Morton v Gretna - Bells Challenge Cup 1st Round

Morton welcomed back former Ton legends Rowan Alexander & Derek Collins yesterday as 2nd division newcomers Gretna came to Cappielow in the 1st round of the Bells challenge cup.

Ton fielded the same side that proved so successful at Love Street last Saturday with Andy Mclaren playing in the hole behind strikers Lilley & Temps as part of a 3-4-1-2 formation.

Much like both Scottish pre-season friendlies Morton took a while to get going and while Gretna dominated possession the failed to really test Mcgurn in the Ton goal.

In probably the 1st real passing movement Morton managed to string to together Andy set up Jim with a ball inside the full back & Jim found Vialli who side footed home from 12 yards.

Unfortuantely the goal didn’t really settle the boys down and neither side was able to dominate the game. Gretna equalised midway through the 2nd half when the Ton midfield failed to track Davie Nicholls who fired home from 25 yards.

Jim made a couple of changes by bringing on Dean & Jason for Alex & Temps and this seemed to swing the balance in Ton’s favour but were unable to break the deadlock before the end of 90mins.

Within seconds of the start of the 1st period of extra time Gretna went ahead when the much vaulted front pairing of Bingham & Deuchar finally clicked for Deuchar to head past Mcgurn. As tempers flared between the more experienced players on the field Morton huffed and puffed but couldn’t find a way past Main in the Gretna goal and it wasn’t until the sending off of Innes after 2 quickfire bookings that we really took the initiative and when Jason & Vialli worked a fantastic 1-2 which saw Jason fire the equaliser there appeared to be only 1 team that was gonna win and this was proven correct when Vialli headed in after Main had parried from a fine run & shot from Jim.

Best of the day for the Ton were Finlayson and Vialli with my MOM going to Jim Mcalister who got thru a power of work on the flank and was instrumental in 2 of the goals.

All in all a good win for the Ton (always a turn up for the books when we win a cup game) who didn’t probably perform to their potential but got the result. Gretna showed that they will be a force in the 2nd Division and surely be one of ours main challengers for that coveted top spot.

Stats
Line-up (3-4-1-2)

---------------- Mcgurn -------------------

Weatherson---- Greacen --- Harding -----

--------- Millar -----A Walker ------------

McAlister------------------------Finlayson

---------------Mclaren--------------------

--------- Lilley --- Templeman -------------

Subs -
Gonet
Mcgregor
Keenan <-> A. Walker (61mins)
Adam <-> Mclaren (115mins)
J Walker <->Templeman (69mins)

Goals
Lilley 31
J. Walker 109
Lilley 113

Morton Round Up

Pre-Season

Morton completed their pre-season schedule at Falkirk on Tuesday night with a 0-0 draw in what was somewhat an experimental match for both sides. Morton began the game with the likes of Keenan, Mcgregor, Adam & Jason Walker in the starting line-up. Despite giving away much of he possession to an SPL bound Falkirk side Morton created by far the better of the chances and would have earned a deserved victory were it not for a fine display by the Bairns no.1. I have to say I was somewhat disappointed with Falkirk who failed to make their possession amount to much and failed to break down the Morton defence until very late in the game after a spate of substitutions.

Tuesday also seen me add to my list of venue I’ve watched Morton at – Im now down to 3 current stadiums in Scotland that I’ve not visited – Pittodrie, Tynecastle & Balmoor.

Last Saturday we were at Love St for the final of the Renfrewshire cup as the Ton ran out 2-0 winners to lift the trophy for the 3rd season in a row. Goals at the end of each half from Jim McAlister and Derek Lilley put a cap on a great team performance by the Ton – My MOM was probably Jim Mcalister who put in a great shift in the left wing-back position. New boys Finlayson & Lilley also had fine matches showing they will be great additions to the team.
In general the pre-season friendlies have been a success not just from results perspective but also helped develop the squad rather than just the starting 11.

