Scottish 2nd Division
Sat 9th Aug 03
Cappielow Park

Morton opened their Second Division campaign with a fine 3-1 victory over pre season favourites Airdrie Utd. The day opened with last seasons Third Division champions Morton unfurling the championship flag as well as accolade for Derek Collins , the club captain who took over Davie Wylie as the player with the most appearances for Morton with 541.

Also pre match Alex Williams signed an extension to his current contract in the centre circle, the new club mascot Cappie the cat was unveiled, the dancers who graced the Peterhead victory on the last day of last season made a return and the sun shone over a perfect Cappielow stadium.

Everything typified Morton's continued resurgence in Scottish football and Ton delivered the victory to prove that point. However sensationalism in the press surrounding an event which proved to have no say on the outcome of the match meant that what is a great day for the Ton will be remembered by many for all the wrong reasons.

Airdrie showed that their reputation in their previous form was still relevant as they  mowed down player after player in the blue and white hoops, the ref however proving to be over lenient. It was with some surprise then that Scott Bannerman of Morton found himself in the refs book with a challenge no worse than what had preceded it.

Although arguably the most experienced player on the park it was a basic error by Derek Collins that gifted the visitors the games opening goal in 11 minutes. Receiving a passback, Derek dithered on the six yard line before being dispossessed by McKeown who slotted the ball past Coyle to the delight of the 800 or so traveling fans in the Wee Dublin end.

Airdrie were hitting hard and keeping possession of the ball and it seemed their pre season tag of favourites was justified. Their hard tackling however was consistently worthy of a foul though was seldom given.

It took Morton over half an hour to get a clear shot on goal but John Maisanos effort was saved by McKeown. Airdrie gained their first corner of the match shortly after, Mark Roberts crossing it in for McGowan to head over the bar.

With Marco Maisano replacing Chris Millar Morton started to take control of the game and had many chances in the last 25 or so minutes of the first half to draw level. Alex Williams received a pass from Mel and with only the keeper to beat the striker shot wide. Despite all of Morton's efforts they entered the dressing room at half time one nil down.

Morton started the second half brightly and drew themselves level within seven minutes of the restart. Peter Weatherson picked the ball up outside the box and lay it off to John Maisano who fired in a shot from 25 yards.

Then the incident that received the most press coverage - on sixty six minutes as Craig Coyle was about to kick the ball out ref David Sommers blew for play to stop as he sat on the turf with an injury. After receiving medical treatment he couldn't continue and as a result an official to run the line was needed. With no fourth official the norm at lower league matches ,Morton fan Chic Kavanagh was called upon to fill the vacant position.

Chic is a grade two amateur ref and it was agreed by all match officials that he would be allowed to run the line. Manager John McCormack motioned for him from the Cowshed. The sight of a fan coming from the Cowshed , with Ton top on and subsequently shaking hands with Ton players was met with uproar by Airdrie chairman Ballantyne, manager and fans. It should be noted though that Chic made no decisions that influenced the game and i actually only saw him flag for the ball going out- all given to Airdrie. It appears that all those associated with Airdrie Utd are suffering from a severe case of sour grapes. The press on the other hand used it for their own advantages without bothering to make themselves aware of the facts.

And so after Chic donned the linesman uniform the game could continue with the full quota of officials needed. The new ref was the official who in fact seemed to be more favourable to Morton as on 76 minutes he awarded a foul to Morton outside the box. Alex Williams and John Maisano stood over it with most expecting the Aussie to curl one goalwards. It was Alex however that took the kick and with the help of a deflection the ball found its way past MCGeown into the Airdrie net to put Ton 2-1 up.

Morton continued to press with Weatherson coming close, however a third goal was to come in unexpected circumstances. John Maisano drifted in a corner which was met by Stewart Greacan. The defender getting the ball goalward but saved by McGeown. The ref however had witnessed a pull on the big Ton defenders jersey and duly awarded the penalty kick. With no Ton players calling for one and indeed most fans unaware of any offense it was a welcome surprise that the penalty was awarded.

After a small debate between Peter Weatherson and John Maisano as to who would take the spot kick, the newcomer won out and duly converted to put Ton 3-1 to the good.

With the scoreline as it was, and thinking about our continued progress, a phrase uttered in a situation previously that I don't particularly care for, sprang into my mind " This just keeps getting better and better and better".

And so despite both teams having efforts in the time remaining, including ten minutes of injury time incurred when the ref went off, the game was to finish 3-1 to Morton.

For some this game will be remembered for reasons other than it should be. That is that Morton continued their upward path in Scottish football showing that the Second Division league title is well within our capabilities on a rise that could well continue further. The bookies clearly feel the same way - the Ton having been second favourites replaced Airdrie Utd for in that position after this fine display and result.