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Dean, Alan and Stephen discuss the news that Lewis Strapp will be leaving the club, Saturday's draw, the Hamilton game and gauge this season's success.

Dean, Alan and Stephen discuss the news that Lewis Strapp will be leaving the club, Saturday's draw, the Hamilton game and gauge this season's success.

Ayr United vs Morton – Match Preview by Dean McKinnon Morton travel to Ayrshire tomorrow attempting to gain ground on Partick Thistle and Ayr United in the race for the Premiership playoffs. Dougie Imrie’s men currently trail the hosts by six points, with a game in hand due to be played against Hamilton in midweek. Following last week’s last gasp defeat to Inverness, The Ton will look to recapture the positive momentum of earlier in the campaign as the Championship enters the home straight. Photo - GBR Photographs. Squad News Cammy Blues is a doubt ahead of the trip down the coast, with the ever-present midfielder being withdrawn at half time last week with a suspected concussion. The travelling support will hope that explosive winger Jai Quitongo is closer to full fitness after looking somewhat sheepish in his substitute appearance in the defeat to Inverness. Current Connections Former Morton Player of the Year Aidan McAdams and alleged defender Sean McGinty are the last two of David Hopkin’s former charges remaining in Ayrshire. Hopkin recruited no fewer than five of his former players to join him in Ayr, after he so bravely fell on his own sword to end his stay at Cappielow. Andy Murdoch’s perplexing release by Ray McKinnon is a long standing grievance of the Ton faithful. Murdoch served with distinction during his two season stay on Sinclair Street and is a player who would be welcomed back to the club with open arms. Jack Baird sandwiched two seasons at Somerset between both his spells in Greenock. Calvin Miller cut his teeth on loan at Ayr from Celtic as a young player in 2018/19. Club captain Grant Gillespie had a brief stint with the Honest Men, making five appearances for the club in 2019/20 following his release by Derry City. Tale of the Tape Dougie Imrie’s side have yet to record a league win over Ayr this season. The Honest Men steamrolled The Ton on Matchday 6 at Cappielow thanks to goals from Dipo Akinyemi and Mark McKenzie. Both sides shared a point on Matchday 14 at Somerset Park. Alex Kirk opened the scoring in the third minute before Jai Quitongo’s bullet header from a corner draw the sides level thirteen minutes later in a tightly contested affair that neither team could make justified claim for deserving all three points. The most recent meeting between the sides on Matchday 27 took place a little over a month ago, with Ayr leaving Greenock with all three points. Sam Ashford’s opening goal was cancelled out by a crisp finish by Robbie Crawford before the Honest Men scored two more first half goals to put the match beyond doubt. The Ton progressed to the Fourth Round of the SPFL Trust Trophy at the expense of Lee Bullen’s side. Now Airdrie winger Lewis McGregor opened the scoring for the hosts before Josh Mullin levelled the tie. Sean McGinty’s penalty miss drew an outpouring of sympathy from the home support as they watched their side score five penalties in a row to book a place in the next round. Photo - GBR Photographs. Opposition Analysis Ayr were a side, akin to Morton, who many bookmakers believed would be slugging it out for Championship survival this term. Lee Bullen’s side have defied expectations, and despite their recent inconsistencies, have been a mainstay at the business end of the Championship this term. Spearheaded by English striker Dipo Akinyemi, who has netted fifteen league goals so far, the Honest Men would see a win against Morton as a huge step towards securing a Premiership playoff spot. Ahead of the game I spoke to Ayr fan Marc Dunlop (@Marco_Ayr), who spoke of the search for consistency as the Championship reaches its climax – “Inconsistency still plagues the Honest Men going into Saturdays game at Somerset Park. I think I’m speaking for the majority of the support here, that since our bitterly disappointing Scottish Cup 1/4 final exit, everything’s felt a bit, shall we say, flat. It knocked the stuffing out us. Since then we’ve managed 2 league wins, coming against 9th & 10th placed sides, & 2 defeats. Lee Bullen & his men will be determined to put Fridays poor performance behind them as they bid to cement a spot in the top 4. Chris Maguire has shown his qualities since coming in & gets fitter with every remaining game. Key man Josh Mullin remains a doubt & it might be a game too soon for him. I expect the manager to change it up slightly from Arbroath away, & he may look to academy graduate Paul Smith to give Ayr a different dimension in attack. Reece McAlear could come back into the middle of the park, & due to a shortage of options, I expect the defence to remain unchanged. A massive 3 points up for grabs, unfortunately we’re unsure which Ayr United side will be on show. Intriguing, if nothing else. Cmon Ayr!!!” Photo - GBR Photographs. Betting Guide All match odds are provided by McBookie. Odds are correct as of 10pm on 6th April 2023 and are subject to change. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling. The hosts head into this one as favourite, chalked at 21/20 to best their Inverclyde opponents. The draw is priced at 12/5, with Dougie Imrie’s side 11/5 to claim their first league win against Ayr this term. If you fancy George Oakley to continue his impressive goalscoring form, you can back the Englishman to score anytime at 5/2. You can also back former Kilmarnock youngster Robbie Muirhead to score his first goal of the season against the Ayrshire side at 12/5. Club captain Grant Gillespie to be shown a yellow card at anytime in the contest may be worth some investment, priced at 6/4. Match Officials Referee - Matthew MacDermid AR1 - Gary Hilland AR2 - Alastair Taylor

Away Day Guide - Ayr United Photo – Scottish Football Partnership Tickets Tickets for Saturday’s game MUST be purchased using Ayr’s online ticketing system. Click here to purchase tickets. Prices are as follows - Adults: £20, Concessions: £13 (Over 65s and Students), Juveniles: £13 (13 - 17-year-olds), Child: £6 (12 and under). Disabled Supporters Information Disabled fans will be housed in the disabled area directly under the Family Stand. Fans will enter through Exit Gate G, which has flat, smooth access for wheelchair users. Parking bays are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, but spaces are kept at the front of the main car park for blue badge holders. Drop off and pick up is also available opposite Exit Gate G. The price of entry is £13, with carers going free. Carer tickets should be bought through the club shop, with concession tickets being available both via the club shop and online. The club’s Disability Access Officer is Jim Scullion, who can be contacted via stadium@ayrunitedfc.co.uk. Supporters Buses The Gourock Morton Supporters bus will depart from Gourock Train Station at 1pm. The price will be decided on the day. Message their page on Facebook or contact Mark on 07847847357 to book a space. By Train There are two services an hour to Glasgow Central on the low line, departing Gourock :08 and :38 every hour, as well as one train an hour on the high line, departing Wemyss Bay at :57 every hour. Travel to Paisley Gilmour Street, alight and transfer to Platform 1 for services to Ayr. You can either alight at Newton on Ayr (0.9 miles from the stadium) or Ayr (1.1 miles from the stadium). All information taken from the ScotRail website. By Car From the A77 take the A719 (Whitletts Road) into Ayr. After passing the racecourse on your left, turn right at the next set of traffic lights for the ground, or turn left to take you down to an unofficial car park. Turning right will take you into Burnett Terrace, then left into Hawkhill Avenue and then right into Somerset Road. The ground is down on the left. There is a small car park at the ground adjacent to the Main Stand but this is for pass holders only. There is plenty of street parking to be found in the area around the stadium. Pre-Match Photo - The Ayr Advertiser If alighting at Newton-on-Ayr then The Wallace Bar (6 Tam's Brig, Ayr KA8 8JQ) is a two minute walk from the station en-route to the stadium. If alighting at Ayr then Smiths (13 Dalblair Rd, Ayr KA7 1UF) is a ten minute walk from the station. Ayr United have recently opened The Somerset Hub, located where the old club stop was outside the stadium, providing all the usual pre-match hospitality. Photo - @AyrUnited (Twitter)

