Scottish 2nd Division
Sat 23rd Aug 03
Cappielow Park

Dumbarton will make the short trip over the Erskine Bridge feeling that it was two points lost at Cappielow today. The Sons worked well as a unit and it seems this performance coupled with their first two league games that they may be challenging at the top of this league come May.

Another large crowd of over 3000 enjoyed the Greenock sunshine most expecting another home victory after gaining maximum points in their opening fixtures but it was Dumbarton who will be feeling they should have won today.

It was Morton who could have taken the early lead in the first couple of minutes after picking up possession in the middle of the park. Marco Maisano picked up on poor control by Dumbarton's Barry Donald and played the ball to his brother John who released Paul Walker on the right wing. With Williams and Weatherson waiting in the box, the cross over reached the later at the back post but his downward header was saved easily by 'keeper Stephen Grindlay.

The Aussie brothers then had a chance apiece to open the scoring, Marco's drive from outside the box going narrowly wide of the post before elder brother John blazed a free kick over the bar.

Dumbarton then had a chance to go ahead when a free kick was awarded outside the box. The resulting kick by Boyle was deflected around the post for a corner which caused no problems for the Ton defence. Donald then had a chance which he wasted by blasting into his supporters in the Wee Dublin End but Sons had a golden chance shortly after to go ahead. Ex-Ton forward Paddy Flannery pounced on slack defending to race clear on goal with only the 'keeper to beat. The hitman on this occasion was thwarted by the excellent Craig Coyle who advanced and got down well to block, the ball then cleared by the back tracking Robbie Henderson.

The play was evenly matched at this time and both teams were tirelessly trying to carve opportunities from their possession. The first goal of the game wasn't to come from open play though as Ref Steve Conroy awarded a penalty to the home side. Chris Millar had played the ball to Weatherson in the box and as the forward turned with two defenders in close attendance the ref blew for the spot kick. To say the award was unexpected was an understatement as no players or fans appeared to see an infringement. Apparently Sons defender Collins attention to the forward were deemed illegal as the ref spotted a tug or trip. Suffice to say that the award was greatly received by the home side and supporters though.

A situation arose were the competitive front two for Morton Williams and Weatherson debated who would take the kick. The later ,who this season has been the kicker, throwing the ball to the ground as Williams won out. Weatherson quickly returned to Alex offering a handshake and his encouragement to the young striker. It was just as well then that he slammed the ball into the bottom corner of the visitors net to give Ton the lead.

Dumbarton then had a chance to draw level but a shot by Donald was saved by Coyle. Morton could have doubled their lead as Williams received the ball wide just inside the box from Weatherson. His rifling shot was on target but was tipped over by Grindlay.

And so the half ended with Ton 1-0 to the good. This narrowest of leads was proof of just how tight this match was.

The second half started with Dumbarton the more dominant. Whatever manager Brian Fairley had said or given them in their half time drink was certainly working as the Ton were continuously chasing the ball and being pushed back. The visitors had a chance five minutes after the restart but Boyle fired the ball over. The Sons however were 2-1 up within the hour mark.

A corner kick was whipped in by Steven Bonar and the ball somehow found its way into the net. It was unclear if anyone had got a touch on the ball but Paddy Flannery was claiming credit and his subsequent gesture to the home fans was deemed worthy of a booking.

.As the home support were coming to terms with losing the lead they had even more to think about as within a minute of the equaliser Sons were ahead. Boyle picked the ball up and let fly from 25 yards, apparently taking a deflection the ball wrong footed Coyle and flew into the net.

Morton weren't creating anything and it seemed unlikely that an equaliser would come. John McCormack brought on Warren Hawke for Williams and Jani Uotinen for John Maisano as he tried to shake things up a bit. The goal still looked as if it wouldn't come and the manager brought on Scott Bannerman for Robbie Henderson to aid the cause.

As time ticked down it seemed the home fans would be experiencing an uncommon occurrence recently, a defeat. This wasn't to be however as Weatherson, as he did against Arbroath, provided a last gasp goal, this time earning Ton a point.

Walker was fed the ball wide and his cross into the box was headed goalwards by Jani Uotinen and the forward was there at the back post to slot into the net.

Their manager Brian Fairley commented "We deserved to win...We had a difficult start but must be ultimately disappointed at losing our shape when they scored their second"

Home manager John McCormack was disappointed with his teams performance "We started off well but too many players did not play to the standards they have set themselves. The strikers were quiet, the midfield were not fluent and the defence was ropey. A crazy minute cost us both goals"

It was definitely a point salvaged by Morton but many especially those connected with Dumbarton will feel is a game the visitors should have won.

Morton:Coyle, Collins, Bottiglieri, Henderson(78), Greacen, Marco Maisano, Millar, John Maisano(69), Williams(69), Weatherson, Walker. Subs: Bannerman(78), Hawke(69), Uotinen(69), Macgregor, McGurn.

Dumbarton: Grindlay, McKinstry, Brittain, Collins, Duffy, Chris Boyle, Bonar(65), Donald(80), Flannery, English, Dillon. Subs: Bradley(80), McEwan(65), Martin, Renicks, Wight.

Referee: S Conroy

Attendance: 3402