Kids

[maollelujah]

Nice story.

[HD]

Thanks

[HD]

22.

A 0-0 draw at home to Partick and a 2-0 loss at Clyde made it five games without a goal since Gary Fraser's double brace against Falkirk. These were dire straits, and not the perfect preparation for a trip to Somerset Park. Once again we looked in big trouble as United struck first, but a superb effort from Paul King drew us level, and another bad run was killed dead. Martin Hardie restored the home team's lead though, and before even half an hour had been played we were 3-1 down, and forgetting taking anything from this one. A fourth Ayr goal on the hour mark and a fifth in the closing minutes sealed the points, and we had to hope this was us bottoming out.

We were dealt a devastating blow in midweek as Stephen Lynch made a £30,000 move to Sheffield United. Just two days later we welcomed Ross County, and the support were far from confident. Still we had some character, and took the lead after 29 minutes through Craig McGowan. How we celebrated! Infact we were still celebrating as Scott Allan equalised 34 seconds later. The 1-1 score held to half time and the second period was mercifully scoreless. The point kept us in eighth place, but only goal difference held us out of the relegation places.

Our last game of the month was in Inverness and anything we gained from that would be a bonus. Brian Byrne continued at right back, and the coaching staff are working to make him proficient in that role, but we had little hope of success. Byrne though was involved in the build-up to Paul King's 37th minute opener, a fine goal that stunned our hosts and sent us in ahead at the break. We had little doubt that we would spend much of the second half on the back foot, but as time wore on we felt more and more as if we had a chance to win the game. Paul Craig in goals was making saves, but with 20 minutes to go he was beaten by Keith Duncan and Caley were level. Three minutes later we led again, almost unbelievably, as King stabbed home a loose ball from eight yards out. From that moment we were charged with a huge defensive task, but Craig's form made it that much easier, and we held on to win and move up to sixth place with fourteen games gone.

[HD]

23.

A 2-0 win at home to Raith followed, and December was full of festive cheer as we won 3-1 at Falkirk and took a point from a 0-0 draw at home to St Johnstone, the first of three consecutive home games, to extend our run to five games unbeaten, lifting us to fifth place, just three points from Ayr in second, though thirteen from leaders Ross County.

We have three games left this year, and one next, before our Scottish Cup participation begins at home to Montrose, but focus has to be directed to ensuring our First Division survival at this point. Queen of the South are no mugs, and with Davidson, Johnstone and Russell out we were starting our only two forwards with first team experience, and young David Fraser was on the bench. Not ideal by any manner of means. First half goals from Craig McGowan and Gareth Jones though had us in command, and we were piling on the pressure as the second half ticked past. With Queens failing to pose a threat we even sent on David Fraser for a run out, and our streak continued.

An early 2-0 lead over Clyde was promising, and our run looked set to continue, but Kevin McGlinchey halved the lead before the break and it was game on once again. We are arguably the division's form side, and we looked to move to seven games unbeaten here, but Clyde are no mugs and they too had ambitions of climbing the table - ambitions though that were put firmly on hold by a fine display of possession football from our boys sealing the three points. We ended the year at Partick, a side against whom we've shared 180 scoreless minutes this season already, so expectations were low. It took just 11 minutes though for Brian Byrne to nod us ahead from a free kick and three more for Partick to level as Manu Panther's deflected free kick beat Craig. The draw took us to eight undefeated, third in the table, and on a high as we bade farewell to 2006.

[SoS]

good stuff here HD

[HD]

thanks

24.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Ross County 20 13 4 3 46 20 +26 43

2nd Ayr 20 10 6 4 41 18 +23 36

</pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">3rd Morton 20 8 7 5 25 18 +7 31 </pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

4th Clyde 20 9 4 7 28 30 -2 31

5th Inverness C. Thistle 20 9 3 8 30 35 -5 30

6th Raith Rovers 20 7 4 9 32 33 -1 25

7th Falkirk 20 7 3 10 33 40 -7 24

8th Partick Thistle 20 5 7 8 23 26 -3 22

9th St. Johnstone 20 5 4 11 23 39 -16 19

10th Queen of Sth. 20 5 2 13 21 43 -22 17

</pre>

[maollelujah]

16 matches left and you have 12 points to make up. Good Luck.

[glamdring]

Ross County

[HD]

We've lost three of our best players this season, I don't think promotion is realistic!

[HD]

25.

A 0-0 draw at home to Ayr got league business out of the way before we beat up on Montrose, King and Wilson each helping themselves to hat-tricks against the Third Division side who lost Jacques Williams to a red card in the last minute of their 6-0 defeat. The draw for Round four would see us entertain SPL side Kilmarnock at Cappielow. A 3-0 loss at Ross County killed any lingering title dreams before we welcomed Inverness for our last home game of the month.

With Fulham and Livingston sniffing around misfit Scott Campbell we were somewhat surprised. Campbell hasn't featured this season, despite all our injuries, and with Andy Hamilton due back any day we'll take our chances without him. Inverness had no interest in any of this, but neither did we when Scott McGowan's wonder strike from fully 35 yards burst the Caley Thistle net, and Jones made it two within a minute. 2-0 after 8 minutes, and it got worse for Caley after 14 as they were reduced to 10 men when Stuart McCaffrey was dismissed. We looked to move in for the kill, but Inverness held firm to half time. After the break we started to take our foot off the pedal somewhat, and we were punished when Billy Mehmet halved our lead. Time though ran out on the Inverness revival and we walked away with the three points safely secured.

Scott Campbell moved to Fulham for £10,000 in the week, and before we even counted that cash we had to deal with offers for Paul King. Bradford were keen, but were insisting in a swap deal which was of no interest to us, but Cardiff came up with the cash we wanted - £20,000 - as did Bournemouth, and we waited on his decision. He took his time to decide, but eventually Paul King was a Cardiff player.