Craig & Alan discuss Morton's defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dean interviews Lewis McEwan from Morton in the Community as they celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Craig & Alan discuss Morton's defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dean interviews Lewis McEwan from Morton in the Community as they celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Lifelong Morton fan Philip Rooney passed away recently, his family are kindly inviting donations towards the cost of his funeral, full details can be found below, with any donations warmly appreciated. https://gofund.me/82e3daa6

Morton v Inverness Caledonian Thistle – Match Preview by Russell Gordon There’s no way of hiding from it now- we’re in the business end of the season, with only seven games left for Morton to force themselves into the play-offs and hopefully achieve the ultimate goal of a place in next season’s Premiership. Their visitors on Saturday however, are on a high- Inverness Caledonian Thistle will be coming to Cappielow Park supported by Dalrada Technology off the back of an impressive win against our fellow play-off contenders Partick, and looking forward to a Scottish Cup semi final at the end of the month against League One minnows, Falkirk. Photo - GBR Photographs. Squad News It’s probably no bad thing that Morton enjoyed a week off, with opponents Hamilton otherwise engaged in beating Raith Rovers in the SPFL Trust Trophy Final. Darragh O’Connor’s recent return to the fold has been a welcome one, and hopefully the extra break has allowed Grant Gillespie a bit more time to return to full fitness. Although perhaps the most important miss in recent weeks has been Jai Quitongo, whose eventual return will be widely anticipated be the support. Dougie Imrie will have a job picking the players up after the disappointment of a week past Friday’s draw with Arbroath- particularly those of Ali Crawford and Brian Schwake, both of whom suffered personal disappointment on the night, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that Morton were actually terrific on the night, and were it not for their profligacy in front of goal, they would’ve won comfortably. Current Connections There aren’t too many links between the clubs, with the only one in the Highlanders’ squad, being centre back Wallace Duffy, who arrived at Morton on loan from St. Johnstone in 2020 before his loan was terminated without even having made an appearance for the club, with Inverness making him the offer of a permanent move which suited both the player and his then-parent club better than a loan move. At Cappielow, manager Dougie Imrie had a two year spell as a player in the Highland capital, making 70 appearances and scoring 11 goals between 2008 and 2010. Since signing from Inverness in the January window though, after a difficult second spell at the Caledonian Stadium, George Oakley has found a level of form that eluded him in that time. After scoring a solitary goal in Thistle colours this season, six goals in eight so far for the ‘Ton has been an excellent return from a man who is turning into the goalscorer that Morton fans have pined for since as far back perhaps as Peter MacDonald’s departure. Photo - GBR Photographs. Tale of the Tape In recent years, home advantage has been a bit of a poisoned chalice in this fixture, with the away side tending to pick up maximum points more often than not. But this season, Morton have most certainly had the upper hand. A late Grant Gillespie penalty on the road in August gave Morton a deserved, but somewhat surprise victory against what was perhaps their more fancied opponents at that stage of the season. On Inverness’s previous visit to Cappielow, the home-team-hoodoo was blown out the water as Morton produced a scintillating performance in front of the BBC Scotland cameras, as goals from Robbie Muirhead, Grant Gillespie, Cammy Blues (as well as a David Carson own goal) sent an injury ravaged Inverness back up the A9 with a 4-0 doing to mull over. It would take a sick man to have enjoyed Billy Dodds’ interview on the night as he slaughtered his goalkeeper Mark Ridgers, having substituted him at the break with Morton leading 3-0. A great watch. Inverness did however gain a point when Morton returned to the Highlands, although any Morton fans in attendance would admit to their frustration in not picking up maximum points for third time against Saturday’s opponents. An early Calvin Miller goal was cancelled out by Billy McKay just before the hour, before Robbie Muirhead looked to have won it for the visitors ten minutes from time. However, mix up in defence from a set piece resulted in Ethan Cairns levelling for the hosts late on to frustrate Dougie Imrie and the travelling support. Opposition Analysis The Inverness team coming to Cappielow on Saturday are in a much better place than the one that visited in October. Dodds has alluded to the return of his big hitters leading to an improved run of results in recent times, particularly in the Scottish Cup. It can’t be ignored that they are fortunate still to be in the Scottish Cup, having benefitted from an administrative error on Queen’s Park’s part after the league leaders comfortably beat them in Round Four, but resounding victories over Premiership sides Livingston and Kilmarnock have indicated a determination in their squad to take advantage of their good luck, and they will head into the semi final as favourites to book another Hampden date, and make a significant dent in their massive losses by beating another side who have had cup fortune that we could only dream of. League form has also improved in recent weeks- the aforementioned victory over Partick was well received in these parts, but with games running out, Caley Thistle will be looking for maximum points to put a dent in our own play-off hopes but also cling onto their own slim chances for another week or so. Two damaging defeats by Hamilton in the space of three days in February looked like killing off any prospects of a play-off place, but whilst the Scottish Cup run has garnered the headlines, a draw at Dens and a win at Somerset Park brought Dodds’s men back to the fringes of the promotion race. Defeat at leaders Queen’s Park wasn’t unexpected, but with everyone struggling for consistency, they’ll hope last week’s result can prove a springboard. With no news coming from the SFA regarding an appeal against Sean Welsh’s red card against Partick last week, the visitors could be without their captain for the visit to Cappielow, but we’ve already seen red cards overturned ahead of clubs visiting Morton in recent weeks, so don’t hold your breath that Welsh will miss out. Photo - GBR Photographs. Betting Guide All odds are supplied by McBookie. All odds correct as of 7am on 31st March 2023 and are subject to change. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling. Morton are seen as favourites at 20/21 for the match, with Thistle coming in at 5/2 and the draw at 12/5. George Oakley to put his former employers to the sword with a double is a tempting 7/1, whist Morton to be leading at half time and to win at full time is 9/4. Match Officials Referee- David Dickinson AR 1- Graeme Leslie AR 2- Scott Anderson

Craig and Louise discuss Morton's 1-1 draw with Arbroath.

