Match Preview | Ross County
Ross County versus MORTON
Saturday 09 March 2019
Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
For the second time in two weeks Morton make the long journey north as they play league leaders leaders Ross County in the Ladbrokes Championship tomorrow afternoon.
The fixture is the Ton’s fourth meeting with the Staggies this season with the most recent resulting in an impressive 1-0 victory for the Greenock side back in January this year.
Jonatan Johansson’s side come into tomorrow’s game on the back of a hectic schedule last week which saw them record a 1-0 win over Queen of the South last Tuesday night and a 1-1 draw with Falkirk live on BBC Scotland last Friday night.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Johansson told gmfc.net: “I was really pleased with our performances last week and it’s all about taking the confidence from both games into Saturday.
“We played some nice football and created problems for Queen of the South and Falkirk and I see no difference in tomorrow’s game, we can do the same to Ross County.
“Obviously the last game up there was a huge disappointment but I feel as though we’ve learned a lot from our mistakes on that day.
“The players can go out and prove tomorrow that they have improved as a team.
“We’ve worked really hard on our defence and I feel a lot of progress has been made.
“I know it’s going to be tough so everyone will have to perform at their highest level if we’re wanting to take something from the game.
“The pressure is going to be all on Ross County, they’re pushing for promotion and these are the games that they’ll be looking to win.
“It’s a nice position for us to be in because we can go there and cause an upset, the pressure is on them as I said and their fans will be expecting a win so it’s up to us to prove them wrong.
“We recorded a fantastic win over them at the beginning of the year so we know we are capable of getting a result.
“Our supporters are always a great inspiration for the players in these types of games.
“They will be heard tomorrow which will bring a lot of confidence and strength to the players.
“I know it’s a long journey for them but we have a great travelling support so hopefully we can send them home happy.”
Jonatan Johansson was in conversation with Jonathan McQuillan.
Team News
Long term absentees Rory McKeown and Denny Johnstone remain sidelined with McKeown still recovering from a calf injury sustained in January during training and Johnstone struggling with a long term knee injury that is ruled him out for the majority of the season.
Striker Bob McHugh will miss tomorrow’s game after coming off injured against Queen of the South last Tuesday night.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
10 – Striker Bob McHugh is Morton’s top scorer this term with ten goals in 24 starts and six substitute appearances.
12 – Midfielder Michael Tidser is Morton’s top creator with 12 direct assists in 27 starts.
100 – Striker Gary Oliver will make his 100th appearance for the club if selected.
150 – Defender Lee Kilday will make his 150th appearance for the club if selected.
250 – Michael Tidser recently made his 250th appearance for the club after coming off the bench at Inverness two weeks ago.
Current Connections
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.
Head to Head
Tue 13 Mar 2012: Ross County 2-2 Morton (First Division)
Sat 25 Aug 2018: Morton 2-1 Ross County (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 27 Oct 2018: Ross County 5-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Fri 04 Jan 2019: Morton 1-0 Ross County (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton began 2019 with a bang by beating Ladbrokes Championship league leaders Ross County 1-0 in front of the BBC Alba cameras at Cappielow on 4 January.
Defender Kerr Waddell cemented his sponsors’ man of the match award against County by crashing a volley into the net from five yards after getting on the end of a dangerous Tidser deadball delivery on 66 minutes.
An eventful second half ended in controversial fashion with a red card for Staggies skipper Marcus Fraser and a touchline flashpoint involving former team-mates Michael Gardyne and Chris Millar.
But the Ton successfully saw out five minutes of stoppage time to complete the job and collect an invaluable Friday-night victory over the title favourites.
Officials
Referee: Greg Aitken
Assistant one: David Roome
Assistant two: Kevin Lindsay
Fan File
Admission is by ticket and these will be available to buy on the day from the matchday ticket office (portacabin) at the Global Energy Stadium right up until kick-off.
Adults: £20
Concession (Over 65s and students): £10
Under-18*: £5
*Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Morton supporters will enter via turnstiles 1 to 2 at the east stand extension.
Ross County 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.
Disabled Access
Disabled access is through the appropriate turnstile at away end, where club stewards will direct. Carers enter free of charge.
Travel
By Road: The Global Energy Stadium, Victoria Park, Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9QZ
A8/M8 – M80 – M9 – A9 towards Inverness – follow signs for A9 Wick – at roundabout follow signs for A835 Dingwall – at roundabout follow signs for A862 – enter Dingwall and turn right into Hill Street – turn right into High Street – left into Achamy Road – right into Ferry Road – left into Jubilee Park Road.
By Rail: Greenock – Glasgow Central – Queen Street – Inverness – Dingwall.
The stadium is a five minute walk from the town centre and less than 500 metres from the train station. Please check www.scotrail.co.uk for times.
Parking
Car and coach parking: There is ample free and well-signposted car parking in Dingwall town centre. There is also limited parking around the stadium.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 9.30am sharp. All costs £20.
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 9am. Costs are £18 for adults and £16 for concessions (U-16/OAP).
