Match Report - By Steven Mew

City welcomed Morton to Glebe Park for the first round of the CIS Insurance Cup last night in what promised to be a fascinating encounter between two sides who have served up many great matches over the past couple of years.

Many supporters feel the cups are just a distraction from the league, whether it’s a welcome distraction or not, a decent run in the cup is of paramount importance to the club financially and City may well land a draw against a top side after defeating the full time Greenock outfit last night.

City welcomed centre half John Ward back from suspension and he captained the side last night with Steven Ferguson out for 6-8 weeks with a broken leg. Charlie King and Gary Bollan were still out for the home side while Kevin Byers was only fit for the bench. Morton also welcomed back a player from suspension in the shape of Peter Weatherson, who has been inspirational for Morton in recent years. Former City star Chris Templeman also started for the visitors.

City started with Craig Nelson between the sticks while a back three of David White, John Ward and Scott Walker looked difficult to get past with Craig McEwan and Stuart Ferguson playing as wing-backs. The midfield consisted of Grant Johnson, Stuart Callaghan and Darren Smith while Paddy Connolly and Chris Geddes paired upfront.

Similar to last week at Peterhead, City started the game nervously and Morton took the lead with just six minutes on the clock. The visitors were awarded a free kick on the right hand side and the City rearguard were keeping on eye on all the big guys coming from the back, but they failed to keep tabs on one of the smallest players on the pitch in Paul McGowan, who nodded Jamie Stevenson’s cross into the net, leaving Craig Nelson with no chance.

Morton then had a spell where they played some nice flowing football with Paul McGowan, currently on loan from Glasgow Celtic, showing some nice touches which troubled City at the back.

However, City came forward and came agonisingly close to the equaliser after 23 minutes. Paddy Connolly was brought down in the penalty area but the referee waved play on and the ball fell for Darren Smith, but his shot was blocked and finally the ball broke out to Stuart Callaghan, who chipped the keeper but unfortunately for City the ball came crashing off the bar.

Stuart Callaghan came close again for the home side when Morton conceded a free kick on the edge of the box and his free kick beat the defensive wall but McGurn got across well to palm the ball round the post for a corner.

City were very unlucky not to have equalised before the break but they came out with all guns blazing in the second half.

Darren Smith, who once again put in a fantastic shift, got past a couple of Morton defenders on the right hand side before cutting in but his shot hit the side netting from a difficult angle.

The home side got a deserved equaliser 10 minutes into the second half when a flighted ball forward was misjudged by Stewart Greacen which allowed Chris Geddes to latch on to the loose ball, and the young striker turned inside Peter Weatherson before unleashing an unstoppable low drive into the net to make it 1-1.

City were now brimming with confidence but Morton still posed a threat on the break. Jamie Stevenson hit a shot well over the bar on the turn before a Paul McGowan volley was comfortably saved by Nelson in the Brechin goal.

Brechin looked more and more dangerous every time they came forward and scored a well deserved winner with 15 minutes left. A shot from Paddy Connolly was palmed away from the keeper and the ball was clearly handled by Dean Keanan inside the area and referee Callum Murray didn’t hesitate to point to the spot. Midfielder Stuart Callaghan stepped up to take the spot kick and confidently sent David McGurn with the wrong way with the penalty.

Morton began to stretch the City defence in the closing stages but the team fought well and held on for the all important victory.

The amount of positives we could take from the game is unbelievable. City’s fitness level throughout the game was fantastic and they matched the full time outfit from start to finish in that aspect. The back three of Ward, Walker and White were solid for City while Darren Smith was a real handful, Paddy Connolly held the ball up well and Chris Geddes constantly tormented the defence! It was a good show and hopefully we can keep this up this level of performance for the visit of Stirling Albion in the league on Saturday.

Other Results - CIS Cup Round 1

Albion Rovers 1 Stenhousemuir 2

Two late goals give Stenny victory.

Cowdenbeath 4 East Stirlingshire 1

Comfortable victory for Cowden against the Shire.

Dumbarton 3 Stirling Albion 0

Three late goals give Dumbarton a convincing victory against Stirling.

Dundee 1 Partick Thistle 3

Dick Campbell's mean pick up yet another victory at Dens Park.

Forfar Athletic 1 Alloa Athletic 2

Loons edged out after extra time by Alloa.

Queen of the South 4 Clyde 2

Goals galore at Palmerston as Queens run riot.

Queen's Park 2 Hamilton Academical 1

Shock of the round as Queens beat Hamilton after extra time.

Raith Rovers 1 Airdrie United 2

Raith edged out by Airdrie at Starks Park.

Ross County 4 Stranraer 2

Comfortable home victory for the Dingwall side.

St Johnstone 3 East Fife 1

It took the Saints an hour to break down East Fife but they won comfortably in the end.