With Scott McGowan suspended Andy Hamilton made his comeback at St Johnstone in our final game of January, and David Davidson started in King's place. It was Davidson who opened the scoring after half an hour, but just before the break Saints levelled on a counter attack, and it was as you were for the second half. Saints took the lead with fifteen minutes to go, but a stunning last minute effort from Robert Dunn, on for Johnston, gave us a good away point, and left us a creditable fourth in the table.

[HD]

26.

We won the game at Raith twice. By half time we led 2-0, but with 12 minutes to go we were level, and had just missed a penalty. John Johnston atoned by tucking away the rebound however, and Mark Wilson's second of the game secured us three lovely, lovely points. We next welcomed Kilmarnock on cup duty, and with the pressure off we put on a decent show, rebounding from Scott Johnstone's opener to level through Gareth Jones, and earn a lucrative replay at Rugby Park.

David Davidson scored a goal at home to Falkirk, clearly aware of Brian Johnstone's return to fitness and to the bench, and in the process handed us a lead we doubled just before half time when he grabbed another. With the game won i sent Johnstone on for half an hour, and almost immediately Ian MacSween halved the defecit. It didn't matter in the end - we won and moved past our pre-season target of 40 points. Whilst we waited anxiously for our cup replay we were forced to travel to Dumfries for the latest league fixture, settled in the end by a late Quinn goal for the home team.

The cup tie had a cash-bonanza as its prize, with the winner drawn to face Rangers in the Quarter Finals, but it got off to an horrific start as Killie took an early lead, and quickly made it 2-0. Brian Byrne pulled one back, but a third Killie goal on the stroke of half time killed off our hopes. We put in a decent shift after the break, and Johnstone looked lively, but we were out of our depth and the cup run, and effectively our season, ended here. We ended February at Clyde where two second half goals from Mark Wilson handed us three points that moved us five points clear in third, an academic eight behind Ayr in second, themselves nine behind County.

[HD]

27.

We welcomed Partick for the final time this season on March 3rd, and both sides were keen to avoid a fourth successive draw. The visitors led at half time, but Brian Johnstone's first goal since coming back from injury tied it up 15 minutes from time. Still there was a chance for Partick to win it, and they led again with three minutes left as a corner was headed home, but these sides are not to be seperated, and Gary Murphy's first goal of the season, of his career, on his debut, tied it up in the last minute.

A free week followed with our scheduled opponents playing in the Scottish Cup Quarter Finals, a replay which ended Ayr 1-3 Inverness, but we were soon back in action, welcoming Ross County to Cappielow for our final meeting of the campaign. A nineteenth minute own goal gave us the advantage, and Brian Johnstone made it 2-0 fifteen minutes before half time. After the break we looked to keep it tight, and our task was made easier by Johnstone's second five minutes in. A second own goal by the same guy sho scored the first sealed the points, and the race was on to see who would complete their hat-trick first, the County defender or Johnstone. In the meantime Gareth Jones made it 5-0, and that was how the game ended as we beat up on the champions-elect.

We travelled to Ayr on Wednesday night for our rearranged game with some fans talking of closing the gap to second place. For me it was pretty irrelevant - second, third, eighth all count for the same in this league. Stewart Kean put Ayr ahead early on, but by the 17th minute we led 2-1 through Wilson and Jones, and that held until the first 66 seconds of the second half when Mark McColl levelled for the home side. Kean grabbed the winner with twenty minutes to go and we fell eleven points behind Ayr, who closed to within five of County who are slumping.

Inverness are closing in on our third place now, and scored early on as we visited, but a Wilson goal tied it up fairly quickly. Caley though were looking impressive and netted a penalty rebound before Brian Johnstone scrambled one in from 2 inches to tie it up a second time. A controversial offside flag prevented us going ahead on the hour, and moments later Johnstone contrived to head over from less than 2 yards out. Within seconds though we did lead, Johnstone scrambled free on the left and squared for Wilson to tap into the gaping net. Johnstone made it four soon after, but i cruelly denied both strikers a hat-trick by subbing them soon after. The three points moved us eight points clear in third, and with four games to go that seems likely to be our final position.

[HD]

28.

It took a penalty kick to break the deadlock at Falkirk as the season began to wind down, and John Johnston converted, but the Bairns scrambled a leveller early in the second half and we had to rebuild. But rebuild we did, and Mark Wilson squeezed us back in front midway through the half, and three more points were tallied to our account. A lovely early goal put us ahead at home to St Johnstone in game 34, and they were reduced to 10 men before the half. After the break we searched for a clinching second, but it wasn't immediately forthcoming and the visitors went close to a leveller before time was called.

With County six points ahead of Ayr, and the same gap back to ourselves in third it looked as if things would be tied up on matchday 35. Brian Johnstone's third minute strike had us ahead, but he's not the goal machine he was before his injury. We were level midway through the second half as relegation-threatened Raith scored from close range. Paul Craig has been remarkably durable in goal all season, but he was carried off with twenty minutes to go, and Craig Robertson pulled on the gloves. There were no further goals, however, and we would finish third. Despite a 4-1 win over Clyde, Ayr missed out on promotion as County hit Queen of the South for six to take the title.

We celebrated the double in the monthly awards as Brian Johnstone added the Young Player award to his Player award from March, and I was named Manager of the Month for the first time this season. The final match of the season was at home to Queen of the South, and we looked to go out on a high in front of a decent sized support. Brian Johnstone headed home a fine opener after seven minutes, but a freak own goal on the quarter hour drew Queens level. Andy Hamilton put his injury nightmare behind him with his first goal of the season, and Wilson made it 3-1 before the break as we enjoyed a fine afternoon in the rain, and Scott McGowan added a fourth on the stroke of half time. After the break we played some nice stuff, and netted a penalty to extend our lead to 5-1, but we weren't too bothered about rubbing in our advantage and the season ended on a high. Queens finished 10th and there was a shock on the final day as Clyde fell to 9th and were relegated.

