Scottish 2nd Division
Saturday 8th November 03
Cappielow Park

After last weeks emphatic goal feast over Airdrie Utd the large crowd of 3,327 at Cappielow were possibly expecting more of the same. A robust Forfar side however showed why they were undefeated in six league games beforehand ensuring a share of the points in a 1-1 draw.

Forfar were to be credited for making a game of this and setting out to play football. So many times this season visitors to Cappielow are content on a game plan which sees them sit behind the ball.

The effort of the home side could not be faulted as every player gave the required 100% but perhaps a few were under par as regard to their performance. The midfield especially often lacked fluidity with Marco, the midfield and as a result the team missing the playmaker John Maisano. Scott Bannerman, who started, had a bit of an off day also.

The best player on the day for the home side, an opinion backed up by his man of the match award,  was Paul Walker. The wiry winger was constantly a thorn in the side of the Loons defence with darting runs often seeing him emerge around the box.

Morton could have taken the lead in nine minutes.Botglieri found Weatherson who flicked onto his strike partner Williams in the box. The striker had a chance to shoot but unselfishly squared the ball to Bannerman. Taking too much time he allowed a defender to pressure him and as a result shot over.

The Ton however took the lead seven minutes later. After scoring a double last week Stewart Greacan rose at the far post to add to his tally. The big defender nodded home a Paul walker cross on the left from a quick free kick.

Morton's pleasure was short lived as within three minutes Forfar were level. Rattray's cross into the box caused a barrage of shots on goal which eventually paid off with darren Henderson firing home. The visitors could have scored a second soon after but Davidson saw his effort fly over the bar.

Morton started to regain control and had a few chances themselves to take the lead. Chris Millar passed to Bannerman who saw his effort fly into the Sinclair St end. The excellent Walker was upended on the edge of the box as he made his way goalward, resulting in Sellars seeing his name added to the refs book. The resultant free kick was taken by Alex williams but his effort was deflected for a corner which came to nothing.

Walker continued to cause problems and again a bad tackle was the only means Forfar could muster to stop him. Rattray accompanied his teammate into the book. Soon after a cross by Walker was just too far from Williams at the back post as the half neared its conclusion.

The second half was pretty much even as both teams had a similar amount of possession and chances.

Byers tried an ambitious effort from forty yards when he spotted Coyle off his line. Luckily his effort was off target. Both teams had chances to clinch the winner. Paul Walker continued his mazy runs goalward but the end result coming to nothing. Good wing play by him set up Williams but his effort was deflected away.

Forfar could have claimed all three points near the end when a Byers effort from the edge of the box narrowly passed the right hand post of Coyle's goal.

A draw was perhaps the correct result for two teams who were evenly matched on the day. Disappointment among some fans obviously shows how much we have become accustomed to winning matches. I'm sure on reflection all will realise that the draw was the correct result today over the piece. After all some matches in this game of football are drawn and we have to remember that among our abundant victories.

As if to back this up our nearest rivals played out an identical scoreline. Airdrie Utd and east Fife's 1-1 draw ensures that the seven point margin at the top of the league remains.

Morton: Coyle, Henderson, Macgregor, Greacen, Bottiglieri, Millar, Bannerman, Marco Maisano(74), Walker, Williams, Weatherson(74). Subs: Uotinen(74), Cannie(74), MacDonald, Adam, McGurn.

Forfar: Neal Ferrie, Lunan, Rattray, McClune, Horn, Byers, Davidson, Henderson, Taylor(83), Sellars, Tosh.
Subs: Lowing, Shields(83), Maher, Ogunmade, Williams.

Referee: B Winter

Attendance: 3327