MATCH REPORT: Morton 1-1 Brora
Morton 1 – 1 Brora
McHugh (44 pen); Gillespie (29 pen)
By Ewan Boyle
It was a disappointing day at the office for the Ton on Saturday as a draw with Highland side Brora Rangers sees a replay set up on the 3rd December between the two teams with the winner playing St. Johnstone.
Brora seemed to control the game in the first half an hour of the match with the fair share of chances coming from the Highland side.
It would be Morton who would have the first opportunity of the match on 9 minutes when a cross to the back post from Billy King could not be controlled by Cameron Salkeld and went out for a goal kick.
A huge chance for Morton on 10 minutes fell to Cameron Salkeld when Bob McHugh dribbled down the wing and sent a pass into the box but Salkeld’s effort just trickled beyond the post.
Brora had an effort on 20 minutes which wasn’t too far away when Martin MacLean’s effort on the half volley from just outside of the box fizzed inches by the post.
The Cattachs continued to pounce at Morton on 24 minutes when Lewis Strapp did very well to get in front of the Brora front man before he could release his shot towards goal but to the delight of the Morton players, the referee had already given a foul.
Bob McHugh had an ambitious effort from around 20 yards out on 27 minutes when he attempted a looping shot over the goalkeeper but it went over the bar as the Ton hunted for their opener of the day.
But the continued pressure of Brora would eventually pay off as the referee awarded a penalty after a foul from Chris Millar on Tom Kelly.
The away support watched on with nerves as Dale Gillespie slotted home his penalty on 30 minutes to send the Highland team ahead at Cappielow.
Morton did have the ball in the net on 41 minutes when Jim McAlister sent through Billy King who squared it to Reece Lyon however the linesman had his flag up for offside.
The Ton were then awarded a penalty by the referee after a bizarre period of play when a Billy King shot deflected off the bar and bounced arguably over the line.
After breaking out to the edge of the box, the ball then made its way to Jim McAlister who’s shot was handballed by Colin Williamson for the penalty to be given.
And it would be Bob McHugh who would step up and slot it into the back of the net on 43 minutes giving Morton the equaliser.
It was fairly quiet following the beginning of the second half until 62 minutes when Aidan Nesbitt attempted a lovely curled effort from the left side of the box but it was palmed over the bar and out for a corner.
Aidan Nesbitt done very well once again on 66 minutes when he dribbled past the opposition defence on the left side of the pitch and sent a cross to the back post but it was cleared out for a corner before the chance could be finished off.
Nicky Cadden presence was shown when coming on as a substitute as he played a delightful ball into the box but Billy King was unable to knock it home for the Ton on 72 minutes.
But a huge chance for Morton would be a moment of regret for the team as a cross into the box found Bob McHugh who had a chance to finish it into the net from close range but it was mishit by the Ton front man and was missed.
However, just before the end of the game, it would be Brora who would have the final big moment of the game as a cross to the back post found Paul Brindle waiting but a difficult angle proved problematic for the player and it was sent over the bar.
This draw sees Morton now travel to Brora on the 3rd December for the replay with a place in the fourth round against St. Johnstone up for grabs for the winner.
Morton (442)
20. Rogers
6. Jacobs 3. Welsh 5. Grant 16. Strapp
17. Lyon 8. McAlister (c) 7. Millar 32. King
11. McHugh 14. Salkeld
Subs used: 10. Aidan Nesbitt (for Salkeld, 58), 19. Nicky Cadden (for Millar, 70), 21. John Sutton (for King, 79)
Subs not used: 9. Muirhead, 18. Blues, 28. Livingstone, 1. Ramsbottom
Booked: N/A
Brora (442): Malin, Pickles, Williamson, Nicolson, MacDonald, Kelly, MacLean (Wagenaar, 83), Morrison, Morrison (Brindle, 60), MacRae (Wallace, 75), Gillespie
Subs not used: Mackay, Martin, MacDonald, Davidson
Booked: Williamson (42), Kelly (61), Maclean (38)
Referee: Craig Napier
Attendance: 925