Craig and Louise discuss Morton's 1-1 draw with Arbroath.

Match Preview – Arbroath vs Morton (17th March) by Dean McKinnon The Ton will eye a return to the Championship’s top quartet tomorrow evening as they face off against an Arbroath side desperate to avoid the drop into League One. Last week’s ill-tempered stalemate with Partick saw Dougie Imrie’s men tumble into fifth place, however The Ton’s record against the Championship’s basement boys suggests that any victory at Gayfield will be hard fought to say the least. Photo - GBR Photographs. Squad News Aside from long term absentee Lewis Strapp, and Jai Quitongo who has proven a big miss in previous weeks, the manager should boast a fully available squad for the trip to Angus. Skipper Grant Gillespie continues to feature from the bench following his injury layoff, contributing against Queens Park and Partick in recent weeks. Current Connections Both former Morton players in the Arbroath ranks received league winners medals during their time at the Tail o’ the Bank. Derek Gaston played a major part in The Ton besting the third tier in 2014/15. Bobby Linn was signed by Jim McInally in January 2007, scoring twice in sixteen appearances as McInally finally delivered a Second Division title. Former Livingston youth Carlo Pignatiello was one of the many players sent up north on loan by the Premiership side. The versatile full-back made three appearances for Arbroath in the 2020/21 season. Tale of the Tape I’ll be honest, it makes for grim reading. Morton haven’t tasted victory over Dick Campbell’s men since January 2020 in a fixture notorious for its lack of goals. Arbroath out-muscled Morton with an exemplary away performance on Matchday 7, leaving Cappielow with all three points following a 2-1 win. Lewis McGrattan’s fine solo effort earned a point for The Ton as the sides drew 1-1 at Gayfield on Matchday 17. The Red Lichties repeated their Cappielow exploits on Matchday 21, with another 2-1 away victory. Photo - GBR Photographs. Opposition Analysis The hosts have struggled to replicate the form that saw them push Kilmarnock all the way in last season’s title race. Dick Campbell’s side find themselves afoot of the second tier, with only four wins to their name all season. The part-timers are the least prolific scorers in the league, hitting the net only 24 times. Arbroath have drawn their last three matches against Cove, Partick and Hamilton respectively, however as we enter the final quarter, their focus must be turning draws into wins if they are to ensure Championship survival. Ahead of Friday night’s clash, I spoke to sports journalist and former Arbroath TV commentator Ewan Smith (@EwanSmithPR), who was buoyed by the hosts’ record against The Ton - “‘We've already donated seven points to your survival pot this season. It's someone else's round.’ Those were the exact words of a Morton fan, not too far from this page, when discussing Arbroath’s survival fight. It’s eleven games since Arbroath tasted defeat against Morton, much to the annoyance of the majority of this site’s loyal readership. Incredibly, it was on game 12 that Morton ended their unbeaten sequence against Arbroath - a run of results between 1997 and 2019. Is that an omen? I certainly hope not. Let’s be honest, Arbroath really could do with an additional three points again on Friday. If they play like they did in the second half at Cappielow in the 2-1 win in January, Arbroath will absolutely deserve it. Lichties were dominant that day in a game that could and should have kick started their survival fight. But while Arbroath haven’t lost away from home since mid-November, their form at Gayfield hasn’t been anywhere near that level. In fact, they have only won once at their former fortress this term. That’s the kind of form that has put them in real danger of the drop. Things have improved with the arrival of Arbroath’s eight new January recruits. They look like more of a cohesive unit, have more bite in midfield and more threat in attack. They also have genuine options from the bench. The fact that defensive mainstay Ricky Little will be available after his red card at Hamilton was rescinded is also a major boost. Arbroath have a near fully-fit squad to choose from with only Keaghan Jacobs out. And while Dick Campbell will be confined to the stands after being sent-off for his touchline protests at Hamilton, he’ll only be a few yards further back from the action. Make no mistake, Campbell will have Arbroath up for this one. A win will lift Arbroath off the bottom and much depends on the form of Michael McKenna. Arbroath have won three of their last four meetings with Morton and McKenna has scored in all of those wins. He loves playing the Ton, as do Arbroath, and despite the protestations of this site’s owner, I’m hopeful of another ‘donation’ to the Arbroath survival fund. Another round of three points surely won’t hurt Morton that much?” Photo - GBR Photographs. Betting Guide All odds are provided by McBookie. Odds are correct as of 7am on 15th March 2023 and are subject to change. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling. There isn’t a great deal between the teams in the eyes of the bookmakers. The hosts are 8/5 to claim their third victory of the season over the Greenockians, with the visitors 13/8 to topple the Lichties. The draw is priced at 21/10. Given Robbie Crawford’s propensity for picking up bookings, there may be value in backing him to be the first player carded, priced at 8/1. Centre back Darragh O’Connor is 7/4 to be carded at any point during the contest, which may also prove a wise investment. Match Officials Referee - David Munro AR1 - Drew Kirkland AR2 - John Stewart Fourth Official - Ross Hardie

Away Day Guide - Arbroath (17th March) Photo - Arbroath FC Website Tickets – Click here to buy matchday tickets. Prices are as follows – Adults - £20, Concession (U18s, Students, Over 65s and Disabled Fans) - £13, Parent and U12 child - £23, Parent and 2xU12 children - £25. Disabled Supporters Information – The following is an exert from the Arbroath website – “Gayfield Park, home of Arbroath FC has two enclosed disabled seating areas on either side of the main stand which are reserved for wheelchair users and their assistants / carers. Each area can accommodate up to 3 wheelchairs and 3 assistants/carers. These areas also have wall attached seats which fold down in place for any assistant or carer that is present on the day. Each side is accessible via a smooth flat surface suitable for wheel chairs with a disabled toilet on the opposite side of the stand. Our match day stewards are always on hand to give assistance either into the ground, or to the accessible areas. Unfortunately due to Gayfield’s location we don’t own any parking spaces around the ground, but there is plenty of spaces on either side of the ground to park which is all completely free. If the distance from the main gate to the accessible area is too far, then we are happy to accommodate a vehicle into the ground for a close drop off. In this circumstance we would please ask that you contact the club a day or two before hand and arrive a little earlier than normal. We offer a concession admission for those with a disability and free admission to any assistant or carer present. We are a community club and hope to give all visiting and home fans the same experience as they are welcomed into our ground. If you have any questions we are always there to help Tel; 01241-872157 or email; office@arbroathfc.co.uk” Supporters Buses The Gourock Morton Supporters bus will depart from Gourock Train Station at 4.45pm. The price will be decided on the day. Message their page on Facebook or contact Mark on 07847847357 to book a space. By Train There are two services an hour to Glasgow Central on the low line, departing Gourock :08 and :38 every hour, as well as one train an hour on the high line, departing Wemyss Bay at :57 every hour. Travel to Glasgow Central and transfer to Glasgow Queen Street. From Glasgow Queen Street, board a train to Aberdeen, or travel to Edinburgh and transfer to an Aberdeen bound train from there. The stadium is around a 12 minute walk (0.6 miles) from the train station. Please note that there is no way of making the return journey on Friday evening. All information taken from the ScotRail website. By Car Use the postcode DD11 1QB for the stadium. The estimated journey time from Cappielow to Gayfield Park is around 2 hours 20 mins (122 miles). There is plenty of street parking in the vicinity of the stadium. Pre-Match Photo - Trip Advisor If you are arriving by train, or are arriving in Arbroath with time to spare, The Townhouse Hotel (99 High St, Arbroath DD11 1DP) is a short distance from the train station and offer alternate matchday hospitality packages. Closer to the stadium, Tuttie’s Neuk (Gayfield, Arbroath DD11 1QJ) is a stone’s throw from the Gayfield turnstiles.

