Match Report - By Steven Mew

Having already beaten the league leaders twice this season, City had nothing to fear as Morton travelled north for a vital league match on Tuesday night. On the four occasions the two sides had met prior to this match, City had won one game home and away while both of Morton’s victories were just by the odd goal. So all in all City have performed admirably against the men from Cappielow this season.

Prior to the game, City only had two injury doubts in youngsters Chris Geddes and Chris Hughes. In the game against Alloa, three players made their comeback from injury in John Ward, Grant Johnson and Darren Smith. Thankfully all three players came through the match unscathed and they all started the match on Tuesday.

A win from this game would put Morton within touching distance of the Championship, while a victory for City would pretty much guarantee a play-off spot.

This match was yet again a very close affair with City limiting Morton to very few opportunities while the home side created chances of their own. After their second half display, the players will feel aggrieved not to have gained a share of the spoils from this meeting.

City started brightly and almost scored a sensational opener after just 45 seconds. Charlie King played the ball to Iain Russell who cut in past two defenders on the right hand side before crossing for Steven Hampshire, but ‘Hamps’ couldn’t quite get enough power on his shot and the ball went straight into the arms of Paul Mathers.

Unfortunately just two minutes later the table topping visitors showed how to finish. John Ward had fouled Chris Templeman 30 yards from goal and while the resulting free kick crashed into the wall, the ball came back to Jamie Stevenson who made a good run down the left before delivering a perfect cross for centre half STEWART GREACEN to rifle home from just a couple of yards out. The goal was essentially down to poor defending as Greacen really should have been picked up by the defence.

For a spell in the first half Morton really showed why they are top of the league with some excellent passing football on what wasn’t the perfect surface. It looked as if Morton would over-run the City midfield but the players kept battling and limited the visitors to very few opportunities.

Peter Weatherson came close for Morton when he curled a free kick just a few inches over the bar from 25 yards out. Shortly after, on loan Celtic striker Paul McGowan had a snapshot saved by Craig Nelson.

City had one good chance just before the break when Iain Russell set up Charlie King who volleyed inches over the bar.

So it was all to play for in the second half and it was Brechin who picked up the pace after the break. While their were no clear-cut opportunities created, City put the Morton defence under some intense pressure and forced corner upon corner but unfortunately the delivery was poor and any good crosses were headed away by the ‘Ton defence.

Morton goalkeeper Paul Mathers had to be alert after 62 minutes when a Stuart Callaghan corner looked to be creeping under the crossbar, but the former Peterhead stopper punched the ball away for another corner.

City supporters and players claimed vainly for spot-kicks in goalmouth scrambles but the referee waved away such claims and the Morton defence held firm.

In a rare foray up the park, Morton did have a chance to double their advantage after 75 minutes when a long range strike from Scott McLaughlin went just wide of the post.

City continued to pile on the pressure in the closing stages and Russell came close to connecting with a cross and the Morton defence scrambled the ball clear.

So the visitors escaped from Glebe Park with all three points, and a victory which will go a long way to securing the Championship.

After the game, City manager Michael O’Neill said: “They did everything they could and I can’t praise them enough for pushing to the final whistle. They deserved to take something.

“But full credit to Morton. If I was being honest, they are the best team in the league. However, if we continue to play with that commitment it will stand us in good stead.”

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Forfar Athletic 1 Peterhead 2

Forfar edged out by the Blue Toon.

Raith Rovers 0 Ayr United 1

Ayr continue to battle for a play-off place.

Stirling Albion 1 Cowdenbeath 0

Stirling continue their chase for the Championship.

Stranraer 3 Alloa Athletic 4

Alloa fight back from 3-0 down to win.