[HD]

29.

Brian Byrne's transformation into a right back was capped by his selection in the First Division Team of the Year, alongside Craig McGowan who missed the final part of the campaign through injury. I was placed third in the Manager of the Year, and the goals that gave Craig McGowan first and second place in December's goal of the month competition were enough for second and third in the annual contest.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st C Ross County 36 23 7 6 85 39 +46 76

2nd Ayr 36 20 10 6 78 31 +47 70

</pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">3rd Morton 36 17 11 8 59 38 +21 62 </pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

4th Inverness C. Thistle 36 14 7 15 58 70 -12 49

5th St. Johnstone 36 12 9 15 45 57 -12 45

6th Partick Thistle 36 11 11 14 45 41 +4 44

7th Falkirk 36 12 7 17 52 66 -14 43

8th Raith Rovers 36 11 8 17 50 58 -8 41

9th R Clyde 36 11 7 18 42 68 -26 40

10th R Queen of Sth. 36 7 7 22 40 86 -46 28

</pre>

[glamdring]

[HD]

Class of 2004

Kevin Buchanan spent this season in the u19 squad.

2006-07 record: Played:0, Conceded: 0, Clean Sheets: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Stephen Lynch moved to Sheffield United in November where he has broken into the first team.

2006-07 Morton record: Played: 20, Goals: 0, Assists: 1, MoM: 0, Ave: 7.05

2006-07 Sheff Utd record: Played: 8(1), Goals: 0, Assists: 1, MoM: 1, Ave: 6.67

Craig McGowan missed the end of the season through injury, but had his best campaign yet when he was on the field.

2006-07 record: Played: 34, Goals: 4, Assists: 2, MoM 1, Ave: 7.26

Brian Byrne converted to right back following the sale of Lynch and excelled to the extent he was named in the team of the year in that position. A success story.

2006-07 record: Played: 30, Goals: 3, Assists: 3, MoM: 1, Ave: 7.30

Scott McGowan had extended spells deputising for his brother and for Hamilton during their injuries, and put in a good shift. May have salvaged his Morton career.

2006-07 record: Played: 33, Goals: 4, Assists: 6, MoM: 1, Ave: 6.79

John Johnston was a regular in the team on the right, and put in his best campaign to date. Growing into the role, he could yet be a player.

2006-07 record: Played: 46, Goals: 5, Assists: 10, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.52

Andy Hamilton took a nasty injury and missed more than half the season. Still, put in a superb show when he was there, and hinted at a return to his 2004-05 form.

2006-07 record: Played: 20, Goals: 1, Assists: 13, MoM: 1, Ave: 7.25

Mark Wilson was another who had his best season of his career. Played a lot of football due to injuries and sales, and made a mark where it matters - on the scoresheet.

2006-07 record: Played: 25(3), Goals: 13, Assists: 6, MoM: 4, Ave: 6.86

Gary Fraser hasn't broken into the Wednesday side yet and is yet to play a game for that club. A recent report valued him at over £500,000 though, and he is in the Scotland u21 side.

2006-07 Morton record: Played: 14, Goals: 18, Assists: 4, MoM: 8, Ave: 8.14

Brian Johnstone was another who missed a lot of time through surgery, but he was every bit the mercurial striker when he was present, and showed signs of returning to goalscoring form as the season wore down.

2006-07 record: Played: 15(3), Goals: 11, Assists: 6, MoM: 5, Ave: 7.78

Paul King is another who has failed to break through at his new club. He did a turn for us though, and brought in some much appreciated cash.

2006-07 Morton record: Played: 26(1), Goals: 11, Assists: 9, MoM: 3, Ave: 7.22

[maollelujah]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>We've lost three of our best players this season, I don't think promotion is realistic!

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st C Ross County 36 23 7 6 85 39 +46 76

2nd Ayr 36 20 10 6 78 31 +47 70

3rd Morton 36 17 11 8 59 38 +21 62

</pre>

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was hoping to spur you on to a historic title race victory, but I guess I failed.

But there is always next season. Maybe you should higher PM7's youth Director. That would surely give you the boost you need.

[Peacemaker7]

HD feels the need to sell his youth though, and apart from the ones I've felt were crap, I've hung on to mine. Also I did sign players at the start, which probably helped

[HD]

Next season all rests on who comes through in the class of 2007, particularly with fullbacks, we're short on depth there, but solid in other positions like centre back and central midfield, even up front we seem to have a string of guys capable of double figures. Time will tell

[HD]

Class of 2005

David Mitchell signed a professional contract this year, but is way down the goalkeeping pecking order.

2006-07 record: Played: 0, Conceded: 0, Clean Sheets: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

David Ward is still 16, but was perhaps more impressive than Buchanan and Mitchell in his games for the u19s and reserves.

2006-07 record: Played: 0, Conceded: 0, Clean Sheets: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Paul Craig established himself as the first choice keeper this season with a series of top notch performances when given his chance, and no small degree of durability. Is described as unambitious and erratic, but is my main guy for now.

2006-07 record: Played: 47, Conceded: 48, Clean Sheets: 19, MoM: 3, Ave: 6.91

Craig Robertson found himself leapfrogged by Craig after Buchanan's demotion and only made one sub appearance all season due to the former's durability.

2006-07 record: Played: 0(1), Conceded: 0, Clean Sheets: 1, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.00

Steven Ritchie remained first choice this season, and with the retirement of Collins became the senior figure in the rearguard. Had a storming season too, with only a few injury absences.

2006-07 records: Played: 39, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 1, Ave: 7.05

Mark Nicol moved to Dundee in pre-season and was a regular in the side that finished fifth in the SPL.

