Match Preview: Inverness C.T.
MORTON versus Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Saturday 23 December 2017
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Match Preview
Morton come out of cold storage with a Ladbrokes Championship fixture against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Cappielow tomorrow.
Jim Duffy’s men were inactive last weekend after their game at Livingston fell foul of the recent cold snap after failing a 9.30am inspection due to a frozen pitch.
And they will require a scorching attacking performance when they return to action this weekend if they are to overcome the Highland outfit and kickstart the Christmas celebrations with a victory.
After a slow start to the campaign, relegated Caley have now experienced an upturn in fortunes, underpinned by an incredible defensive record.
John Robertson’s side have kept an astonishing 10 clean sheets in their last 11 outings, with only league leaders St Mirren managing to find a way past their nigh-on unbreachable back four.
But breach it Ton must if they’re to claim three points on home turf, and a return to the pre-Dundee United form that saw them rack up seven goals in two matches would be the perfect present ahead of the festive season.
Manager’s Thoughts
Team News
Long-term absentee Lee Kilday and goalkeeper Jamie McGowan remain sidelined, while defender Ricki Lamie serves a one-match suspension due to an accumulation of bookings. Ross Forbes is a doubt due to inlammation of the knee.
Current Connections
There are no current connections between the clubs.
Recent Meetings
Tue 6 Apr 2010: Morton 0-2 Inverness C.T. (Irn-Bru First Division)
Sat 5 Feb 2011: Inverness C.T. 5-1 Morton (Active Nation Scottish Cup, fifth round)
Sat 30 Nov 2013: Inverness C.T. 4-0 Morton (William Hill Scottish Cup, fourth round)
Sat 19 Aug 2017: Inverness C.T. 1-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Out
Morton came from behind to claim a creditable 1-1 draw away at recently-relegated Inverness Caledonian Thistle back in August in the proverbial game of two halves.
Defender Gary Warren fired John Robertson’s side in front after 19 minutes in the Highland capital, and they were well worth their 1-0 lead at the interval.
The Ton came back out for the second half with a renewed sense of purpose, however, and completely controlled the game after the break.
Forward Robert Thomson equalised with a fine header – his third goal for the club and first in the league – but also passed up a great chance as Jim Duffy’s men came within a whisker of snatching all three points.
Officials
Referee: Colin Steven
Assistant one: Dougie Potter
Assistant two: Colin McAlpine
Supporters Notes
Supporters are asked to purchase tickets in advance for all home fixtures where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office.
Fans without a season card can purchase briefs from the following outlets:
Sinclair Street ticket office – Matchday, from 11am to 3pm.
The fixture against the Highland outfit can also be pre-loaded to fan cards on Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk.
Admission 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 with a scannable barcode 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
If you do intend to purchase a ticket at Cappielow after 1pm, please allow for the fact that there may be a queue at the ticket office.
Stadium entry and exit plans
Supporters are reminded that Sinclair Street will remain open to vehicle traffic before and after each game for the foreseeable future.
It is with regret that the car park will be closed to fans due to this ongoing situation, which has been forced upon the club after Police Scotland withdrew their services from points assistance at our car park exit on 4 November.
For more information, see here: https://gmfc.net/2017/12/19/important-car-park-traffic-information/
Club safety officer James McLaughlin provides important advice for supporters entering and exiting Cappielow tomorrow with Sinclair Street remaining open both before and after matches going forward by clicking here.
Image: Ross Cameron
