Match Preview | Ross County
MORTON versus Ross County
Saturday 25 August 2018
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
The third round of fixtures in the 2018/19 Ladbrokes Championship sees the early pacesetters go head to head at Cappielow tomorrow when Ray McKinnon’s second-placed Morton host table-topping Ross County.
A Staggies side bossed by co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell have been installed as pre-season favourites to claim the title, and with good reason based on even a cursory glance at their squad.
There is talent and experience to be found across every department, but it is perhaps in midfield that they are most formidable, with the likes of Iain Vigurs, Ross Draper, and Jamie Lindsay on the books.
However, in the accomplished trio of Michael Tidser, Chris Millar, and Jim McAlister, Morton are a match for their opponents, or anyone in the second tier for that matter, in the engine room.
It promises to be a fascinating battle for supremacy in the middle of the park and it could very well be the case that the victor, should there be one, will come from whoever comes out on top in that particular area of the field.
Nothing will be decided after three games, of course, but the upcoming 90 minutes could provide a clearer indiciation of where the sides stand at present and a hint as to their potential for the campaign to come.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Ray McKinnon is close to having a full complement available. Lewis Strapp has rejoined light training after a toe injury while Denny Johnstone and Robert Thomson have seen reserve action and could be involved.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Kyle Thomson, Ben Eardley, and Ruaridh Langan all made their first senior starts in the last competitive match.
1 – Denny Johnstone could make the first appearance of his second spell with the club.
3 – A win or draw against Ross County would see Morton go three games unbeaten on league duty.
3 – A win or draw against Ross County would see Morton go four games unbeaten at home in all competitions.
4 – Michael Tidser is Ton’s top scorer this term, with four goals in six starts.
5 – Michael Tidser is also Ton’s top creator this term with five assists.
20 – Jack Iredale could make his 20th appearance for the club.
65 – Derek Gaston could record his 65th clean sheet should he start and keep Ross County out.
Current Connections
Midfielder Michael Tidser spent part of the 2013/14 season on loan with the Staggies, making 16 starts in the Scottish Premiership, while summer signing Reghan Tumilty joined the Ton following two years in Dingwall.
County can count four former Morton players amongst their squad in Michael Gardyne and Brian Graham and more recent ex-Ton loan stars Declan McManus and Jamie Lindsay, although the latter misses out through injury.
Head to Head
Sat 6 Aug 2011: Ross County 0-0 Morton (First Division)
Sat 29 Oct 2011: Morton 0-2 Ross County (First Division)
Tue 13 Mar 2012: Ross County 2-2 Morton (First Division)
Sat 21 Apr 2012: Morton 1-1 Ross County (First Division)
Last Time Round
Morton came from behind to secure a creditable 1-1 draw with runaway First Division champions Ross County when the clubs last met at Cappielow over six years ago.
Derek Adams’ Staggies side made the perfect start when, with just six minutes gone, future Ton striker Colin McMenamin headed home a Richard Brittain cross.
But Marc Smyth bounced back from his below par display at Hamilton by slotting home his first goal for the club four minutes before the break to earn his side a share of the spoils.
Despite holding the title winners, the hosts were disappointed not to take all three points and smash the Staggies’ long unbeaten run after Archie Campbell passed up a one-on-one opportunity in stoppage time.
Officials
Referee: Greg Aitken
Assistant one: Joseph Lawson
Assistant two: David McKniff
Fan File
Admission prices are:
Adult | Fan Card: £18, Ticket: £20
Concession (Over 65, Student, and Under 21s) | Fan Card: £13, Ticket: £15
Child (12 – 17)^ | Fan Card: £5, Ticket: £5
Child (Under-12)* | Fan Card: £0, Ticket: £1
^Proof of entitlement must be provided for concessionary tickets, while proof of age is required for children between 12 and 17 and those between 18 and 20.
*Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please note, prices apply irrespective of the day or time of purchase.
Supporters are asked to purchase in advance where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office on a matchday.
Briefs can still be bought from the following outlets:
Smiths of Greenock – During opening hours, 9am – 5.30pm
Sinclair Street ticket office – Saturday matchdays from 11am to 3pm
Tickets can also be purchased in advance online at www.gmfctickets.co.uk or by calling the club on 01475 723571. These can be collected at the ticket office on matchday.
All home fixtures are also available to be pre-loaded onto fan cards via Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk.
Image: Gary Bradley
