Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Nugent, Forsyth, McNally, Roycroft, Fraser, Wilson, Bell, Cramb, Aitken and Taggart.
Subs:- Hay for McNally, Shields for Wilson and Tomana for Taggart. Cashmore and Christie (both unused)
Morton:- Gonet, Weatherson, Walker, Harding, Greacen, McLaughlin, Millar, Stevenson, Lilley, McGowan and McAlister.
Subs:- Finlayson for McAlister, Templeman for Weatherson. Russell, McLean and Baxter (all unused)

The Binos travelled to Greenock to take on league leaders Morton in the Second Division’s match of the day. Even at this early stage of the season, Morton have been installed as favourites to get automatic promotion to the first division and, having beaten St Johnstone in midweek, it is difficult to argue against that decision. However, the Binos are unbeaten away from home in the league, so an exciting match was in prospect.
The Binos’ starting line up showed 3 changes from last week’s win against Forfar. O’Brien’s injury meant Taggart retaining his place whilst Wilson and Aitken came in at the expense of Cashmore and Tomana,who were both on the bench, as the Binos lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with Cramb the lone striker.
The opening period of the match was dominated by Morton but a cross from the right didn’t find any takers in blue and white. From the outset it was difficult to identify the Morton players from a distance as the numbers on their jerseys didn’t stand out very clearly on the blue and white stripes.
After 5 minutes, McAlister burst through but Hogarth managed to block his effort with his feet. Shortly after that, Hogarth produced another fine save.
The Binos seemed to have weathered the early storm and won their first corner in 12 minutes. From the corner, Fraser’s shot glanced off Weatherson’s head for another corner.
Wilson had a good opportunity to score after 17 minutes but he couldn’t keep his shot down following a throw in from the left. A few minutes later, Wilson got his head to an Aitken free kick but the effort didn’t lack enough power to trouble Gonet. Taggart, who was playing well on the left side of midfield, beat Weatherson but Cramb’s volley from 7 yards went over the bar.
The Binos almost took the lead just before the half hour mark but Cramb’s right foot shot hit the inside of the post and rolled along the line before being cleared.
Morton came back into the game and, just before half time, McAlister shot over following a cross from the right as the score remained blank at the break.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Morton applying the pressure and Lilley almost took advantage of Hogarth being out of position to put in a cross which Millar headed over.
McAlister then tried to go round Hogarth but Myles managed to dive across to turn the ball round for a corner.
Just before the hour mark, the Binos made a double substitution with Hay and Shields coming on for McNally and Wilson. This meant Nugent moved into the centre of the defence
Lilley then scorned a good opportunity to open the scoring when he volleyed over from about the penalty spot. Hogarth then produced another fine save to tip a Lilley header over the bar but the far side linesman had already put his flag up for offside.
Tomana replaced Taggart after 76 minutes and had an immediate impact on the game when he cut in from the left but his shot was deflected for a corner.
Morton then took the lead with 7 minutes to go when they were awarded a free kick wide on the right although it looked as though Tomana was the player who had been fouled. The ball was floated in and Lilley headed home.
The Binos fought back and Tomana had a long range effort cleared off the line. As the match went into stoppage time, the Binos were awarded a penalty for what appeared to be hand ball. Aitken stepped up to send Gonet the wrong way.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair result although Morton did have a lot of pressure. However, the Binos did well to soak this up and ended up creating a few chances of their own. Although the Morton supporters might have though the penalty decision was harsh, the Binos have had stronger claims for penalties in previous weeks turned down so, perhaps, this was justice. The importance of getting a point was very clear from the reaction of the players at the final whistle as they acknowledged the travelling support.
Next up is the visit of Peterhead who, after making last season’s play offs, must be disappointed to be in the bottom half of the league though they did have a good victory against Stranraer today.
Despite today’s good performance, it would be no surprise if Moore changes the team for next week since he has stated that team selection will be “horses for courses” and a more attacking formation would be expected.