2006-07 Morton record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

2006-07 Dundee record: Played: 30(12), Goals: 0, Assists: 4, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.40

Michael Kerr regressed this season and made little impression on the team.

2006-07 record: Played: 0(1), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.00

Anthony Reid was solid as a rock when called upon and can count himself unlucky not to have played more football. An established first team squad member.

2006-07 record: Played: 9(8), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.65

Steven Reilly played some in relief and was a solid option at the back when called upon.

2006-07 record: Played: 8(2), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.60

Gareth Jones played on the left all season long and had as good a season as in his rookie year.

2006-07 record: Played: 47, Goals: 5, Assists: 14, MoM: 1, Ave: 7.06

Scott Campbell wasn't making the grade here, and we were in the process of trying to make him a left back when Premiership side Fulham bizarrely came in for him. He hasn't played a game for them yet.

2006-07 Morton record: Played: 1(2), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.67

David Fraser is now 19 and really ought to have made more of an impact than he has. His three substitute appearances are more a result of departures and injuries knocking others out of the runnning than his own efforts. Did look good in the reserves though.

2006-07 record: Played: 0(3), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.00

Mark Russell had a similar season to the one before and could be on the verge of a breakout year.

2006-07 record: Played: 1(8), Goals: 1, Assists: 2, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.56

David Davidson had some injury worries, but did grab a few goals. Not the quality I was hoping for however. Needs to raise his game this coming season.

2006-07 record: Played: 13(11), Goals: 6, Assists: 1, MoM: 1, Ave: 6.50

[HD]

Class of 2006

Ross Adam was our only left back last season and played well under pressure.

2006-07 record: Played: 44, Goals: 0, Assists: 2, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.57

Robert McCarthy didn't play in the first team last year, but was decent for the other sides.

2006-07 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Alan Moran came in to replace a legend at the age of 14 and played beyond his years all season long.

2006-07 record: Played: 40 Goals: 0, Assits: 0, MoM: 1, Ave: 6.53

Andy Fraser is another yet to break into the top team.

2006-07 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

John Hunter did well for the u19s and reserves but didn't see a moment of top team action.

2006-07 records: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Chris Miller can accurately say "ditto".

2006-07 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

David Munro is drawing attention from Brechin after a good season in the youth teams.

2006-07 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Gary Murphy came into the top team squad at the tail end of the campaign and acquitted himself well.

2006-07 record: Played: 4, Goals: 1, Assists: 2, MoM: 0, Ave: 7.00

Robert Dunn sat on the bench all season and scored a good goal once.

2006-07 record: Played: 1(15), Goals: 1, Assists: 1, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.50

Craig Connolly showed some sparkling form for the reserves and u19s, who were both poor results-wise despite some solid performances from individuals.

2006-07 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

David Graham didn't do much this season. Scored 10 goals in the reserves and u19s, but wasn't an outstanding performer.

2006-07 Morton record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Chris Robertson showed little for any team this year.

2006-07 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

[HD]

Class of 2007

John Mann 17, S C

Yes, that's it.

[glamdring]

You should always clear your U19s into the reserves before the season ticks over and cull some players if you have more than ~50

At least you can stick him on the bench and bring him on in the 119th minute if you are heading for a penalty shootout in a cup match

[Peacemaker7]

That doesnt always work though Glamdring. I've tried

[HD]

i only have about 32 players, and this just makes it more interesting

[HD]

30.

The new season got underway with pre-season games at home to Livi and at Stirling, losing the first 1-0 and winning the second by the same score. Thereafter we were on Challenge Cup duty, registering a 3-1 win at Forfar before defeating St Johnstone 1-0 at Cappielow in the League opener. Next came a bad loss at Raith in the Second Round of the Challenge Cup as we gave up an 89th minute leveller and an extra time winner, but with some fans pinning a sticky spell of league form last year on our run to the final of that competition not all were complaining.

We ended August with a game at home to Brechin and finally at Somerset. We remained at full strength for the first of these games, which meant we went 4-4-2 with Craig in goals, Byrne and Adam at full back, Ritchie and Moran in the middle, Johnston and Jones on the wings, Craig McGowan and Hamilton running the midfield and Wilson up front with Johnstone. Brechin though are title favourites following their relegation, and our form against them two seasons ago was far from spectacular. We're sixth favourites with the bookies, and the gulf between us on paper is not insignificant, but we battled to the end and picked up a good point from a 0-0 draw.

Going into the third league match of the season at Ayr they were the only team with a 100% record from the opening two matches, whilst interestingly ourselves and Brechin are the only sides not to have lost a goal. That stat lasted six minutes into our game as Ayr stormed ahead before adding a second five minutes later. The third was delayed to the second half, and Johnstone did pull one back, but Ayr were in command and wrapped it up with a late fourth. And fifth.

[HD]

31.

September promised to be a successful month, though it started inauspiciously with a 0-0 draw at Falkirk. League Cup action followed and we welcomed Stirling Albion to Cappielow and sent them packing, scoring three after falling behind to an early Scott McLean strike, whilst Scotland were being humbled 6-1 against Serbia and Montenegro, meaning they needed a point in Amsterdam to make the playoffs for Euro 2008.

We faced up to Partick next in Greenock, desperate to put something between us, but when Brian Johnstone drew a sensational save from Kenny Arthur in injury time it was inevitable that this fixture would end 0-0, another draw between two teams that seem to cancel each other out. Raith had put us out of the Challenge Cup, but on league duty at Stark's Park we were keen to make amends. A goal for each side in the first ten minutes made for a fun opening, but an injury for Johnstone took the edge off somewhat. Raith were reduced to ten men six minutes into the second half though, and we pressed to take advantage, but couldn't, and in a shot at the other players the sponsors chose Brian Johnstone - who played for 10 minutes - as man of the match.

