say in the five-way fight to stay in the Ladbrokes Championship.
Just four points separate Alloa Athletic in sixth from Partick Thistle at the bottom, with the Ton currently occupying seventh place, two points above Ray McKinnon’s men and three ahead of the Jags.
It makes this weekend’s meeting the proverbial six pointer, with a win for either side likely to go a long way to preversing their second-tier status for the 2019/20 season.
The stakes add another layer of intrigue to what has been one this term’s most hotly anticipated clashes due to off-field matters.
And with a sell-out home crowd and busy away end – the three largest Ton supporters’ clubs’ coaches are full – expected, this weekend’s clash promises to be one of the biggest occasions in the Championship campaign.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Jonatan Johansson said: “Tuesday was disappointing for the players because it was a good performance. The first half was really, really good and we really should have been three up with all the counter-attacking possibilities we had.
“So to lose a late goal like that was really hard to take. If you look back this season it’s these things that have been costing us and why we are where we are in the league.
“A lot of performances have been good but we have been losing goals to lack of concentration late in games, and during games, and that’s why we don’t have more points.
“We were devastated obviously but I said to them: ‘After we leave the dressing room we have to be positive and take the positivity from the performance’, because it’s a massive fight coming up on Saturday and in the last three games.
“We always expected things to be very tight in this league, and with only three games left, they all become ‘six pointers’. Sometimes tactics go out of the window and it becomes a cup final.
“They are at home, there will be a big crowd, and they will really go for it. We have to match that, to work harder than them, to be more aggressive than them and fight harder. These are the things it will come down to – it’s going to be a fight.”
Read the full preview here: https://gmfc.net/2019/04/18/johansson-ton-ready-for-falkirk-six-pointer/
Team News
Strikers Denny Johnstone and Robert Thomson and loan defender Kerr Waddell are out for the rest of the season, while Bob McHugh (broken foot) has an outside chance of making the bench.
Midfielder Chris Millar is rated doubtful and was only deemed fit enough for a place on the bench in midweek, and Ton boss Johansson says he has made a decision on whether to select Michael Tidser but will not confirm until tomorrow.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
3 – Morton are unbeaten in three matches against Falkirk this season, having won once and drawn twice.
3 – Greg Kiltie has scored three goals in his last four outings.
4 – Kiltie has scored four goals in 10 starts and one substitute appearance since joining on loan from Kilmarnock.
10 – Striker Bob McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with 10 goals in 24 starts and six substitute appearances.
12 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 12 direct assists in 28 starts.
Current Connections
Morton forward Bob McHugh swapped the Forth Valley for Greenock in the summer of 2017 after two successful seasons with today’s opponents.
Close-season recruit Reghan Tumilty arrived at Cappielow following his release by Ross County, but spent last term on loan with the Bairns, scoring two goals in 20 appearances.
Ray McKinnon, Darren Taylor, and Graeme Henderson started the campaign here at Cappielow before taking the reins at the Falkirk Stadium. Motherwell loanee Ross MacLean also followed the trio to the Bairns in January.
Head to Head
Sat 10 Mar 2018: Falkirk 3-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 20 Oct 2018: Morton 1-0 Falkirk (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 15 Dec 2018: Falkirk 0-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Fri 1 Mar 2019: Morton 1-1 Falkirk (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton and Falkirk shared a 1-1 draw in front the BBC cameras in a Friday evening Ladbrokes Championship clash at Cappielow back on 1 March.
Loan ace Greg Kiltie netted his first goal since joining on loan from Kilmarnock, but Bairns striker Zak Rudden equalised eight minutes later as the clubs took a point apiece from the game.
Officials
Referee: Colin Steven
Assistant one: Stuart Stevenson
Assistant two: Barry Reid
Fan File
Entry is pay at the gate and the admission prices are:
Adults: £10
Concessions (Over 65s, full-time students*): £5
Under 18s: £5*Please note that proof will be required.
Morton fans will be housed in the North Stand, occupy sections D, E, and F and enter via turnstiles 11 and 12. Disabled access is via the north/west gate of the main stand and admission is free.
Fans under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted and are liable to arrest. All bags will be searched, with random-persons searching undertaken.
Surfing flags are not permitted and any other flags will be checked to ensure that they are not offensive or derogatory. Falkirk have a policy on unacceptable conduct and behaviour, which will be fully enforced.
Disabled Access
Parking is at rear of north stand. Fans intending to park there must contact the Morton administration office in the first instance and pass on their details which will be forwarded to Falkirk who will reserve a space. Access from the car park to the stadium is via the north/west gate of the main stand. Admission is free.
Travel
Travel by Road: The Falkirk Stadium, 4 Stadium Way, Falkirk, FK2 2EE
A8/M8 – M80 – M876 – M9 and exit at junction six for BP Grangemouth – turn right at end of slip road to Earlsgate roundabout. The stadium is on the left. No major roadworks listed, but check trafficscotland.org for updates
Travel by Rail: Greenock – Glasgow Central – Queen Street – Falkirk High. Journey time is approximately one hour, 40 minutes. The stadium is a 30-minute walk away, although taxis are freely available from the station.
Parking:
Coaches: Free parking is available at rear of north stand.
Cars: Parking is available at the rear of north stand. There is a £4 charge. Alternatively, there is on-street in West Mains Industrial Estate.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 1pm 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 1.15pm with pick ups en-route. Visitors costs are £9 for adults and £7 for OAPs and Under-16s.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus for tomorrow’s match leaves the Sutherland Bar at 1.30pm.
ALL THREE BUSES ARE NOW FULL.
Image: David Bell
