Greenock Morton 0 – 1 Arbroath – Match Report
Ladbrokes Championship – Game 12 – Season 2020 / 2021
Saturday 30th January 2021, Cappielow Park, Greenock, 3.00pm kick off
Arbroath recorded their first win of 2021, first away win of the season and their first win at Cappielow since 1977 when a 77th minute goal from debutant striker Jack Hamilton earned the Lichties all 3 points.
Dick Campbell handed Jack Hamilton his debut, and he came into the side alongside Bobby Linn and Michael McKenna for the rescheduled Championship match on a heavy Cappielow Pitch.
The hosts have made Cappielow a Fortress this season with only Heart of Midlothian the only side to record a victory at the iconic ground.
It was a lively start from both sides as Thomas O’Brien did well under pressure from Gary Oliver in just the 2nd minute, but 2 minutes later and Arbroath were at the other end and had won their first corner of the match.
Bobby Linn almost opened the scoring in the 8th minute after cutting in from the left wing before unleashing a curling drive towards the top corner but only a stunning save from former Rangers keeper Aidan McAdams denied Linn.
Michael Ledger was the first player in the book after a foul on Bobby Linn after just 10 minutes, with Ben Williamson also landing in the book just 4 minutes later which was a bit harsh on the midfielder as it was his first foul.
Derek Gaston had been untroubled but in the 17th minute he had to punch clear a cross from Craig McGuffie, before making a comfortable save from the follow up from Chris Millar.
Robbie Muirhead struck a volley from 16 yards out in the 24th minute but again it was a routine save for Gaston.
In the 32nd minute lovely play from David Gold set up Bobby Linn who in turn found Dale Hilson but his shot was over the bar.
Jack Hamilton was denied his debut goal in the 35th minute when he leapt up to head in a great cross from Williamson but Morton defender was in the right place and managed to hook the ball off the line.
Just before half time and Craig McGuffie fired in a overhead kick but again it was a routine save for Gaston.
Half Time – Greenock Morton 0 – 0 Arbroath
Arbroath had an early call for a penalty in the second half but Referee David Dickinson wasn’t interested, and Arbroath’s last penalty in the league was back in December 2019 away to Ayr United.
Michael Ruth replaced Dale Hilson in the 57th minute and 60 seconds later Jack Hamilton had a great chance but his header was directly at McAdams.
Lewis Strapp should have done better in the 63rd minute when he struck a rebound over the bar.
Dick Campbell brought on James Craigen for David Gold in the 65th minute and then Luke Donnelly on for Bobby Linn just 3 minutes later.
James Craigen found himself in the book for simulation in the 73rd minute as Referee Dickinson deemed he dived in the box.
However Arbroath did get the opening goal and it was all down to Jason Thomson who beat his man down the right wing before advancing forward and then whipping in a delicious teasing ball which Jack Hamilton met at the front post and headed into the net! A debut goal!
Morton legend Jim McAlister came on for his final appearance as he announced his retirement on Friday, but it wasn’t to be his day.
A brilliant block by McGinty denied Luke Donnelly after a great pass from Jack Hamilton. Arbroath were able to see the game out and comfortably kept the ball in the Morton half.
Full time – Greenock Morton 0 – 1 Arbroath
Our third game undefeated and a well deserved win!
C’mon the Lichties
Half Time Match Stats
Possession – Greenock Morton 46% – 54% Arbroath
Total Shots – Greenock Morton 6 – 3 Arbroath
On Target – Greenock Morton 4 – 2 Arbroath
Off Target – Greenock Morton 2 – 1 Arbroath
Blocked – Greenock Morton 0 – 0 Arbroath
Corners – Greenock Morton 3 – 4 Arbroath
ouls Committed – Greenock Morton 2 – 5 Arbroath
Full Time Match Stats
Possession – Greenock Morton 53% – 47% Arbroath
Total Shots – Greenock Morton 11 – 10 Arbroath
On Target – Greenock Morton 6 – 4 Arbroath
Off Target – Greenock Morton 5 – 3 Arbroath
Blocked – Greenock Morton 0 – 3 Arbroath
Corners – Greenock Morton 4 – 6 Arbroath
Fouls Committed – Greenock Morton 6 – 14 Arbroath
Greenock Morton
20 – Aidan McAdams
2 – Michael Ledger
4 – Brian McLean
5 – Sean McGinty (c)
7 – Chris Millar (Lyon 49)
9 – Robbie Muirhead
10 – Aidan Nesbitt
11 – Gary Oliver (McAlister 79)
15 – Craig McGuffie (Orsi 61)
16 – Lewis Strapp
18 – Cameron Blues
Substitutes
3 – Markus Fjortoft
8 – Jim McAlister – 11; 79th
12 – Kalvin Orsi – 15; 61st
14 – Cameron Salkeld
17 – Reece Lyon – 7; 49th
19 – Luca Colville
24 – James Wallace
Yellow Cards – Ledger 11, Orsi 66
Arbroath
1 – Derek Gaston
2 – Jason Thomson
3 – Colin Hamilton
4 – Ricky Little
5 – Thomas O’Brien (c)
7 – David Gold (Craigen 66)
8 – Michael McKenna
18 – Ben Williamson
34 – Jack Hamilton
9 – Dale Hilson (Ruth 58)
11 – Bobby Linn (Donnelly 69)
Substitutes
10 – Gavin Swankie
12 – Scott Stewart
15 – Luke Donnelly – 11; 69th
16 – Michael Ruth – 9; 58th
17 – Jake Davidson
28 – James Craigen – 7; 66th
21 – Scott Gallacher (GK)
Goal – Jack Hamilton 77
Yellow Cards – Williamson 15, Craigen 74, McKenna 82
Officials;
Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee 1: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee 2: Calum Doyle