We pulled off a cup upset in the second round of the League Cup as Wigan target Andy Hamilton netted with nine minutes to go to send SPL side Dunfermline back through to Fife with their tails between their legs, and setting up a home tie with Rangers in round three. We then ended the month at home to newly-promoted Forfar Athletic, confident after our Challenge Cup win earlier in the season, and only Gareth Jones short of a first-choice XI. Still we made a crucial early error, handing Forfar a second minute penalty, which Paul Tosh thankfully fired wide with Craig nowhere. He though made amends three minutes later with the opener, putting us firmly on the back foot. Wilson and McGowan passed up chances to restore parity, but it took a wonder save to deny Johnstone in the 20th minute. An equaliser was coming though, and Mark Wilson duly obliged on 27 with a guided header from 10 yards out, and we went in tied at one. Three second half minutes were all it took for Brian Byrne to head us into the lead from a Hamilton corner, and Johnstone repeated the trick fifteen minutes later to ease us away from a plucky visiting outfit. Any more goals would have been harsh on Forfar, and 3-1 was sufficient. A dominant, nay perfect, show from both of our starting strikers, Wilson and Johnstone, will have troubled defences throughout the league, and our second victory of the season moved us joint second with Raith, Falkirk and St Johnstone, though worryingly Ayr have a nine point lead after a mere seven games.

[HD]

32.

A 0-0 draw at Inverness made for an enjoyable bus ride home late on the Saturday night, but Wednesday's action was disappointing as Scotland crashed 2-0 in Amsterdam, losing out to Serbia and Montenegro on head-to-head record having won 4-1 at home and lost 6-1 away. We went into the derby match with St Mirren desperate to put on a show for our fans that travelled to Paisley. Saints came up last season and no doubt were keen to put one over on us, but it was Andy Hamilton, fresh from training with the Scotland u21 side, who headed us in front before the interval. Mark Wilson volleyed a fine second after the interval as we looked to put the game beyond doubt, and with ten minutes to go the home crowd were visibly filing to the exits as the buoyant visiting support sang their hearts out. The three points kept us joint second, but Ayr now had an eleven point lead at the top, and our hopes of promotion were slipping even at this stage of the season.

A torn groin muscle meant that young Alan Moran would probably miss three months of action, and tragically came just before the visit of Rangers in the League Cup. The tie opened interestingly as we created an opening and they created two, but an injury to Craig McGowan soured things, ironically allowing his brother on to the field ten minutes before half time. The 0-0 scoreline at the break was a great credit to us, and it nearly got better in the 67th minute as Johnstone brought a top class save from Stefan Klos, and with nine minutes to go we almost produced a shock as Scott McGown fired narrowly over. A second injury stunned us though, Anthony Reid carried off with seven minutes to go, and tragically Rangers scored three minutes into injury time to steal the win from a game we thoroughly deserved not to lose. Tragic.

[HD]

33.

Few expected us to bounce back when Ayr came calling on November 3rd, and with fireworks going off in the background we achieved a 0-0 draw. Nothing spectacular, but a chink in the armour nonetheless. Brechin have started poorly, and we were keen to pile into them as we traveled to Glebe Park off the back of our point won from Ayr. The first half was a tense affair though, but Brechin probably had the edge without ever threatening Paul Craig's goal. It took them just ten second half minutes though to nudge in front, and with twenty minutes to go I threw in a triple substitution, which served to give up a second goal and we were beaten. Johnstone scored a fine solo effort with three minutes to go, but an equaliser was not forthcoming.

A tough loss at St Johnstone followed as once again our thoughts turned away from the pursuit of the leaders to the quick accumulation of 40 points. With only an eight point gap back to ninth, the threat of relegation was far from gone. Inverness put us under more strain during the week with a bid for Paul Craig. The keeper has been a top performer for our team, but £10,000 goes a long way at this club and he lined up for what was expected to be his final game for the club as Falkirk visited. Another clean sheet was inevitable and after the 2-0 win Craig was given a rousing ovation by the Morton faithful. Within hours Paul Craig had agreed terms with Inverness, but some negotiations allowed us to retain his services until January 1st.

[HD]

34.

At long last we picked up three points off Partick in a 2-1 win at Firhill, but threw that down the drain with a 2-1 loss at home to Raith with only ten men after a red card for Robert Dunn. At this stage we are a comfortable 11 points clear of 9th and a mammoth seventeen shy of the leaders, Ayr United.

A trip to Forfar is never much fun, especially when you are struggling a bit for form and this visit was no different. A goalless first half, tedious as it was, was but a fond memory as Forfar scored early in the second, but four minutes later Andy Hamilton levelled and we were on the attack. Mark Wilson soon had us in front and momentum was on our side. We closed the game out skillfully, in my view, and three more points towards our 40 point target were secure.

The draw for the Third Round of the Scottish Cup would see us travel to Brechin, but before we can even contemplate that game there are three more matches in December to play! The first of those was a big derby at home to St Mirren and it was a game we were well fired up for. Despite dominating the first half we failed to score, but we weren't to be denied and Andy Hamilton's second in two games made it 1-0 seven minutes after the break. Four minutes after that Brian Johnstone headed home a corner and Hamilton made it three before much longer with his fifth of the season. Ryan Robinson was sent off for Saints with nine minutes to go and we opted not to run up the score, settling for a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

Our final two games of the year, along with the derby, made for three consecutive home matches, and the Greenock public were out in numbers for the visit of Inverness on Boxing Day. Andy Hamilton was twice denied by fine last-ditch tackles in the opening exchanges as we threatened to blow the teuchters away, but the game calmed somewhat and was scoreless at the interval. Ten minutes into the second half we took the lead with a highly contentuous strike. The linesman's flag was clearly raised as John Johnston crossed, but Mark Wilson's finish stood, and not long after Brian Johnstone set up the same man to double our lead. Wilson completed his hat-trick with two minutes to go and the bumper crowd went home satisfied.

