Match Preview: Inverness C.T.
MORTON versus Inverness C.T.
Saturday 28 April 2018
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Match Preview
Morton host Premiership play-off chasing Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Cappielow today in the final fixture of the 2017/18 Ladbrokes Championship campaign.
While the visitors have thrust themselves back into the race for a place in the top four, the Ton slowly slipped out of contention following a poor run of results, with their chances officially killed off by St Mirren last weekend.
For them, this afternoon’s 90 minutes is about playing for pride in what could be several players last appearance for the club – just three first-team players are contracted for next term – as well as league position-based prize money.
Ton can secure sixth place with a win. Lose to John Robertson’s Highland outfit and they could potentially drop to seventh provided Queen of the South win at relegated Brechin City.
Manager’s Thoughts
Team News
Jamie McGowan, Ross Forbes, Jai Quitongo, Lewis Strapp, Derek Gaston, and Luca Gasparotto are all expected to miss out due ongoing injury problems.
Michael Tidser, Michael Doyle, and Gary Fraser are rated doubtful, while John Baird is unable to play against parent club Inverness.
Current Connections
Striker Baird directly transferred between the clubs back in February when he arrived at Cappielow on an emergency loan deal until the end of the season.
Recent Meetings
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)
Sat 23 Dec 2018: Morton 1-0 Inverness C.T. (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 24 Feb 2018: Inverness C.T. 0-2 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Out
Goals from Scott Tiffoney and Gary Harkins earned Jim Duffy’s side all three points in the Highlands as well as moving them above Dundee United in the league table.
The win also saw the Sinclair Street side stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches, with five of the seven recorded on the road and including an impressive six wins.
In a memorable day for the club, long-serving defender Thomas O’Ware made his 200th appearance, helping Ton to their fourth cleansheet in six, while 18-year-old midfielder Jack Purdue made his first-team debut.
Officials
Referee: John Beaton
Assistant one: Paul O’Neill
Assistant two: Steven Strang
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 on a matchday, with briefs still available from the following outlets:
Smiths of Greenock – During opening hours, 9am – 5.30pm.
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 on matchday.
Tomorrow’s Ladbrokes Championship 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 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.
Sinclair Street
Vehicles, on exiting the car park, must turn left and exit under the railway bridge, turn right into Carwood Street if travelling towards Greenock town centre, or the second left into Weir Street if travelling towards Port Glasgow.
Image: David Bell
