MATCH REPORT: Inverness 3-1 Morton

Inverness 3-1 Morton

Todorov (25), Doran (31), Storey (57); Sutton (78)

 

By Ewan Boyle

Morton crashed out of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup on Saturday after a disappointing loss to Inverness as the Caley Jags ran out 3-1 winners.

The Ton was full of fresh faces and debutants in the game as they looked to avenge their previous week result of 5-0 in Inverness.

A defensive-minded Ton side were the ones to have the first chance of the game on 14 minutes after Kalvin Orsi found himself space in the box but just as he was about to release his effort on goal, he was met by a crunching tackle.

Shortly following this chance, Charlie Trafford dashed down the wing on 16 minutes and sent a shot on goal however his effort was blocked fantastically by Jack Baird and sent out for a corner.

But it was not long before the deadlock was broken in the game as Nikolay Todorov scored an inch perfect goal from the left side of the box as he curled an effort over Sam Ramsbottom and into the top bag.

Sam Ramsbottom denied a goal scoring opportunity for Inverness as a free header in the box was palmed away by the Ton goalkeeper.

Inverness increased their lead on 31 minutes as Aaron Doran was able to skip by Brian McLean and sent the ball under Ramsbottom’s legs to make it 2-0.

Around 10 minutes into the second half, Inverness got their third of the day as a pass through the middle of the defence from Kevin McHattie was finished from a tight angle by Miles Storey on 57 minutes to strengthen the Inverness lead.

Matters were made worse on 75 minutes as Brian McLean brought down Charlie Trafford in the box and saw the referee award a penalty to Inverness.

However, Sam Ramsbottom pulled off a superb penalty save to deny Nikolay Todorov the chance to make it 4-0 to Inverness.

The Ton were able to get a consolation goal on 79 minutes after a fantastic pass into the box from the left side of the pitch by Robbie Muirhead found John Sutton who was able to tuck it away from close range.

It was a proud day for young academy graduate Alexander Easdale who was brought on for his competitive debut on 88 minutes as he replaced Adam Livingstone.

The full time whistle was blown as the game ended 3-1 which meant that the Ton were unable to progress in the third round of the challenge cup.

 

Morton (433)

1. Ramsbottom
5. Grant 4. McLean (c) 30. Baird
14. Salkeld 17. Lyon 29. Colville 18. Blues 28. Livingstone
12. Orsi 9. Muirhead

Subs used: 6. Kyle Jacobs (for Lyon, 62), 21. John Sutton (for Salkeld, 66), 22. Alexander Easdale (for Livingstone, 89)

Subs not used: 20. Rogers, 16. Strapp, 23. Hynes, 39. Garrity

Booked: Colville (83)

Inverness (442): Mackay, Rooney, Donaldson, McHattie, Harper, Macgregor, Welsh, Trafford, Doran (Machado, 65), Storey (White, 80), Todorov (White, 80)

Subs not used: Vincent, Keatings, Ridgers, McCart

Booked: Rooney (61)

Referee: William Collum

Attendance: 1,021

image: Peter Paul