Dean and Darren react to the 3-1 loss to Ayr, the 0-0 draw with Partick and preview Friday night's trip to Arbroath.

Morton v Partick Thistle – Match Preview by Russell Gordon As we enter the final quarter of the season, Morton head into what looks like a daunting encounter against an in-form Partick Thistle at Cappielow Park supported by Dalrada Technology, bruised after a chastening defeat at the hands of fellow promotion hopefuls Ayr United in midweek. With Tuesday’s match certainly going down as a missed opportunity, the weekend’s decimated card will see Morton’s advantage of having a game in hand over some of their rivals reversed in the space of a couple of days, making a positive result imperative for Dougie Imrie’s men. Photo - GBR Photographs. Squad News The absences of Darragh O’Connor and Jai Quitongo were to prove crucial in midweek, with Quitongo’s powerful running in particular being a a big miss, whilst Morton appeared to defend deeper than usual to compensate for Efe Ambrose’s lack of pace. With Imrie accepting responsibility for the defeat, I’d expect to see changes, with perhaps Lewis McGrattan coming in (should Quitongo not make it) to add balance to a forward line which really struggled against the Honest Men. It was apparent that Robbie Muirhead and George Oakley didn’t work well together, so assuming he looks at that issue, I’d expect Muirhead to be benched. Grant Gillespie could also return to the midfield, but his cameo against Ayr suggested that he’s still not quite up to speed. Current Connections In the Morton squad, Jai Quitongo, Robbie Crawford, Ally Roy and Robbie Muirhead have all represented Partick, with Crawford perhaps having the most successful spell, helping them to the play-offs before being released to sign for Morton in the summer. After Sean McGinty’s successful return to Cappielow in midweek, Partick striker Brian Graham will be looking to emulate the Irishman by netting against the club he holds so dear to his heart, whilst the home support will doubtless remind him that the feeling’s mutual. Winger Scott Tiffoney doesn’t quite attract the same venom of the Morton support, but will certainly be a dangerman for our friends from Glasgow. Midfielder Kyle Turner is the son of former Morton man Tommy, and new boss Kris Doolan’s career peaked with one appearance for Morton, playing 12 minutes of a 2-2 draw against Queen of the South in the COVID-curtailed 2019-20 season. Tale of the Tape Morton’s 1-5 mauling at Firhill in October was as bad as it’s been since Dougie Imrie arrived at Cappielow, as a Morton side missing Jai Quitongo and Jack Baird, suspended after their SPFL Trust Trophy sending offs against Ayr took an early lead through a terrific Robbie Muirhead free kick, but were taken apart by their hosts. The positive to be taken from it was that it spurred the team on to their best run of the season from then on in. In that long unbeaten run, a Partick side whose form had dipped since that dreadful afternoon arrived at Cappielow and fell behind to an early Efe Ambrose goal and Cammy Blues’s close range finish from a fantastic move, sandwiching out Anton Dowds equaliser, before Olatunji Akinola was ordered off in stoppage time for hauling down Quitongo as he broke clear with Partick throwing the kitchen sink at an equaliser. Our visit to Firhill in January left a sour taste in the mouth. With Ambrose taken out just before half time with a facial injury (make of that what you wish), Morton’s long unbeaten run met an end thanks to a controversial penalty decision as Grant Gillespie was penalised for handball. Personally, I’d agree it was a penalty, but given a number of high profile similar decisions that hadn’t been awarded at the time, Morton had reason to be aggrieved. Jack Baird got us an equaliser, but referee Alan Muir had a howler. Imrie saw red and was sent to the stand for his complaints, whilst no action was taken against Brian Graham for hurling a torrent of abuse at the linesman. A late Ross Docherty goal, which looked more like a Baird own goal, gave Partick the win, but not before Darragh O’Connor had his shirt pulled by Aaron Muirhead in the box, and his claims for a penalty were unsurprisingly ignored by the hapless official. As the final whistle blew, there was a confrontation between the two sets of players, with Grimshaw in particular taking exception to the behaviour of Graham as he goaded the visiting support. It will not be comforting to note that Muir will again be the man in the middle for the weekend’s clash. Photo - GBR Photographs. Opposition Analysis The new manager bounce appears to be taking effect at Firhill, with Doolan registering ten points from twelve since taking over from Ian McCall, only a 0-0 draw at Gayfield proving a blot in the copybook so far. That they’ve won at two of the other three teams in the top half is worth noting, with a 1-0 win at Somerset Park, and an especially impressive 3-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park showing a degree of intent from the Firhill side. Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Raith Rovers ended their fourteen-match unbeaten run, and with the former Morton duo of Graham and Tiffoney netting five of their last six goals, it’s clear where the danger lies for Morton. Photo - GBR Photographs. Betting Guide All odds are supplied by McBookie. All odds correct as of 7am on 10th March 2023 and are subject to change. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling. The bookies are struggling to separate the teams, with Morton the very slight favourites at 6/4, whilst Partick come in at 8/5 and the draw a 9/4. Morton to win with both teams to score is 15/4 and the draw at half time and Morton at full time is 5/1. Match Officials Referee- Alan Muir AR 1- Alan Mulvanny AR 2- Will Pare

