Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay, Devine, McNally, Roycroft, Fraser (Tomana 59), Bell, Aitken, Coyne (Cashmore 73), Taggart (Wilson 73) and O’Brien. Unused Subs:- Nugent and Trialist
Greenock Morton:- Mathers, Weatherson, McGregor, Harding, Greacen, Finlayson, Millar, Stevenson (McLaughlin 59), Templeman, McGowan (Linn 75) and McAlister. Unused Subs:- Lilley, Walker and McGurn.

Morton extended their unbeaten home record with a narrow, but comfortable, 2-1 victory over nearest challengers, Stirling Albion, at a wet Cappielow. Morton’s lead at the top of the table is now 12 points and they are looking odds on to be playing First Division football next season.

However, just a few short weeks ago, the Binos managed to reduce Morton’s lead at the top of the table to a single point with a magnificent 16 match unbeaten run which included 8 straight victories. However, a single point in their last 3 matches coupled with Morton winning their last seven had seen the gap increase once again to 9 points as the teams went into this crucial promotion match.

The Binos showed 2 changes from last week’s squad. Taggart was promoted to the starting line up at the expense of trialist, Ian Harty, who did not figure today and Nugent and Cashmore were on the bench. Coyne, playing his second game as a trialist, was the lone striker as the Binos opted for a 5 man midfield with Taggart and O’Brien on the flanks.

The match started brightly with both teams playing attacking football though it was Morton who had the greater share of possession. However, the opening goal was a bit fortuitous. McNally opted to leave Weatherson’s cross and the ball hit off Roycroft who seemed to be taken by surprise. The ball fell into the path of McGowan who had the simplest task to slot it past Hogarth. A few minutes later, McGowan was unlucky to see his shot hit the post after a flick from Templeman.

Templeman then beat the offside trap to send the ball through to Stevenson. However, Paul Hay managed to put enough pressure on the former Alloa player and Hogarth palmed the shot away for a corner. Next up, Hogarth seemed to misjudge the flight of a Finlayson cross and dropped the ball but McAlister couldn’t take advantage.

With a few minutes of the half left, the Binos managed their first shot on target but Mathers easily saved Coyne’s 25 yard effort. Half time came with Morton leading
1-0.

The Binos started the second half with a bit more determination. A Devine free kick from the right drifted over the defence as far as Coyne but he took the ball too wide and the chance was gone. Fraser then squandered a good opportunity to get the equaliser when he elected to go for goal himself when the better option may have been to play it to O’Brien who seemed to be in a better position.

Fraser became the first player to be booked when he was too vociferous in his protests after O’Brien had been penalised for a foul. A few minutes later, he was replaced by Tomana. The Slovakian was soon in the thick of the action and his cross into the box was missed by Coyne who took a swipe at the ball.

At the other end, a long ball from Weatherson hit McNally and fell to Millar but his shot went over the bar. Morton then doubled their lead when the Binos lost possession in midfield and the ball was played through to McAlister. The winger’s first effort was saved by Hogarth but the ball broke back to McAlister who walked the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

The Binos made their final changes when they brought on Cashmore and Wilson for Coyne and Taggart. Morton responded by bringing on their recent signing from Peterhead, Bobby Linn. Linn’s first involvement was to be the subject of a heavy tackle by Hay for which the Albion player was booked.

With time running out, the Binos pulled one back with a large slice of good fortune. Cashmore’s header from an Aitken cross came back off the post and hit the back of Mather’s head before ending up in the back of the net. This set up an exciting end to the match though Linn almost scored but his weak effort was saved by Hogarth. However, there was to be no equaliser and the whistle went to send the Morton fans home happy.

The Binos’ midfield was again the major disappointment and Coyne had a thankless task on his own up front. There were also bookings for Bell for trying to block a kick from hand by Mathers whilst, for Morton, McLaughlin and Millar were cautioned.

The Binos now have 2 home matches to look forward to. First up is the visit of bottom club Forfar. A win is essential as the teams in 4th and 5th places are beginning to close the gap in the race for the 3 play off places. Hopefully, the striking problem will be a step nearer being resolved as this position is clearly the Binos’ biggest problem area.

Let’s hope there is a big turn out of Binos’ fans and I look forward to seeing some of you at Forthbank next Saturday.