Brechin visited for a dress rehearsal of the Scottish Cup tie in Paul Craig's last game for the club on December 29th, and Brian Johnstone got the gala day off to a perfect start with his 50th Morton goal in the first minute. Wilson's tenth of the season five minutes later had us in control and suddenly it seemed we were a team in form. Johnstone made it 3-0 before half an hour had passed before Andy Hamilton was denied by a fine save from Derek Stillie. A goalless second half meant we had the points in the bag, but it was tinged with sadness as days later Paul Craig became an Inverness player.

[HD]

35.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Ayr 19 14 4 1 50 15 +35 46

</pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">2nd Morton 19 9 6 4 25 15 +10 33 </pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

3rd Raith Rovers 19 7 10 2 27 19 +8 31

4th St. Johnstone 19 8 7 4 22 14 +8 31

5th Brechin 19 7 7 5 24 28 -4 28

6th Forfar 19 8 1 10 39 37 +2 25

7th Falkirk 19 5 9 5 19 17 +2 24

8th Inverness C. Thistle 19 5 5 9 23 29 -6 20

9th St. Mirren 19 2 5 12 15 46 -31 11

10th Partick Thistle 19 1 4 14 15 39 -24 7</pre>

[HD]

36.

Craig Robertson assumed the gloves as 2008 creaked to life and soon wished he hadn't as we took a 4-0 humping at Somerset Park. It didn't promise to get any better as cup action loomed, what with our cup form of recent years, but a Johnstone double and a Davidson goal eased us past Brechin 3-1 despite Andy Hamilton missing out through injury. Robertson should receive special mention for a fine show, outshone only by Brian Johnstone's two-goal show. The fourth round draw could have been kinder, but a trip to Falkirk is a tie we figure to have a shot in.

As chance would have it our next league game was at Falkirk, and, as with the cup game, we fancied our chances. The loss of David Davidson to injury was the only talking point of a scoreless first period, but at least that was more than a dull, dull second provided. Nothing each on both the goals and entertainment counters.

A thumping Gareth Jones strike at home to St Johnstone gave us an early lead in a game we expected to win. Andy Hamilton added a second on his return from injury and few would have predicted a second half comeback from St Johnstone. A penalty in the second minute of the second half allowed John Johnston to effectively wrap up the points and from then we were in command, easily closing out the match.

The last game of January was at home to Partick and having finally shaken the monkey off our backs in our previous meeting we looked to take the initiative, John Johnston scoring the only goal of the first half as it expired. Steven Ritchie's first of the season doubled the lead after the break and a comeback goal from Alan Moran with twenty minutes to go meant the defence had the bragging rights for the rest of the week. Partick did pull one back to temper that and an injury to Brian Johnstone further soured the mood, but it had been a good show, three good points and second place had been recovered. Ayr, though, remained a distant sixteen points ahead of us.

[displaced_seagull]

This is superb Iain

Craig looks one hell of a player as well

[HD]

Yeah, he was playing well too, but £10,000 was over his value price so it would have been unfair on the player to force him to stay. I wish he'd rejected the offer though.

[Peacemaker7]

I've come to the conclusion Iain that you're a sadist (or is it a masochist).

[HD]

Sado-masochist?

[glamdring]

bah @ unfair on them and over their value and stuff

I rejected £9 million from Celtic for one of my Ross County youngsters - he got over it

[HD]

I'm an equal opportunities employer.

[HD]

37.

We were able to field our strongest XI at Raith as February got off to an unseasonably warm start in Kirkcaldy. We were the stronger side throughout, but the 0-0 final was a testament to the strong play of the Rovers' goalkeeper. Ayr lost at St Johnstone in an upset - perhaps all is not lost just yet!

The cup provided a distraction a week later as we looked to eliminate Falkirk despite a suspension for Steven Ritchie. As happens a lot lately the first half was goalless, but with fifteen minutes of the second to go the home side scored agaisnt the run of play through our least favourite player, Ian MacSween. A penalty five minutes later allowed Birsa to make it 2-0 and it seemed our cup dreams were over for another season. Moran hit the Falkirk bar from 70 yards, but injury reduced us to 10 men and the tie was done.

The derby at Love St seemed a perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways and despite missing Mark Wilson to injury we were confident. That confidence was dented when Kevin Devlin put Saints ahead midway through the first half and we couldn't erase that defecit before the break. Even after the break we were poor, with the Buddies creating most of the chances, but with five minutes to go a fine strike from substitute Robert Dunn pulled us level, and seconds into injury time Steven Ritchie headed an unlikely second goal to put us ahead. A red card for Barry Kane of St Mirren moments later for hauling down David Fraser when through on goal killed any chance of a home recovery and it was a sweet, sweet derby day victory.

Forfar were our next visitors, and rude ones at that, scoring after only five minutes. Not only that, but they stubbornly refused to concede for the entire ninety minutes and made off with our three points. They shan't be invited back. A poor month's worth of performances ended up at Inverness where the players were charged with the task of redeeming themselves in our hunt for second place. Yet again though we lost a stupid early goal to a counter-attack and found ourselves on the back foot. It's all well and good to say the league is over, but after Ross County trying their level-best to throw the title away last season, games like this have to be won. Brian Johnstone belted a leveller from eight yards shortly before half time and the ball just about burst such was the velocity of his shot. Inverness though scored twice in the second half and we lost. A bad few weeks and February was over. Let's hope March is more forgiving.

[HD]

38.

You knew it was a new month immediately. Five first-half goals underlined the fact, and though Brechin won the second half 2-1 the 6-2 result was pretty sweet. Doubles for Hamilton, Johnstone and, oddly, Anthony Reid - deputising for Moran - comprised our tally, with another double making up Brechin's, Chris Templeman the man on target. Eight games now remain, and the seventeen point gap to Ayr is insurmountable. There are five up to St Johnstone so we need to catch them for second, grab a bye in the League Cup and set a foundation for a tilt at promotion next year.