Morton v Ayr United – Match Preview by Russell Gordon. Morton wrap up the third quarter of the league campaign with the visit of Ayr United to Cappielow Park supported by Dalrada Technology for a re-arranged fixture from the 2nd of January, the result of which could go a long way to deciding where both sides’ seasons go from here. With the two teams enjoying contrasting fortunes in recent weeks, Glen’s Vodka SPFL Manager of the Month for February, Dougie Imrie will be hoping, and expecting three points from the Honest Men for the first time this season. Photo - GBR Photographs. Squad News Club captain Grant Gillespie’s return from the bench against Queen’s Park on Saturday proved a more than welcome one, with his influence on the game proving vital in Morton’s second half fightback to gain a valuable point against the league leaders. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that Jai Quitongo was missed on Saturday, particularly in the first half, and we’ll also be hoping to see the return of Darragh O’Connor sooner rather than later. George Oakley will be looking to continue his terrific scoring streak after netting another double at the weekend. Current Connections Ayr United of course, were like ourselves inflicted with David Hopkin in their dugout in recent times, and as a result took on a number of our former players. Happily for them, Lee Bullen has since gutted out most of the dead wood, and all that remain from the Hopkin era at both clubs are now reserve goalkeeper Aidan McAdams and club captain Sean McGinty, who was far from a fans’ favourite in his time at Cappielow. Andy Murdoch had a much more celebrated spell at Cappielow under Jim Duffy, and his departure wasn’t one that went down well with the Cowshed faithful. Perhaps the worst thing Raymond McKinnon did in his time in charge at Morton, truth be told. For the hosts, Robbie Crawford spent seven seasons at Ayr, whilst Jack Baird had a couple of campaigns at Somerset Park between his two spells on the Tail O’ the Bank. Calvin Miller had a loan spell from Celtic in Ayrshire in the second half of the 2018-19 season, and Grant Gillespie had a very short spell there the following season, only making five appearances. Tale of the Tape Ayr have the slight edge over the three fixtures so far this season, taking the spoils from the first league meeting at Cappielow in September. Mark McKenzie’s second half goal doubled Ayr’s advantage after Dipo Akinyemi had given them a first half lead, and a late Robbie Muirhead counter only proved scant consolation as they left with all three points. Morton however, were to come out on top later that month in an SPFL Trust Trophy tie at Cappielow. Lewis McGregor’s early strike, through a ruck of bodies was to give the ‘Ton an early lead before Josh Mullin restored parity before half time. The second half saw no more goals but a glut of red cards as Ayr’s Paul Smith became the first victim of the erratic Craig Napier, before Morton’s Jai Quitongo was dismissed and Jack Baird followed him down the tunnel for an early bath later in the half. It was very much a match ruined by poor officiating but with the game tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, we went straight to a penalty shoot-out, with former Morton “favourite” McGinty proving the fall guy, missing the only kick of the contest to send Morton through. It was Ayr’s turn to host Morton in November for a game that had all the ingredients to be a cracker. A Morton side that had sneaked into the promotion race on the back of an unbeaten run, thanks in no small part to a miserly defence that hadn’t conceded in four games appeared a much different proposition for an Ayr team who had easily picked their pockets a couple of months previous. But that long run without conceding came to an abrupt end after only three minutes when Alex Kirk nodded Ayr into the lead. That lead wasn’t to last long however, as a back post Jai Quitongo header from a corner levelled things up and sent the Morton fans behind the Railway End goal in to raptures. Try as they might, neither side could find a winner and they had to settle for a share of the spoils from a game that could easily have gone either way. Whether it was a point gained or two dropped by Morton, time will tell. Photo - GBR Photographs. Opposition Analysis Ayr have suffered consecutive home defeats by Partick and Inverness in recent weeks, sandwiching a somewhat insipid 0-0 TV draw in Kirkcaldy. With the league campaign heading into the business end now, Bullen will be hoping to arrest their recent slump at the earliest possible opportunity. With Dipo Akinyemi not hitting the net at quite the rate he was earlier in the season, the signing of Chris Maguire from Hartlepool was seen as a bit of coup, but he’s yet to see too much first team action. On a positive note, Ayr are looking forward to a Scottish Cup Quarter Final, having disposed of Pollok, Cove Rangers, and by the skin of their teeth, Elgin City. They visit Falkirk next Monday, and everyone at the Morton Forum wishes them well for the tie. Daire O’Connor was ordered off in the defeat to Thistle on Saturday, but Ayr have since appealed the decision, which should make him available for the Cappielow encounter. I spoke to our regular Ayr United contributor, Marc Dunlop (@Marco_Ayr), who is a bit concerned not only about the visit to Greenock, but about Ayr’s prospects in the longer term this season. “Saturday’s 1-2 defeat at home to Inverness saw Ayr slip out of the play-off places for the first time this season. A poor run of form, dating back to Christmas, has seen us score only one league goal in the last four matches. Injuries to key players has been a factor, and the Honest Men have suffered more woes on this front, with key man Josh Mullin reportedly picking up a foot injury that will keep him out for an expected four to six weeks. Daire O’Connor’s extremely harsh red card has been appealed, but Ayr go into Tuesday’s rearranged fixture with Morton desperate for a change in fortunes, as they look to get their league campaign back on track with a win. Boss Lee Bullen has urged his players to use the weekend’s defeat and poor officiating as motivation to drive the team on in the remaining fixtures. With a very winnable Scottish Cup Quarter Final on the horizon, the Honest Men will be desperate to get back to winning ways in preparation for Monday evening. Ayr welcomed back Frankie Musonda on Saturday, and I expect him to start this one. New signing Chris Maguire has only had a couple of outings as a substitute so far, but with injuries to key attacking players, must surely come into Lee Bullen’s thinking as we go in search of our first three points since late January.” Photo - GBR Photographs. Betting Guide All odds are supplied by McBookie. All odds correct as of 7pm on 6th March 2023 and are subject to change. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling. Morton go into the match as favourites at 13/10, with the visitors priced at 9/5 and the draw at 9/4. George Oakley to continue his great scoring form with a double is 11/1 and Morton to win and both teams to score is 7/2. Match Officials Referee- Peter Stuart AR 1- Daniel McFarlane AR 2- Brian Christie

Dean, Gordon and Stephen discuss the legacy of Allan McGraw, Saturday's outstanding comeback and preview this week's matches against Ayr and Partick.

Dean, Gordon and Stephen discuss the legacy of Allan McGraw, Saturday's outstanding comeback and preview this week's matches against Ayr and Partick.