Alex Williams

On Tuesday the club announced that they had reached an agreement to terminate the contract of Alex Williams at the club. Alex had 1 year remaining of a 3 year contract signed at the start of the 2003/2004 season. Alex had been a goalscoring sensation when he 1st arrived at the Ton from Stirling Albion in 2002 and his goals helped the Ton win the 3rd Division title in 2003.

After a great start to life in division 2 the goals soon dried up amid rumours of off-field disciplinary problems. A change of manager failed to re-capture Alex goalscoring potential and towards the end of last season it was clear he no longer figured in the Jim Mcinally’s plan. No move over the summer raised hopes of a possible re-concilliation but failure to feature in the pre-season friendlies made it clear he didn’t have a future at Cappielow.

Personally im sorry to hear that Alex had gone – I had always hoped that he would recapture his form of his 1st year and a half at the club. There is no doubt that Alex has the goalscoring instinct but it deserted him when he needed it and his off field indiscretions quickly became to talk of the shed. I hope he manages to screw the nut and fufils the potential his early Ton displays suggested.

Strip

The Ton wore their change Tartan strip kit for the 1st time on Saturday against Gretna (Despite the lack of a clash with our hoops and Gretna’s white kit) Opinion has been split on the Tartan top but the more I’ve seen of it the more it has grown on me and it appears to have sold well (which I guess is the main point of it) Unfortunately the club have decided to pair the top with bright yellow shorts & socks which takes away from the look of the top – bit of a fashion disaster.

This is the final year of a 3 year deal with Vandanel which has seen us with 1 new home kit and 3 away kits (All Yellow, All White & Tartan).

Season Ticket
Finally went and purchased my season ticket on Friday. Usually im beating down the door to Cappielow when the season tickets go on sale but this year with the lack of a home pre-season friendly meant there was no rush to buy the ticket.

Costing £160 it represents a significant saving over the season of 18 league games plus at least 2 cup games (Gretna BC & Ayr LC) at £11 entry fee. The ticket allows entry to all league games and 1st 2 rounds of all 3 cup competitions.

Where did the weekend go?

Hot
Derek Lilley - Great to have him back
Football - Great to have it back
LCD TV's - The Future

Not
Monday - I just dont like them
Crap films - just cant get those 2 hours back.

Shuffle Song - Meet Virginia : Train

Had a quiet weekend but a good one nonetheless

The much anticipated Renfrewshire Cup final went well with the Ton winning 2-0 with goals from Jim Mcallister & Derek Lilley against a poor St. Mirren side.
Saturday night was spent watching "Kicking & Screaming" and the pretty much how i'd be if you tried to get me to watch it again. Will Ferrell IMO is very hit and miss and this was a big miss - defo one for the 5-9 year olds amongst us.

Sunday was Gillian's Dad's birthday so we had the in-law's down for dinner and to catch up, Fiona also made an appearance (thinks she's missing the folks who've been away in Ireland for the past 3 weeks). Also got to see the Gaffney's on Sunday as they popped in for a couple of hours.

Got a lovely new TV over the weekend courtesy of the Smith's. I know its seems strange going from a 32in widescreen to a 20in but this ones an LCD and looks fantastic on the bedroom wall.
The other bonus is that the 32in will not go to waste - were sticking that in the computer room for me to play my PS2 on - Result !!!!

This week Morton v Falkirk friendly at Westfield on Tuesday and some stuff to do for Canada. Pay day on Friday as well as Dorrian's party which should be fun.

Squad 2005/2006

So, now most (but maybe not all) of the transfer activity has died down this pre-season, what will the first team be for the 1st competitive game of the season on Saturday at Love Street?

Goalkeepers -

Gonet, McGurn, Stark

Defence -

Greacen, Harding, Keenan, MacGregor, McCluskey, Weatherson

Midfield -

Adam, Finlayson, McAlister, McLaren, Millar, A. Walker

Forwards -

Lilley, McLean, Templeman, Walker, Williams

Plus youngsters

Gonet - Not seen play as yet - only appearance of note in pre-season friendly at Altrincham he saved 2 penalties in 3-1 win - 1 for the future.

