MATCH REPORT: Morton 1-1 Dunfermline
Morton 1 – 1 Dunfermline
McAlister (90+4), Ryan (87)
A last gasp equaliser from Morton midfielder Jim McAlister saw the Ton grab a draw at Cappielow as McAlister scored his first goal since his return to the club for his second spell.
The draw puts Morton two points behind Dundee, who are in the playoff places in this year’s Ladbrokes Championship league table as the first quarter of the season almost draws to a close.
Cappielow watched on as the game began in a relatively slow manner with both teams not having any clear cut chances in the opening 20 minutes of the game.
However, the first slight chance of the game occured on 21 minutes for Morton as a free kick was swung in the box by Aiden Nesbitt but the Ton were unable to get contact with the ball as it sailed comfortably into the goalkeeper’s hands.
But just as Morton could blink, they found themselves with another huge chance on 23 minutes as Aidan Nesbitt ran down the wing and sent a low cross into the box which broke to Chris Millar who tried to place the ball into the bottom left corner however Tom Beadling was there to slide tackle the ball off the goal line and away from danger.
It was Dunfermline who looked to have got the opening goal on 40 minutes as a cutback from Harry Cochrane around 25 yards out set up Kyle Turner for a shot from range which deflected and almost sailed into the goal but to the delight of the Morton fans, the ball sailed beyond the post and out for a corner.
As the second half kicked off, both teams continued to press for a goal as on 56 minutes, Bob McHugh did very well to earn the ball back from a slack pass and slipped through Aidan Nesbitt who’s shot was palmed out for a corner by Cammy Gill.
Morton continued their intense second half pressure on 60 minutes as the ball fell to Cameron Blues around 18 yards out and sent his effort towards goal but the shot was blocked by Lee Ashcroft and knocked out for a Morton corner.
Sam Ramsbottom made a very important save in the game on 71 minutes as Kevin Nisbet sprinted through on goal alone with only the goalkeeper to beat but the Ton goalkeeper was able to remain calm and pulled off an exceptional save to deny Kevin Nisbet.
There was another goal line clearance in the game on 81 minutes however this time it was in favour of Morton as Kevin Nisbet sent a shot from the right side of the box hurtling towards the goal however Peter Grant was on the line to deny Nisbet of the goal.
But it was to be heartbreak for the Ton fans on 87 minutes as Andy Ryan got the goal for Dunfermline when Ryan Dow’s effort on goal was caught then dropped by Sam Ramsbottom to allow Ryan the chance to sneak in and finish the ball into the net to give the Pars the lead late on in the game.
The Ton weren’t giving up without a fight in the game as Aidan Nesbitt almost caught Cammy Gill off guard on 90 minutes as his disguised shot was palmed over the bar by Gill.
And Morton’s late push for an equaliser proved a success as a cross in the box from Kyle Jacobs was headered across by Stephen Welsh which found Jim McAlister who sent it home give the Ton what could be an important point later on in the season.
Morton (4411)
1. Ramsbottom
3. Welsh 30. Baird 5. Grant 6. Jacobs
8. McAlister (c) 7. Millar 18. Blues
29. Colville 11. McHugh 10. Nesbitt
Subs used: 17. Lyon (for Blues, 71), 14. Salkeld (for Colville, 78), 21. Sutton (for Millar, 81)
Subs not used: 4. McLean, 9. Muirhead, 20. Rogers, 32. King
Booked: Welsh (90+5), Grant (55), Blues (64)
Dunfermline (442): Gill, Comrie, Ashcroft (c), Martin, Edwards, Dow, Cochrane (Morrison, 86), Turner, Kiltie (Ryan, 67), Beadling, Nesbit
Subs not used: Scully, Devine, Bowman, Coley, Graham
Referee: Graham Beaton
Attendance: 1,690
⭐️ Star Man: Jim McAlister