Morton vs Queens Park - Match Preview by Dean McKinnon As the Championship title race hots up, Dougie Imrie will lead his side out tomorrow against Queens Park, aiming to reduce the gap between Morton and the league leaders. The Spiders, who sit atop of the Championship with just ten fixtures remaining, have had a hugely impressive debut in the second tier, and will be eying up a space at Scottish football’s top table next term. The Morton gaffer will be hoping that his team’s endeavour, dexterity and charm can help extend their impeccable record against the Spiders so far this season. Squad Update With debutant Ali Crawford, top goalscorer Robbie Muirhead and electric winger Calvin Miller all making stellar contributions to Morton’s comeback from the bench last time out, the Sinclair Street side have plenty of offensive options heading into this clash. Imrie may have an enforced change defensively, with Darragh O’Connor being withdrawn from the action last week with a tight hamstring. The ever-composed Efe Ambrose made a positive impact after replacing O’Connor, with his calmness and passing range proving a catalyst as The Ton resurrected their fortunes against a stubborn Cove Rangers side. Photo - GBR Photographs. Current Connections Club captain Grant Gillespie and powerful attacker Jai Quitongo both spent two successful seasons with the Spiders, securing successive promotions into the Championship before joining Dougie Imrie’s squad in the summer. Man of many clubs Andy Millen was plying his trade for the Glasgow club in 2011 when the curtain fell on his impressively durable playing career, hanging up his boots at the age of 45. The hosts also harbour a couple of familiar faces for the Cowshed faithful. Former club captain Lee Kilday has been a stalwart at the heart of the Queens Park defence this season. Kilday was part of Jim Duffy’s rebuild as The Ton looked to return to the second tier at the first time of asking in 2014/15. Kilday enjoyed a five-year spell at the Tail o the Bank, with the League One title win and a substitute appearance in the League Cup Semi Final against Aberdeen the stand out accomplishments of his time in blue and white. Dynamic attacker Josh McPake had a fleeting stay at Cappielow, being snapped up by David Hopkin in the COVID-impacted 2020/21 season. Having made six appearances for The Ton, he sustained an injury that side-lined him until his loan deal expired in January 2021. He would then go on to join Harrogate Town for the remainder of the season. Tape of the Tape Tomorrow’s hosts visited Cappielow on 11th February as The Ton toppled the league’s top two sides in quick succession. Grant Savoury gave his side an early advantage before a quickfire double from English striker George Oakley, thanks in part to some eccentric decision making by Queens goalkeeper Calum Ferrie. Oakley struck twice in two minutes to put the hosts ahead at half time. Jack Baird’s fifth goal of the season extended Morton’s lead a few minutes into the second half. Pacey striker Connor Sheilds pulled one back for the visitors, but Morton held firm to deny the league leaders an equaliser. Morton travelled to Ochilview on Matchday 9, with Dougie Imrie seeking a hard reset following a 5-1 thumping in the hands of Partick that left the The Ton in 8th. On loan winger Jaze Kabia guided the ball home from close range following a Morton corner in the 19th minute. Robbie Muirhead doubled The Ton’s lead with a cute finish close to the hour mark, before a thumping effort from Malachi Boateng ten minutes later halved the deficit. The Ton saw the game out to claim what was an unexpected win against the Championship new boys, sparking a ten game unbeaten run for Dougie Imrie’s side. Photo - GBR Photographs. Opposition Analysis Queens Park manager Owen Coyle will be seeking a stability that his side have lacked since the turn of the year. Despite some crushing results, such as besting Cove Rangers 6-0 in Aberdeen, Queens have struggled at times. They lost at home to Raith in the SPFL Trust Trophy in mid-January, as well as suffering 3-0 losses on the road in the hands of both Dundee and Inverness. The second tier debutants will hope their convincing 4-1 win over Hamilton last week was the perfect preparation for the visit of The Ton. Ahead of tomorrow’s crunch match, Enzo Tamagini (@EnzoT56) from the Spriders Talk Podcast (@SpidersTalkPod), who spoke of Queens’ search for consistency since the turn of the year - “It's been an up and down start to 2023 for Queen's Park. There have been a few excellent results, and several massive disappointments. Despite the aforementioned frustrations we somehow still find ourselves top of the league. You could be forgiven for thinking nobody else fancies winning it. Lots of people thought our title push was over with the sale of Simon Murray to Ross County on transfer deadline day, but that's not been the case. Connor Shields, on loan from Motherwell, has more than adequately taken on his responsibilities and even has a few people asking themselves whether he might be an upgrade, with 4 goals in 4 games so far. One thing's for sure; we've struggled against Morton this season, and Saturday will be hard work. The previous meeting at Cappielow was arguably determined by a couple of lapses in concentration by our otherwise excellent goalkeeper Callum Ferrie, but we found our feet a bit more as the second half progressed. Everyone involved with Queen's Park can only hope that the lovely football we saw through in Hamilton carries across into this massive fixture. A victory would almost certainly make us favourites for to win the title at this stage, and a draw wouldn't be catastrophic (depending on results elsewhere!), but we need to be wary of a Morton team who surely have lofty ambitions of their own. I have a feeling we might finally pull it off against the Ton. Regardless, it's a massive game which I'm sure everyone is looking forward to despite the justified nerves.” Photo - GBR Photographs. Betting Guide All odds are provided by McBookie. Odds are correct as of 7:30am on 2nd March 2023 and are subject to change. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling. Owen Coyle’s side head into Saturday’s match as favourites, priced at Evs to claim their first win over The Ton this season. The draw is pegged at 5/2, with Morton 21/10 to take all three points back to Inverclyde. With both Morton’s centre forwards in a rich vein of form at the moment, backing George Oakley or Robbie Muirhead to score anytime at 13/8 may prove a wise investment. Energetic midfielder Robbie Crawford being tipped at 7/4 to be booked at anytime in the match is also another market worth keeping an eye on. Match Officials Referee - Mike Roncone AR1 - Gary Hilland AR2 - Calum Doyle

