Match Report | Morton 0-0 Ayr United

Morton 0 – 0 Ayr United

 

 

Morton and Ayr United could not be separated at Cappielow on Saturday afternoon as the clubs shared the spoils following a second goalless draw this season.

Jonatan Johansson made only two changes to the side that lost to Dundee United with Kerr Waddell replacing Lee Kilday and Charlie Telfer replacing Reghan Tumilty.

The Ton had to withstand heavy pressure from Ian McCall’s side for the duration of the first half and shot-stopper Robby McCrorie, who pulled off a fine display at Tannadice two weeks ago, was the man of the moment again, making a fantastic double save on 18 minutes firstly denying Michael Moffat and then ex-Ton player Andy Murdoch.

A victory on Saturday would have put Ayr United level with league leaders Ross County and the visitors had the ball in the net on 20 minutes but referee Colin Steven pulled it back after Kerr Waddell was fouled in the box by Ayr captain Ross Docherty.

Up the other end of the park, Greg Kiltie came close to creating a chance for Morton after striking the ball across goal on 39 minutes but former Ton goalkeeper Ross Doohan was first to it, pulling off a vital block.

There would be no real chances at goal created by the Sinclair Street side in the first half as both sides went in level at the interval.

A much improved second half from Morton saw Johansson introduce midfielder Keelan O’Connell, making his debut for the club, and the flashy winger made a good first impression by pulling off a number of nice turns on the ball as the Ton looked to get further forward and open the scoring on the game.

The last chance of the game would come on 86 minutes and to the league’s top goal scorer Lawrence Shankland who’s shot from inside the box hit the post meaning both sides were left to settle for a point apiece as the match ended in stalemate.

Morton (433)

23. McCrorie
8. McAlister 5. Waddell 4. Buchanan 3. Iredale
7. Millar 6. Telfer 15. Dykes
44. Dallas 11. McHugh 20. Kiltie

Subs used: 17. O’Connell (for Dallas, 67), and 32. R.Lyon (for Dykes, 90+1)

Subs not used: 2. Kilday, 10. Thomson, 14. Tumilty, 37. McGrattan, 1. Gaston (gk).

Booked: Buchanan (70), Dykes (76)

Ayr United (4411): Doohan; Smith, Muirhead, Rose, Harvie; Murdoch, Docherty (c) (Cadden, 69), Crawford, McDaid (Miller, 68) ; Moffat (Moore, 73); Shankland.

Subs not used: Higgins, Bell, Adams, Hare-Reid (gk).

Booked: Smith (85), Harvie (88)

Referee: Colin Steven

Attendance: 2,335

⭐️ Star Man: Robby McCrorie

image: Gary Bradley