Scottish 2nd Division
Sat 16th Aug 03
Ochilview Park

Morton continued their excellent start to their Second Division campaign with a hard fought victory at Ochilview to see them sit top of the table with maximum points.

The win didn't come easily for the Greenock men though as Stenny fought hard and only the continued effort and that bit extra skill ensured the visitors would claim the spoils.Over 1000 Morton fans filled the area behind the goal leaving the temporary stands that now adorn Ochilview along the side and behind the opposite goal vacant. The Morton crowd were witness to the style of play the home fans are probably used to and Morton themselves have seen all too often displayed by our opponents during our time in the Third Division , namely the long punt up the park and an overly physical presence.

Morton couldn't seem to get any fluency in their play and didn't create many chances in the first half, indeed most constructive play was developed out the right wing were Millar and Walker were linking well , the final ball though wasn't good enough. All too often it seemed the Ton players were trying to walk the ball into the net and all too often the result was a breakdown of the move. It seemed like it would be a frustrating day for the traveling support as anything Morton did muster was easily dealt with . Stewart Greacan's header from a John Maisano corner on 12 minutes was caught by McCulloch and a Weatherson effort shortly after was hit past the post by the striker.

Indeed it was Stenny who could have opened the scoring, McDowell chipped the ball from the right into the penalty area towards Darren Johnstone, Robbie Henderson's header away was only as far as Crawford whose shot from close range was somehow saved by Craig Coyle on the line. Adamant that the ball had crossed the line Crawford protested to the assistant ref who was having none of it.

As the half drew to a close Alex williams saw his effort fly over the bar and so the half was to finish goalless and rather frustrating.

The second half was delayed for a few minutes as the home team didn't appear and once started it was Morton who came out the blocks quickest. Mel Botiglieri had an effort turned past the post by the home 'keeper and the resulting corner was met by Stewart Greacan who headed wide.

Minutes later Morton were ahead, an excellent ball through the defense to Alex Williams saw the young striker clattered by a defender and the ref had no hesitation in awarding the spot kick. After a slight disagreement between him and Peter weatherson as to who would take the resulting kick it was the fouled player who won. Alex calmly slotted the ball past McCulloch to the delight and relief of the visiting team and fans.

The play settled once again into a sometimes over elaborate and frustrating build up play with the same minimal result. Possibly through Morton being full time and the extra bit of class of the players it was Morton who started to get a grip of the game in the closing quarter.

The build up was now complimented with a chance on goal on more occasions than not. As Morton continued to press Marco Maisano had a couple of chances but his first went past the post and McCulloch saved the Aussie's next effort. Peter Weatherson then single handedly took on the Stenhousemuir defence on his way into the box, all reluctant to dive in and concede another penalty as the forward made his way goalward. Unfortunately he couldn't find the power for the final shot and the ball was easily guarded by the goalkeeper.

A foul on Alex Williams was missed by the ref and the young striker reacted as he has done on many similar occasions by 'losing the head'. Aggrieved he was lurching into tackles and a foul on Greg Mcculloch was deemed to be worthy of a caution. McCormack believing the player was still too wound up immediately subbed him for Hawkie. None too chuffed Alex reacted by throwing his top in the dugout.

Eager to level the match Stenny's McGowan took a dive in the box in the 80th minute, the offence was spotted by the ref who issued the player with his second yellow card and thus resulting in a dismissal. Another 'dismissal' was to follow in the 83rd minute as the home manager John McVeigh was reprimanded for constant complaining to the linesman. The ref sent him to the stand but after realising he was being told to make the journey via the large traveling support he appealed to the ref for a change of journey direction which was granted.

With a man extra Morton were on top for the remainder of the game and sealed the victory in stoppage time. Good play by Marco Maisano and a pass to Weatherson found the striker with time and space on the edge of the box to drill the ball low past the home 'keeper. Any tension that was left throughout the visiting team and fans vanished as the victory was assured.

And so Morton collected the points and now sit proudly at the top of the league with maximum points after an excellent start to the campaign. It is a position that all connected with the club hope will remain and will endeavour I'm sure to make sure it does.

Stenhousemuir: William McCulloch, Hamilton, Smith(46), Greig McCulloch, Gaughan, Booth(36), McDowell, McKenzie, Crawford(70), Johnstone, Lauchlan. Subs: Brown(70), McKenna(36), McCloy, McGowan(46), Parry.

Morton: Coyle, Collins, Bottiglieri, Henderson, Greacen, Marco Maisano, Millar, John Maisano, Williams(75), Weatherson, Walker. Subs: Bannerman, Hawke(75), Uotinen, Gaughan, McGurn.

Referee: A Hunter

Attendance: 1721