(Photo- Scottish Football Hall of Fame) Allan McGraw- An Obituary By Russell Gordon The word “legend” is an often used one in the world of football, and I’ve always felt it was one that has become cheap. In the context of Morton, who are our own legends? For my own generation, there aren’t many. Derek McInnes was a star, the Finns gave us a couple of years of joy, Derek Lilley was a fine goal scorer who netted a club record transfer fee. Younger guys will look towards Chris Millar, Jim McAlister and Peter Weatherson- perhaps even Michael Tidser and Foaud Bachirou. Much as I acknowledge their contributions, “legend” is pushing it in most cases. Those slightly older of course enjoyed the mesmeric skills of Andy Ritchie, ably assisted by such working-class heroes as Davie Hayes, Jim Holmes, Roy Baines and Roddie Hutchison. We all know about the exploits of Jimmy Cowan, Morton’s most capped player, and Jimmy Gourlay, scorer of the winning goal in the 1922 Scottish Cup Final. But if you were to ask most the one man they would associate with our club, the vast majority would name Allan McGraw as that man. It was only just over a fortnight ago that Mr. McGraw was paraded in front of the Cappielow crowd before our victory over Queen’s Park as the Main Stand was named after the great man. Born on the 29th of July 1939 in Govan, he played with Partick Avondale in his youth before graduating to Renfrew Juniors in 1957, whilst doing his National Service. Whilst playing as a centre back for Renfrew, it was in the military that his footballing prowess came to the fore, where he attracted clubs far higher up the footballing food chain than Morton, who had just finished bottom of the old Second Division- dead last. However, after another Morton great- Hal Stewart, had swept into town in 1961, he attracted the young McGraw with the offer of flying him back to Scotland from Germany at weekends, allowing him to see his parents in Govan when returning home. Morton’s fortunes were to improve that season, with McGraw bagging 14 goals in 16 appearances as they finished third in the table, behind champions Clyde and promoted Queen of the South. Given that the club had finished bottom of the pile the previous season, the turnaround in their fortunes in the space of a year was remarkable, although at the season’s end they were to finish a distant 9 points (in those days of 2 points for a win) behind the Doonhamers. The following season was again to see Morton again finish third in the table- but this time around they were to finish a mere point behind second placed East Stirlingshire, and seven behind champions St. Johnstone, with McGraw bagging a remarkable 36 goals in 43 appearances. It was to be third time lucky though for McGraw and Morton in the 1963-64 season- arguably the greatest in the club’s history. An incredible 58 goals in 48 appearances was the personal milestone that he claimed along with his Second Division Champion’s medal as Morton stormed to the title, breaking record after record along the way. Dropping only five points all season, scoring 135, conceding only 37, losing once in the league, winning 23 league games in a row, sealing the title in February and reaching the League Cup Final against Rangers was quite a record for “Hal’s Heroes”. It was in the semi-final of the League Cup that McGraw was the real hero though. After a 1-1 draw with Hibernian, the two went to a replay at Ibrox which was settled by a penalty by none other than Morton’s talisman to send them to their first, and to date only, League Cup Final. The final itself was to prove a bitter disappointment, with Morton falling 0-5 to the Glasgow side, after a goalless first half in front of 105,907 at the national stadium. Always a welcome figure on his visits to Cappielow in later life, it was a fitting tribute to see the Main Stand named after Allan McGraw. (Photo- Gary Bradley) But with promotion sealed with a 6-1 home win over Forfar at Cappielow on 29th February (just over 59 years to the day before his sad passing), McGraw and Morton could look forward to again dining at Scottish football’s top table. It would of course be remiss of me not to acknowledge the contribution of his teammates; with stars such as Morris Stevenson, Jimmy Wilson, and Joe Caven, a familiar face to many of us on our travels to see Morton in the Highlands due to his locality, and a pleasure to meet when we do, doing more than their fair share. On Morton’s return to the First Division, injuries began to plague McGraw, but he still managed to net 21 goals in 33 appearances in that maiden top flight campaign. Sadly though, relegation was to follow the following season, with McGraw only scoring 11 times in 36 appearances before moving on to Hibs in the summer of 1966. Medical science though, was not as advanced in the sixties as it is now, advice for footballers suffering injuries wasn’t what it should have been, and whilst he struggled to train, he relied on cortisone injections to allow him to play. He accepted his own role in not questioning the practice- stating that he never visited the same doctor twice, used the injections to get on the park when the correct advice would’ve been to rest, and whilst the maximum safe number of injections in a year was 3, in one year he took 25! This of course led to his quality of life deteriorating badly, and the image of him on crutches in later life was a common one as he paid the price for his determination to continue playing. With injuries really affecting him, he was to make 60 appearances for Hibs over three years- in fact coming off injured in the 2-1 1968 League Cup semi-final victory over Dundee, before returning to the action in those days before substitutes. Unsurprisingly, he missed the final through injury. There was a short spell as a guest at Toronto City in 1967 before he wrapped up his senior playing career at Linfield in 1969-70. A brief spell at Johnstone Burgh, before taking on a coaching role at Pollok preceded his return to Cappielow as Erik Sorensen, a former teammate from his time at Morton, invited him back to the club as reserve team coach. With another golden era on the horizon, it was McGraw’s reserve side which provided such talent as Joe McLaughlin, John McNeil, Neil Orr and Jim Tolmie to supplement the aforementioned Ritchie, Hayes, Baines and Holmes. However, as Benny Rooney’s fine side of the late seventies and early eighties was broken up, Morton were to fall into the new First Division, briefly returning in 1984 under Tommy McLean, before an immediate relegation the following year under his brother Willie. After Willie McLean’s sacking, McGraw took the reins as Morton’s manager. After a mid-table finish in his first campaign, Morton were to win the title in 1987, and return to the Premier Division, the last time we played in the top flight. Relegation the following season was swift and brutal, conceding 100 goals over a 44 game league campaign, the final one being dispatched by Hibernian goalkeeper Andy Goram with a long clearance from his own box. The title was secured in 1987, resulting in Morton's return to the Premier Division for the last time to date. (Photo- Pinterest) However, there was a shining light in that season of misery, as Graeme Souness’s millionaires were humbled at Cappielow late in the season as Morton recorded a surprise 3-2 victory over Britain’s most expensive side of the time. Morton were to establish themselves in the First Division without seriously threatening promotion or fearing relegation for a number of years before league reconstruction saw five teams relegated in 1994. A horrendous injury list from the start of the season saw Morton relegated with a whimper, although in truth, they didn’t stand a chance. The 1994-95 season saw McGraw add his third title, and his second as manager. Again, Morton struggled early, but with the returning young stars of Alan Mahood and Derek McInnes from injury supplemented by the inspired signings of Finnish internationals Janne Lindberg and Marko Rajamaki, Morton made an immediate, and triumphant return to the First Division. The following season was one of incredible highs, more injury woes, and ultimate heartbreak against Dundee United on the season’s final day. His last season as boss was to prove an anti-climax as Morton failed to live up to expectations after coming so close the previous year. The arrival of the reviled Hugh Scott saw McGraw resign as manager, invited back as Club President before walking in protest as he saw through Scott’s nonsense, and fighting for Morton’s very survival as Scott’s mismanagement saw the club spiral into administration and a focal point was needed to rally the support in order to save the club from the worst possible fate. Commonly labelled as “Mr Morton”, there are few who would argue against the case for him to be considered our greatest ever, and few who would expect to see any greater in our own lifetimes. An overdue induction to Scottish Football's Hall of Fame arrived in 2017, honoured by one of the finest graduates of McGraw's conveyor belt of talent, Derek McInnes. (Photo- Scottish Sun) As well as the recent naming of the Allan McGraw Main Stand at Cappielow, some other fitting accolades he received were his induction to the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and an SPFA Special Merit Award in 1998, along with divisional Manager of the Year Awards in his title winning years of 1987 and 1995. Like us all, everyone at The Morton Forum wishes to pass on our condolences to his sons Allan and Mark, and his extended family. We will never see his like again. Bibliography Allan McGraw Testimonial Programme Greenock Morton 1874-1999, Vincent P Gillan Images of Sport- Greenock Morton 1874-1999, compiled by Jim Jeffrey Morton Greats, Graeme Ross.