McGurn - Shakey start after taking over from Craig Coyle last season but seemed to grow into the position - could be more commanding of area but excellent shot stopper.

Stark - Hasn't played for the ton yet - loaned out to Juniors last season

Greacen - Standards slipped in the 2nd half last season (may have been rushed back from injury too quick) On his day is commanding and uncompromising.

Harding - Shored up a leaky defence while on loan last season - signed in the summer and hoping for more of the same.

Keenan - Somewhat of a utility man without really excelling in any position. Always commited to the tackle but needs to be more controlled at times.

Macgregor - just returning to 1st team action after long term injury layoff - could be a few wekks into the season before full match fit. Has been a target of boo boys but has shown promise if he can recover pre-injury form.

Mcluskey - Looks to be on his way out of the TOn after disagreements with Manager - if forgiven could do a job as back-up centre half or at full back.

Weatherson - Seemed to be destined for a bit part role as striker until reverting back to defence - now seems to be our 1st choice right back. Positioning at times could be better but solid in the tackle and good distribution.

Adam - Has good composure and passing range but needs to improve his all-round game to win a place in the 1st team.

Finlayson - Signed from Stranraer in the summer - Always made a nuisance of himself when playing against us - combines skill and industry to good affect.

McAlister - Most improved player last season after looking like he wasn't going to cut it as a striker - made the left mid position his own. Could benefit from playing fewer games and competition for places this season. fast & skilful but a little on the slight side.

McLaren - Made a big impact on loan last season showing he was a class above the 2nd Division. Could also benefit from being used more sparingly this season.

Millar - My Player of the Year last season - all action midfield who will hopefully get more support from his fellow midfielder this season.

A. Walker - Signed from Rangers in the summer. Bit of an unknown quantity due to conflicting reports from previous clubs.

Lilley - Signed in the summer from Livingston - One of my heroes in his 1st spell with the club developed from clumsy foward into goal machine under Allan Mcgraw. Still young and fit enough to do the business outwith the SPL.

Mclean - taking from the Juniors by Cowboy shortly before he parted company with the club - has yet to show anything close to 1st team form.

Templeman - Hefty price tag weighed heavy on his shoulders last season - Should benefit from better supply and more support this season. Target for the boo boys who wanted immediate results

J. Walker - Played a bit part role last season not really given a run of games in the team. Has shown in pre-season that he is hungry. Has lot of pace and wins a lot in the air despite his height.

Williams - Another on his way out of Cappielow - Darling of fans in his early career but a number of misdemeanors have resulted in Alex using up all his 9 lives - Still a capable striker who could do the business if nurtured in the right way.

We at present appear to have a decent group of around 14 players who could do the job at this level - however beyond that we dont seem to have much back-up and may struggle if hit by injuries.
In defence - We have a solid enough 4 out of 5 positions but seems to be lacking a decent left back - this may force Jim to revert from his favoured 4-4-2 formation to a 3-5-2.

In midfield I think we all hoped he would sign a good quality central midfielder in the Veira, Keane, Gerrard mould but this doesn't seem to have happened. Last season our problem seemed to be that our midfield was often too light weight with too many ball players and none willing to get their hands dirty tracking back. Alex Walker has been signed and hopefully he can
provide the defensive cover to allow the other midfielders to create.

Up front Derek Lilley has been added which should take some of the responsibilty off Chris

Starting 16 for the season (4-4-2)

---------------- Mcgurn -------------------

--------- Greacen --- Harding -------------

Weatherson-------------------- Macgregor

--------- Millar -----A Walker -----------

Mclaren -------------------------Finlayson

--------- Lilley --- Templeman -------------

Subs -

Gonet, Mcluskey, Keenan, McAlister, J Walker

I was born under a Green Oak tree

While bouncy around looking at the name thingy below - I also found this site
http://s131653538.onlinehome.us/birthday.asp
which does something similar with your birthday

You entered: 1/20/1978
You were born on a Friday under the astrological sign Capricorn.

