Match Report: Morton U-20s 2-0 QotS U-20s
Morton Under-20s 2 – 0 Queen of the South Under-20s
Eardley (15), Tiffoney (47)
Morton Under-20s closed the 2016/17 Development League West season with a richly-deserved 2-0 win over champions Queen of the South at Cappielow last night.
The sides who finished first and second in the table went head-to-head, with Andy Millen’s youthful team dominating the majority of the encounter to end on a high note.
They opened the scoring with 15 minutes on the clock when Ben Eardley met full-back Darren Hynes’ fired cross with an emphatic diving header that rocketed into the top right-hand corner to open his account for the campaign.
Wideman Scott Tiffoney was proving too hot for the Doonhamers to handle as he continued the form that saw him score two wonder goals against Albion Rovers on Monday night.
And the 18-year-old doubled the Ton’s advantage two minutes into the second half direct from a free-kick after he himself was fouled.
Taking aim on the left-hand side of the visitors’ box, Tiffoney caught out goalkeeper Jack Leighfield by whipping an inch-perfect effort over the wall, tucking the ball inside the left-hand post.
It was a moment of magic that recalled a famous Andy Ritchie goal, scored from an almost identical position at the Wee Dublin End, against Partick Thistle.
Only a fine Leighfield save, when he sprung to his right to claw wide of the post, prevented Tiffoney from taking his tally to four goals in three days with a powerful drive back across his body after gliding inside two challenges.
There would be no further scoring, but boss Millen handed Under-17s midfielder Reece Lyon striker Alexander Easdale run-outs as he cast an eye towards next season’s campaign.
Morton (4411)
1. McGowan
6. Hynes 5. Mitchell 8. Langan (c) 3. Strapp
7. Duffy 4. Anderson 7. Eardley 11. Tiffoney
10. Purdue
9.Armour
Subs used: 12. Miller (for Duffy, 79), 14. Easdale (for Armour, 86), and 15. Lyon (for Eardley, 86).
Booked: Eardley (37).
Referee: Craig King
Images: Gary Bradley