Away Day Guide – Queens Park (4th March) Photo - Stenhousemuir FC Tickets Tickets can be bought upon arrival at Ochilview. Prices are as follows: Adults - £20, Concessions (OAPs) - £13, U16s - £8. Ochilview’s turnstiles are cash only, however matchday tickets can be bought in advance via Queens Park's online ticketing system. Disabled Supporters Information Disabled fans will enter through the gate at the home turnstiles, and will be housed in the main stand at Ochilview. For more information contact Stenhousemuir FC on 01324 562992. Supporters Buses The Gourock Morton Supporters bus will depart Gourock train station at 1pm. The cost will be decided on the day, message their page on Facebook or contact Mark on 07847847357 to enquire. The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus will leave from their new location, The Caledonian Bar, at 1.30pm. The cost will be decided on the day. Message their page on Facebook or contact Bryan on 07969760292 to book a space. By Train There are two services an hour to Glasgow Central on the low line, departing Gourock at :08 and :38 every hour, as well as one train an hour on the high line, departing Wemyss Bay at :57 every hour. Travel to Glasgow Central and transfer to Glasgow Queen Street. From Queen Street, services to Larbert run on the Glasgow-Dunblane service, taking around 25 minutes. The stadium is around a 15 minute (0.7 miles) walk from the train station. All info taken from the ScotRail website. By Car Use postcode FK5 4QL for the stadium, or FK5 3DB for the Asda beside the stadium for parking. Follow the M8 onto the M80, then follow the M876 onto the A9 and into Stenhousemuir. The best place to park is the Asda across the road from the stadium, which is a couple of minutes walk from the turnstiles. Pre-Match Photo - WhatPub Ochilview boasts two bars in close vicinity to the stadium, The Ochilview Bar and the Wee Bar inside the stadium. The Ochilview Bar (Tryst Rd, Stenhousemuir, Larbert FK5 4QJ) is located next to the terracing at the away end of the stadium, serving drinks, bar snacks and showing live football. Slightly further afield, The Station Hotel (2 Foundry Loan, Larbert FK5 4AW) is located next to Larbert Train Station. Photo - WhatPub

Dean and Alan discuss the loan signing of Ali Crawford, yesterday's dramatic comeback win and next week's trip to face Queens Park.

Morton vs Cove Rangers - Match Preview by Dean McKinnon Dougie Imrie’s side head into Saturday’s tie against Cove Rangers with three successive home wins in sight, as The Toonsers visit Cappielow Park supported by Dalrada Technology for only the second time in their club’s history. Following a tough run of away games, the Sinclair Street side have resurrected their fortunes and can once again start looking upwards in the Championship. Photo - GBR Photographs. Squad Update The hosts will be hoping that there is a place in the matchday squad for club captain Grant Gillespie, who has now missed two matches in succession. He was ably deputised by Liam Grimshaw on Friday night, who once again showed his versatility, stepping out of right back and into central midfield. Leading goalscorer Robbie Muirhead will be hoping to play his part in the fixture and find the net for the first time against Cove this term. Calvin Miller appeared to pull up in the warmup against Dundee on Friday night, being replaced by Lewis McGrattan in the starting line-up. Jai Quitongo carried a knock for a large spell of the second half last week, being withdrawn in the closing stages of the contest. Current Connections To say that connections between the two clubs are few and far between is an understatement. Full back Adam Livingstone, who joined The Ton on loan from Motherwell, represented Cove Rangers eleven times in their League One campaign last season. Cove gaffer Paul Hartley, who recently returned for a second spell with the Aberdeen-based side, spent a short but distinguished loan spell on Sinclair Street in 1999/00, with a stunning free-kick at Love Street the cherry on top of his short spell in blue and white. Scott Paterson passed through the revolving door that was the Cappielow dressing room in the midst of the administration saga of 2001. Tale of the Tape Morton have claimed six points so far against their Highland counterparts this term. Cove travelled to the Tail o’ the Bank on Matchday Two as both sides sought their first league win of the season. Despite a spirited defensive performance from the visitors, Jai Quitongo capitalised on a loose pass from Shay Logan, with his instinctive spin and volley thirteen minutes from time securing all three points for Dougie Imrie’s side. The Ton headed north to face Cove on Matchday 16 in the midst of a six match unbeaten run. In an encounter that the conditions robbed of any real quality, the visitors took the lead through Livingston loanee Jaze Kabia in the 41st minute. The hosts looked to have snatched a point in the closing stages, as a defensive mixup allowed Leighton McIntosh to tap in at the back post. Robbie Crawford proved the hero four minutes later, with his stunning strike from the edge of the box sparking joyous scenes in the away end. Photo - GBR Photographs. Opposition Analysis Cove are currently keeping their head above water in the battle for Championship survival, sitting in 8th place ahead of Hamilton and Arbroath. They were minutes from securing a vital home win on Saturday, with Leighton McIntosh giving his side the lead fifteen minutes from full time, but the Red Lichties rallied and gained a priceless point a minute from time. Ahead of the match, I spoke to former Sportsound presenter and Cove Rangers Head of Media Richard Gordon, who admitted it has been far from plain sailing for his side since they last locked horns with The Ton - “It has been a turbulent time for Cove Rangers since the clubs last met! In our next fixture, the Partick Thistle goalkeeper Jamie Sneddon headed in a 95th minute equaliser, and that seemed to set the scene for what was about to unfold over the next few weeks. 2022 ended with a win over Hamilton, but the New Year began with a hammering in Inverness, a result which spelled the end for Jim McIntyre as Cove manager. Paul Hartley came in and set about making sweeping changes to the squad. In all, nine players left - some being recalled from loans from their parent clubs - and eight have arrived, and the challenge for the new boss has been trying to find a settled side. The victory over Partick at Firhill brought hope, and the team has generally looked more balanced and organised. With just eleven matches remaining, it is clearly going to be an intense conclusion to the campaign, but we remain on course to achieve what was always the objective for this season, survival in the Championship.” Photo - GBR Photographs. Betting Guide All match odds are provided by McBookie. Odds are correct as of 7.30am on 23rd February 2023 and are subject to change. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling. The hosts enter the contest as favourites, pegged at 8/11 to keep all three points in Greenock for the third time in succession. The draw is priced at 13/5, with Paul Hartley’s side 16/5 to claim their first points against The Ton this term. Energetic midfielder Robbie Crawford and towering centre back Jack Baird and both 7/4 to be booked at anytime. Given the Ton’s defensive record, conceding only nine goals at Cappielow this season, 21/10 for The Ton to win to nil may be a worthwhile investment. Match Officials Referee - Steven Kirkland AR1 - Dougie Potter AR2 - Andrew McWilliam

Dean and Louise discuss Friday night's win over Dundee and preview Saturday's match against Cove Rangers.