Wilson and Moran were back for the big match in Perth but once more the first half was scoreless, which was not surprising for such an important game. Chances were at a premium even after the break but with twenty minutes to go comeback man Wilson fired us in front with a well-taken goal. Saints pressed to the finish, but time ran out on them and we moved to within two points with a game in hand on them.

Ayr came calling next as we looked to reverse the losing trend we had established against them and with Iwelumo on the bench we held them scoreless to the break and with Anthony Reid again in at the back and in goalscoring form we took a 1-0 leaf after it. It only took fifteen minutes for Ayr to level though, Michael Doyle scoring, but the point was hard-fought and well earned. I was proud of the team.

A first half red card for Craig McGowan at home to Falkirk was a blow, but with a 1-0 lead to defend we came out in reasonably confident mood. Not for long though as a fluke goal from Scott Young tied the game five minutes into the second half. Still, we're not easily beaten and Brian Johnstone's second of the game restored our lead with half an hour to go. Falkirk knew this was a chance to beat us once again and piled forward, but Ian MacSween blazed over after a strong run and long range shots were not troubling Robertson. Time ticked away and when it finally ran out we had three more points and Falkirk had none, which was nice.

We swep the player and manager awards, Brian Johnstone picking up the youngsters' prize and Anthony Reid being the surprise, but very appropriate Player of the Month. It had been a much improved month, and thankfully there are no more Februarys this year.

[HD]

39.

Visiting Partick used to mean a draw, but we've beaten them this season to break that hoodoo, now they had a chance to return the favour. A missed Johnston penalty allowed the Jags to bounce into a 2-0 lead and an own goal made that three late on. This was one game we would simply have to put down to experience, for Partick it moved them ahead of St Mirren, but both sides have long since been relegated. This was also the week that Ayr mathematically clinched the title and promotion. Ross County will replace them in the First Division next season.

A spate of minor injuries robbed us of three or four players for the visit of Inverness, but it was a solid XI that took the field and took a 45th minute lead through a fine Johnstone header, his 21st of the season and the highest tally of his career. Inverness levelled after the break, but John Johnston made up for his penalty miss last week with an 87th minute conversion this and after Stefan Schill was sent off for the visitors there was no chance of a comeback.

Raith came calling next and looked to continue their decent form in games between us this season. Brian Johnstone scored after 17 minutes, but this was never going to be an easy game and Raith fought tooth and nail throughout. A good, good John Johnston goal with about fifteen minutes to go looked to have sealed the points and it had.

Two points from our final two fixtures would clinch second place, with St Johnstone dropping points lately and we had our strongest XI available for the trip to Forfar. Andy Hamilton put us ahead just before the break as we looked to return the favour we received on Forfar's last trip to Greenock. The home side though have done well to stay up this season and are no mugs. They proved it with an equaliser two minutes into the second half and when Hamilton missed an open goal it seemed we may not win, but a Steven Ritchie header from a corner re-established our lead and we never relinquished it, clinching second place in the process.

Our only game in May was the derby at home to relegated St Mirren and we had everything to lose with victory expected. The derbies so far this season have been tense encounters, but we've come out on top each time and another win is demanded this time. An early own goal was a boost to the Buddies and they battled well to hold the lead to half time. Last time out we didn't level till there were just five minutes to go, but this time it took only 30 second half seconds for Brian Johnstone to level. I threw John Mann on with twenty minutes to go as both sides started thinking about a winner, but when he blazed a glorious chance high and wide I began to doubt his ability. The draw allowed St Mirren to salvage a little pride without taking all the bragging rights, but our season had been a lot better than theirs.

[HD]

40.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st C Ayr 36 21 11 4 84 32 +52 74

</pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">2nd Morton 36 18 10 8 51 35 +16 64 </pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

3rd St. Johnstone 36 15 12 9 41 34 +7 57

4th Falkirk 36 13 15 8 40 29 +11 54

5th Raith Rovers 36 13 15 8 43 36 +7 54

6th Brechin 36 13 12 11 43 52 -9 51

7th Forfar 36 13 4 19 59 61 -2 43

8th Inverness C. Thistle 36 9 10 17 47 60 -13 37

9th R Partick Thistle 36 6 10 20 44 67 -23 28

10th R St. Mirren 36 3 13 20 33 79 -46 22

</pre>

[HD]

41.

Brian Johnstone and Andy Hamilton were named as starters in the First Division team of the year as the end of season prizes were handed out. I came third in the manager of the year contest, but could hardly complain given the relative performances of the teams produced by Campbell Money at Ayr and Terry Yorath at Forfar. Brian Johnstone added third place in the Player of the Year vote to his already bulging trophy cabinet as we signed off 2007/08 content, but primarily excited for the new season to come.

[HD]

Class of 2004

Kevin Buchanan was in the u19s until Craig left in January when he was promoted to #2. Will look to reclaim his starting role next season.

2007-08 record: Played:0, Conceded: 0, Clean Sheets: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Stephen Lynch continued at Sheffield United where he has developed as a player.

2007-08 Sheff Utd record: Played: 44(2), Goals: 3, Assists: 2, MoM: 0, Ave: 7.11

Craig McGowan was Mr Consistency in the heart of our midfield this season, but his goalscoring boots were missing this year.

2007-08 record: Played: 40, Goals: 0, Assists: 4, MoM 1, Ave: 7.10

Brian Byrne continued as right back this season where he played pretty well, but not close to his outstanding performances of the season before.

2007-08 record: Played: 42, Goals: 2, Assists: 5, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.83

Scott McGowan was injured a fair bit this season, and suffered from the continued fitness of his brother.

2007-08 record: Played: 1(5), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.67

John Johnston continued his gradual improvement on the right. Assists were well down though and didn't take the step forward we hoped for.

