MATCH REPORT: Dundee United 1-1 Morton
Dundee United 1-1 Morton
Shankland (90); Orsi (17)
By Ewan Boyle
Morton were able to extend their unbeaten league run in 2020 as they earned themselves a point at Tannadice after a last minute equaliser from Lawrence Shankland denied the Ton of all three points.
The boys put in a solid performance and worked extremely hard throughout the match to challenge the strong United side with a real moment of magic from Nicky Cadden and Kalvin Orsi putting the Cappielow side ahead.
After a mere 30 seconds into the match, United saw Osman Sow knock the ball into the net however the linesman’s flag was up for offside to the delight of Morton.
For the next 15 minutes or so, the game did not have too many chances to offer as there was various corners in amongst this time which proved no danger and often cleared from danger.
However, it would be on 17 minutes when a memorable moment occurred for the Ton as they took the lead against the league leaders when a dangerous cross into the box from Nicky Cadden found Kalvin Orsi who’s diving header hit the back of the net for his first goal at the club.
Midfielder Luca Colville was very unlucky to not find a teammate on 24 minutes when his cross to the back post was unable to reach Robbie Muirhead.
Dundee United were almost given an opportunity to go ahead on 26 minutes when a cross to the waiting Peter Pawlett at the back post was not controlled and cleared away from the danger area by Morton.
Ton defender Jack Baird pulled off an important and impressive goal line clearance on 30 minutes to stop Dundee United getting an equaliser at this point as the centre half was able to get in front of Lawrence Shankland to clear the ball over the bar and out for a corner just as it looked like Shankland was about to knock it home.
Nicky Cadden’s cross on 33 minutes was unable to find a man as his cross headed well over the bar and out for a goal kick as both teams hunted for the next goal in the match.
An effort from Osman Sow went narrowly wide on 36 minutes when the forward curled a free kick which went inches past the post.
And as the half time whistle was blown, the Ton support made sure they were making all the noise as Morton were ahead going into the second half at Tannadice.
But Morton started off the second half with an attacking intent as Luca Colville had an effort from just outside the box on 54 minutes which was dipping but sadly didn’t go in the back of the net as it went just over the bar.
Lawrence Shankland missed another opportunity for an equaliser on 60 minutes when an effort from just inside the box on the volley was sent cruising over the bar.
Dundee United were able to creat a chance for themselves on 79 minutes when a corner swung into the box was met by the head of Mark Connolly for the free header but the defender could not direct it towards goal.
On 88 minutes, the game was almost put to bed for Morton as Robbie Muirhead powered through on goal and attempted a shot from around 20 yards out however Benjamin Siegrist was able to grasp a hold of the ball and stop the shot.
Despite limiting United’s opportunities throughout the match and giving them little opportunities to go ahead, it was a devastating goal to concede on 90 minutes for the Ton when Dundee United got their equaliser as a cross to the back post found the waiting Lawrence Shankland who headered it home with calls for offside being waved away by the referee.
The Ton has coped well with all crosses into the box throughout the match but were punished when Scotland international Lawrence Shankland was left unmarked at the back post for the finish.
The full time whistle was blown and a standing ovation from the Ton fans followed as the supporters acknowledged that despite the late goal, it was a result to be proud of for Morton away at the 17-point clear league leaders.
To anyone that has not been watching the team over the last few weeks, the difference in performance from the previous United fixture at Tannadice has been staggering as there has been a clear intent to win games and the David Hopkin style of play is now evidently clear in the Ton.
In the last few fixtures in the league, the Ton’s ‘never give up’ attitude has been shining through them which has earned them great results, including Saturday’s draw.
Their performance against United on Saturday was something which they can be proud of; they had a real intent to shock the league leaders and that is exactly what they were able to do.
Morton (451)
20. Rogers
2. Tumilty 4. McLean 30. Baird 16. Strapp
19. Cadden 6. Jacobs 8. McAlister (c) 29. Colville 12. Orsi
9. Muirhead
Subs used: 11. Bob McHugh (for Orsi, 52), 7. Chris Millar (for Cadden, 83)
Subs not used: 10. Nesbitt, 18. Blues, 21. Sutton, 28. Livingstone, 1. Ramsbottom
Booked: Colville (82), Rogers (86)
Dundee United (442): Siegrist, Smith, Reynolds (c), Connolly, Robson, Appere, Powers, Harkes (McMullan, 45), Pawlett (Mochrie, 69), Sow (Sporle, 64), Shankland
Subs not used: Mehmet, King, Watson, Neilson
Booked: Appere (42)
Referee: Andrew Dallas
Attendance: 7,644
⭐️ Star Man: Jack Baird
image: David Bell
