Match Preview | Inverness C.T.
Inverness C.T. versus MORTON
Saturday 23 February 2019
Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Inverness
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Morton make the long journey north tomorrow to take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle following last Saturday’s 0-0 with Ayr United at Cappielow.
The Ton will be determined to get their first win since beating Ross County on 4 January and manager Jonatan Johansson has encouraged each player to play their part as the Ton get set to play the first game of a busy week which sees the Sinclair Street side play three games in the space of six days.
The Highlander’s come into Saturday’s game following a victory against rivals Ross County on Tuesday in the Scottish Cup, a game which had to be dealt over a penalty shoot-out to declare the victor.
John Robertson’s side, who are sitting in fourth place in the Ladbrokes Championship, will be set on getting their first win on league duty since defeating Ayr United at the end of January.
With only three points separating both sides there is no doubt that tomorrow’s encounter will be a massive game in the bid for a play-off position.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Jonatan Johansson told gmfc.net: “It’s another tough away trip against a team that are flying at the moment and enjoying their football.
“They will be coming into the game full of confidence after beating Ross County in the cup earlier this week.
“We know what to expect from them, the last time we went up there I thought we played really well and came away with a good result.
“The next three games are massive and with them being played in such a short space of time we will need every player in the squad to play their part”.
Team News
Long term absentees Rory McKeown and Denny Johnstone remain sidelined with McKeown still recovering from a calf injury sustained a few weeks back and Johnstone struggling with a long term knee injury that is ruled him out for the majority of the season.
Gary Oliver will also miss tomorrow’s game as he continues to recover from rolling his ankle at the beginning of last week.
Midfielder Michael Tidser joined in on training today and a late fitness assessment will be made to determine whether he will be involved tomorrow.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Keelan O’Connell made his first appearance for Morton last week against Ayr United.
10 – Striker McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with ten goals in 24 starts and six substitute appearances.
11 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 11 direct assists in 25 starts.
300 – Captain Jim McAlister made his 300th appearance for the club after coming off the bench at East Fife last month.
Head to Head
Sat 24 Feb 2018: Inverness C.T. 0-2 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 28 Apr 2018: Morton 0-3 Inverness C.T. (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 6 Oct 2018: Inverness C.T. 1-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 22 Dec 2018: Morton 1-2 Inverness C.T. (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton suffered a 2-1 defeat against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Cappielow in December despite a spirited second-half showing with 10 men.
The hosts actually started brightly and peppered the Inverness box with crosses in the early stages as they flew out of the traps in search of three points.
They tested Mark Ridgers, too, with Bob McHugh teeing up Michael Tidser for a fierce 25-yard drive that forced the Caley keeper to drop to his left to push clear.
However, it was John Robertson’s men who would make the breakthrough against the run of play on 17 minutes when Tom Walsh burst onto a Liam Polworth pass and clipped a deft finish over the advancing Derek Gaston.
The Ton’s hopes of taking something from the game were severly dented just four minutes into the second half, when diminutive winger Aaron Doran headed a Walsh cross into the net off the underside of the bar.
Livingston loan winger Tiffoney added attacking impetus as Ton upped the ante, and only a brilliant lunging intervention prevented him from turning home from close range after McHugh’s snapshot was parried by Ridgers.
They got the goal their efforts merited on 73 minutes thanks to a fine solo run and finish from energetic substitute Tiffoney.
Reece Lyon, too, made his presence felt and saw a glancing header from a Tidser cross agonisingly rebound off the base of the right post in what would prove to be the closest the 10 men came to an equaliser.
Officials
Referee: Steven Reid
Assistant one: Ivan Stankovic
Assistant two: Chris McTiernan
Fan File
Admission is by ticket only, which can be purchased at the ticket office at the front of the main stand, and prices are:
Adults: £20
Concession*: £10
Under-16: £6
*Over 65 and 16 to 25 year olds.
Morton fans will be situated in the South Stand and enter via turnstiles 7 to 8.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle is a family club and expects fans to behave reasonably. Searching may 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. Increased searching will take place due to the current terrorist threat level.
Smoking including e-cigarettes are not permitted anywhere inside the stadium.
The Sports Bar at the stadium welcomes away fans.
Disabled Access
Wheelchair user pays entry to stadium with carer goingfree. Tickets are purchased at ticket office and entry is via south stand, turnstile 7.
Travel
By Road: Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Station Road, Inverness, IV1 1FF
A8/M8 – M80 – M9 – A9 to Inverness. Take third right at Longman roundabout on A9 and follow road to stadium car park.
Please leave sufficient time for your journey and check www.trafficscotland.org for up-to-date information on roadworks and incidents.
Parking
Car parking: On street car parking. Restrictions will be in place. Drivers should find areas away from the stadium to park legally.
Coach parking: Parking available in Neish Street.
Car parking – South car park at a charge of £3. Note – parking on Stadium Road opposite the ground is not permitted as there are double yellow lines and will be enforced.
Coaches – South car park and this is free.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 10am sharp. Costs are £17 for adults and £15 for concessions (U-16/OAP).
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 9am and will park in Inverness town centre for a while before driving to the stadium. Costs are £18 for adults and £16 for concessions (U-16/OAP)
