Scottish 2nd Division
Sat 13th Sep 03
Station Park, Forfar

Today Morton exhibited characteristics that many a great championship winning team possess. A never say die attitude saw them battle from a two goal deficit to claim all three points to keep them top of the league.

The day started with traffic jams on the A9 and it seemed that the Morton team must have been firmly stuck while 11 lookalikes took to the field. A disastrous first quarter of an hour saw Forfar race out of the blocks to open a two goal lead over the visiting league leaders. After only four minutes Hugh Davidson received the ball on the right of the box and with David MacGregor offering the space he slipped the ball under Craig Coyle to the rapturous applause of the handful of Loons fans behind the goal.

MacGregor was to be involved in Forfar's next goal as the big defender was adjudged to have fouled Paul Tosh on the edge of the box. Directly in front of the goal, Darren Henderson placed the ball expertly in off the underside of the bar to double the lead.

Totally shell shocked the visiting fans were giving immediate hope as from the restart Morton piled forward with direction and urgency. With the ball in the opposing box the Morton players were trying to set up a chance at goal and as the ball was played to Weatherson he expertly turned and fired the ball past Brown.

Morton were pushing for the equaliser with both Maisano brothers testing the home 'keeper. An excellent one handed save kept out an effort from John while a 25 yard drive was met to deny Marco. Mel Botiglieri was also finding space at the back post as he did for his goal against East Fife a couple of weeks ago. The Canadian could have added to his tally but his angled shot in the box was cleared by the defence.

Shots were flying in and chances were opening up at both ends as both defence's struggled. It seemed every attack and shot on goal would provide another goal. That's just what happened as a speculative shot from Marco Maisano on 33 minutes looked to be one that would cause no problems for a keeper, that's if it even went anywhere near him. So it was to most in the crowds surprise that the ball found it's way into the net as Brown stood motionless watching it on it's way in. The keeper misjudging it, the wind holding the ball up making it drop , deflections or perhaps it was a combination of these, have all been mentioned but the 700 or so Ton fans couldn't care less how it found it's way in. To us Marco had whacked a belter of a shot which drew Ton level and that's all that mattered.

And so Morton had brought themselves right back into this game and both teams went in at half time level. The first half was open with both teams on the attack and often looking as if they would score then the second however the second half was one way traffic by the visitors.

Morton totally dominated as they expertly kept possession to build wave after wave of attack towards the home goal. With only four minutes of the half gone Brown pulled off an excellent save to deny Ton the lead. John Maisano found Mel wide on the left and his cross in was met superbly by the onrushing Scott Bannerman. The midfielder directed a diving header goalward only to see Brown thwart his effort.

With Morton pushing for the winner McCormack brought on Alex Williams to replace the often subbed John Maisano with 20 minutes to go. Alex looked hungry and was lively in his time on the park.

It looked as if the goal might not come no matter our chances but Paul Walker made sure that the traveling support would be enjoying the long trek home. The winger picked up the ball in the 83rd minute on the left from Williams and he lifted the ball superbly over the head of the advancing keeper.

Morton could have extended the lead to give a safer cushion in the remaining few minutes as they continued to create chances. One such effort saw Williams receive the ball on the right hand side of the box from Marco who continued to run forward joined by another teammate in support. With a chance to shoot Alex unselfishly squared the ball to Marco who he deemed in a better position. Unfortunately the ball was cleared from the subsequent effort.

As time ticked down Jani and Hawke were brought on to replace Marco and Weatherson respectively. With the Ton fans urging on the final whistle Forfar could have drew level right at the death but the home side saw their effort fly past the post from in the box much to the relief of the visitors.

So after a disastrous opening the Ton showed great character to provide an excellent fightback to take all three points and remain atop of the rest.

Forfar Athletic: Brown, Lunan, Lowing(75), Vella, David Stewart, McClune, Ogunmade, Davidson, Tosh, Henderson(75), Shields(84). Subs: Florence(75), Byers(75), Maher984), Taylor, Neal Ferrie.

Morton: Coyle, Collins, Bottiglieri, Macgregor, Greacen, Marco Maisano(89), Millar, John Maisano(70), Bannerman, Weatherson(90), Walker. Subs: Hawke(90), Williams(70), Uotinen(89), Henderson, McGurn.

Referee: M Ritchie

Attendance: 1006