Match Report: Morton 6-1 Dumbarton
By Ewan Boyle
Morton 6 – 1 Dumbarton
Neill O.G (16), Grant (17), Jacobs (23), Strapp (32), Sutton (45), McHugh (69); Neill (63)
The Morton boys made all the noise in their opening Betfred Cup match under the floodlights of Cappielow Park as they ran out deserving winners in a 6-1 victory.
The first opportunity came for Morton on 4 minutes where the referee awarded a free-kick in a goal-scoring position however Nicky Cadden’s effort narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
Dumbarton looked to have been the ones to have got the first goal on 6 minutes however Jim McAlister was able to do exceptionally well and perform a sublime tackle to end the threat.
Experienced striker John Sutton found himself some room at a tight angle in the Dumbarton box on 10 minutes however Sutton could not find the gap and placed it into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Morton’s hunt for a goal finally came to an end on 16 minutes as a great burst of pace from Aidan Nesbitt allowed for a pass along the goal which Dumbarton defender Morgyn Neill caught and sent into his own net.
The goals came in quick succession following this as new signing Peter Grant got his goal on 17 minutes as a corner from Morton was met by the head of Jim McAlister which saw the ball find the back post where Grant was free to send it home.
Confusion on the halfway line on 23 minutes caused for Kyle Jacobs to run freely towards the Dumbarton box and slide it around the keeper and give Morton a 3-0 lead.
A proud moment for the Cowshed faithful as they saw one of their own get his goal as Lewis Strapp got on the end of a great pass from Nicky Cadden and Strapp was able to find the inside of the near post and celebrate in front of the Shed.
Dumbarton almost had an opportunity to get a goal back however Morton goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom made himself huge and was able to stop the ball from hitting the net.
John Sutton’s second goal in two games came as Nicky Cadden was the playmaker when his sublime run was the perfect opportunity to slide it across goal and allow for John Sutton to finish it off.
A standing ovation from Morton fans at half-time when the team lead 5-0 in their first match of the Betfred Cup campaign.
Morton seemed to have switched off on 63 minutes as a Stefan McCluskey corner was met by the unmarked Morgyn Neill and brought the score to 5-1.
Former Ton player Stefan McCluskey nearly got Dumbarton a second as a curled effort from the left side of the box just edged over the bar and out for a goal kick.
A birthday goal for Bob McHugh came on 69 minutes as an error from the Dumbarton goalkeeper around 25 yards out gave McHugh the chance to send it home into an empty net.
Morton’s impressive effort came to an end as the fans rose to their feet once again to applaud the efforts of the Sinclair Street side.
The Ton continue their Betfred Cup campaign on Friday away to Motherwell and fans will be hoping for much of the same to allow for hope of an upset away to the Premiership side.
Morton (352)
1. Ramsbottom
4. McLean 5. Grant 8. McAlister (c)
14. Salkeld 17. Lyon 6. Jacobs 16. Strapp
10. Nesbitt
21. Sutton 19. Cadden
Subs used: Bob McHugh (for Strapp, 59), Robbie Muirhead (for Sutton, 65), Lewis McGrattan (for Nesbitt, 76)
Subs not used: 7. Chris Millar, 40. Christopher Wylie, 15. Dylan Dykes, 2. Reghan Tumilty
Referee: Grant Irvine
Attendance: 1,228
Star Man: Nicky Cadden