2007-08 record: Played: 38, Goals: 5, Assists: 2, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.55

Andy Hamilton broke back into the Scotland u21 squad this season and his goals return was pushing that of his first season as a professional. Probably his best campaign ever.

2007-08 record: Played: 41, Goals: 9, Assists: 12, MoM: 4, Ave: 7.20

Mark Wilson probably regressed somewhat this season. He did hit goals in the double figures, but played more games than the year before. Needs to pick it up next year if we are to challenge at the top.

2007-08 record: Played: 38, Goals: 11, Assists: 8, MoM: 2, Ave: 6.79

Gary Fraser spent most of last season on loan at Second Division side Colchester where he performed well, but not up to the level he produced here.

2007-08 Sheff Wed record: Played: 1(4), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.40

2007-08 Colchester record: Played: 17(2), Goals: 4, Assists: 1, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.84

Brian Johnstone was back to his very very best this season, scoring goals aplenty and being man of the match on no less than seventeen occasions. He will spearhead our promotion chase next year.

2007-08 record: Played: 41, Goals: 23, Assists: 5, MoM: 17, Ave: 7.73

Paul King spent this season on the bench in Cardiff. Perhaps he wishes he hadn't been so keen to leave Greenock now.

2007-08 Cardiff record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

[glamdring]

Getting closer

Just out of interest, how did Ross County get on in the SPL?

[HD]

Class of 2005

David Mitchell continued on his merry way, happily doing nothing.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Conceded: 0, Clean Sheets: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

David Ward is also sitting on his backside in the u19s doing nothing.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Conceded: 0, Clean Sheets: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Paul Craig made a heartbreaking move to Inverness in January and we will miss him desperately.

2007-08 Morton record: Played: 24, Conceded: 20, Clean Sheets: 12, MoM: 2, Ave: 6.71

2007-08 Inverness record: Played: 16, Conceded: 29, Clean Sheets: 3, MoM: 3, Ave: 6.81

Craig Robertson came into the team when Craig left and was adequate. No more, no less.

2007-08 record: Played: 19, Conceded: 23, Clean Sheets: 5, MoM: 1, Ave: 6.53

Steven Ritchie maintained his form from the season before and added goals and assists to the mix to boot. Future club captain in my eyes.

2007-08 records: Played: 39, Goals: 3, Assists: 5, MoM: 2, Ave: 7.00

Mark Nicol played all season for Dundee, but is now making noises about a move to a bigger club. We continue to wish him well.

2007-08 Dundee record: Played: 48, Goals: 1, Assists: 7, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.79

Michael Kerr didn't make much of an impact this season, but looked at home when called into action.

2007-08 record: Played: 2(1), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 7.00

Anthony Reid broke out this season in defence and will push Mahon all the way for a starting berth in pre-season.

2007-08 record: Played: 20(3), Goals: 3, Assists: 0, MoM: 1, Ave: 7.17

Steven Reilly dropped back to the u19s after an injury and didn't bounce back up. Will have to next year as he turns 20 soon.

2007-08 record: Played: 7(2), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.44

Gareth Jones had another solid season and has attracted interest from English outfit Burnley.

2007-08 record: Played: 36, Goals: 2, Assists: 3, MoM: 0, Ave: 7.06

Scott Campbell played a few games for Fulham last season which mystifies me somewhat.

2007-08 Fulham record: Played: 3, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.33

David Fraser failed to score in fourteen chances, but his left-footedness works to his advantage.

2007-08 record: Played: 9(5), Goals: 0, Assists: 4, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.64

Mark Russell dropped back to the u19s this season where he did well, but will be disappointed not to have had more chances in the top team.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

David Davidson once again failed to break into the first team and had probably his most disappointing season to date.

2007-08 record: Played: 5(11), Goals: 2, Assists: 1, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.38

[HD]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by glamdring:

Getting closer

Just out of interest, how did Ross County get on in the SPL? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

They got relegated with 18 points.

[HD]

Class of 2006

Ross Adam was a standout this year in his second season as a professional. Just as well, since we don't have another left back.

2007-08 record: Played: 40, Goals: 0, Assists: 3, MoM: 1, Ave: 6.90

Robert McCarthy jumped in front of a few others last season but not far enough to get a regular place.

2007-08 record: Played: 1(4), Goals: 0, Assists: 1, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.40

Alan Moran improved this season from last, but Anthony Reid looked the better player when in the team. Will be a tough call for me to make next year.

2007-08 record: Played: 23 Goals: 1, Assits: 1, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.65

Andy Fraser has still not broken into the first team pool.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

John Hunter suffered a spinal injury and didn't play all season.

2007-08 records: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Chris Miller still hasn't had an opportunity to show his stuff.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

David Munro is now being targeted by Rushden and is moving steadily up the pecking order in midfield.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Gary Murphy has turned 19 and moved from the u19s to the reserves. Didn't play this year due to improved fitness from the boys in the team.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Robert Dunn had a season frustratingly similar to the one before, with another peach of a goal to remember.

2007-08 record: Played: 7(11), Goals: 1, Assists: 6, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.44

Craig Connolly didn't get a look-in this season and remains well down the depth chart.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

David Graham had another year in the reserves and youths.

2007-08 Morton record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

Chris Robertson had another average year and doesn't look a top team prospect.

2007-08 record: Played: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: -

[HD]

Class of 2007

John Mann had a wee chance or two in the first team this season, but only showed that he wasn't ready for it. Has all the attributes to be a starter one day however.

2007-08 record: Played: 0(5), Goals: 0, Assists: 0, MoM: 0, Ave: 6.20

[HD]

Class of 2008

Alan Dunn 17, AM RLC

David Jones 15, GK

John O'Brien 14, D C

Brian Reid 15, SW/D C

David Smith 15, D/DM R

Chris McPherson 16, AM C