Match Report: Albion U-20s 0-3 Morton U-20s
Albion Rovers Under-20s 0 – 3 Morton Under-20s
Tiffoney (3), Bowyer O.G. (11), Miller (71)
Morton Under-20s maintained their 100 per cent Development League West record by soundly beating Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill last night.
Darren Barr’s side currently top the table with three wins out of three, adding this comfortable 3-0 victory in Coatbridge to earlier wins against Ayr United at Somerset Park and Clyde at Cappielow.
The Ton had come unstuck at the same venue last term, suffering a shock 4-0 loss back in February to end a 12-match unbeaten sequence on league duty.
But it was clear they would not suffer a similar fate this time around as they surged into a two-goal lead inside the first 11 minutes of the match.
Scott Tiffoney arrowed into the box off the left flank and flashed a low angled shot inside the right-hand post to open the scoring early on.
Albion were struggling to cope down that side, and Jack Purdue forced goal number two by dancing in past two defenders and causing George Bowyer to put through his own net as he attempted to halt his progress.
Ton were in complete control and only a fine save from goalkeeper Daniel Potts prevented red-hot striker Ben Armour from adding a third.
The woodwork then came to Rovers rescue, Ruaridh Langan crashing a header against the right-hand post after rising to meet Tiffoney’s dangerous free-kick.
Although the visitors were just as dominant in the second half, with Jamie McGowan a complete spectator between the sticks, there weren’t as many goal scoring opportunites.
Reece Lyon, a rangy sitting midfielder who has really caught the eye since stepping up from the Under-17s in the summer, went close with a powerful header from a Purdue corner.
But it was super sub Scott Miller who would find the net, sweeping home from close range after the impressive Armour picked him out with a low cross from the left.
Striker Miller has a habit of scoring after coming off the bench and most recently did so for loan club Clydebank as they recorded a 5-1 win over Cambuslang Rangers.
And the 17-year-old thought he had bagged a brace against Albion by latching onto Armour’s through ball and thrashing high into the net, but he was flagged offside and the Ton had to settle for a final scoreline of 3-0.
Enhancing an already encouraging night and adding further optimism for future was the inclusion of Under-17s starlets Shaun Rodgers, Gavin Watt and Charlie Carracher as subs – Rodgers and Watt for the first time.
Morton (4411)
1. McGowan
2. Hynes 5. Langan (c) 4. Barr 3. Hayes
7. Duffy 8. Lyon 6. Anderson 11. Tiffoney
10. Purdue
9. Armour
Subs used: 12. Eardley (for Anderson, 46), 14. Miller (for Purdue, 64), and 15. Docherty (for Duffy, 78).
Subs not used: 17. Rodgers, 18. Watt, 19. Easdale, 20. Carracher (gk).
Images: David Bell