Your Life path number is 1.
The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2443528.5.
The golden number for 1978 is 3.
The epact number for 1978 is 21.
The year 1978 was not a leap year.

You are 27 years old.
You are 330 months old.
You are 1,435 weeks old.
You are 10,044 days old.
You are 241,073 hours old.
You are 14,464,424 minutes old.
You are 867,865,462 seconds old.

There are 183 days till your next birthday on which your cake will have 28 candles on it.

Your birthstone is Garnet
The Mystical properties of Garnet
Garnet is used as a power stoneSome lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewlers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)
Emerald, Rose Quartz

Your birth tree is Elm Tree,
the noble-mindedness Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, tends to a know-all-attitude and making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humour, practical.

What is in a name?

Found this funky website http://s131653538.onlinehome.us/Numbers.asp
which gives you some meaning behind your name - give it a try !!!!


You entered: Andrew Webster

There are 13 letters in your name.Those 13 letters total to 58There are 4 vowels and 9 consonants in your name.

Your number is: 4

The characteristics of #4 are:
A foundation, order, service, struggle against limits, steady growth.

The expression or destiny for #4:
Order, service, and management are the cornerstones of the number 4 Expression. Your destiny is to express wonderful organization skills with your ever practical, down-to-earth approach. You are the kind of person who is always willing to work those long, hard hours to push a project through to completion. A patience with detail allows you to become expert in fields such as building, engineering, and all forms of craftsmanship. Your abilities to write and teach may lean toward the more technical and detailed. In the arts, music will likely be your choice. Artistic talents may also appear in such fields as horiculture and floral arrangement, as well. Many skilled physicians and especially surgeons have the 4 Expression.
The positive attitudes of the 4 Expression yield responsibility; you are one who no doubt, fulfills obligations, and is highly systematic and orderly. You are serious and sincere, honest and faithful. It is your role to help and you are required to do a good job at everything you undertake.

If there is too much 4 energies present in your makeup, you may express some of the negative attitudes of the number 4. The obligations that you face may tend to create frustration and feelings of limitation or restriction. You may sometimes find yourself nursing negative attitudes in this regard and these can keep you in a rather low mood. Avoid becoming too rigid, stubborn, dogmatic, and fixed in your opinions. You may have a tendency to develop and hold very strong likes and dislikes, and some of these may border on the classification of prejudice. The negative side of 4 often produces dominant and bossy individuals who use disciplinarian to an excess. These tendencies must be avoided. Finally, like nearly all with 4 Expression, you must keep your eye on the big picture and not get overly wrapped up in detail and routine.

Your Soul Urge number is: 7
A Soul Urge number of 7 means: With a number 7 Soul Urge you are very fond of reading, and retreating to periods of being alone and away from the disruptions of the outer world. You like to dream and develop you idealistic understandings, to study and analyze, to gain knowledge and wisdom. You may be too laid back and withdrawn to really succeed in the business world, and you will be much more comfortable in circumstances that are tolerant of your reserve, your analytical approach, and your desire to use your mind rather than your physical being.
You are very timid around people that you don't know very well, so much so at times that casual conversation and social situations can be strained. You tend to repress your emotions to the extend that some people have a good bit of difficult understanding you. You tend to be very selective with friends and you don't easily adapt to new environments or to new people very
quickly.

The negative traits of the 7 include becoming too much the introvert and isolated from others.

Your Inner Dream number is: 6
An Inner Dream number of 6 means: You dream of guiding and fostering the perfect family in the perfect home. You crave the devotion from offspring and a loving spouse. You picture yourself in the center of a successful domestic unit.

Successful English Tour

Morton completed their English pre-season tour with a 2-0 victory against Whitton Albion. A goal by Jason Walker and an Own goal were difference between the sides in what by all accounts was a decent performance by Morton.

Mcinally fielded a mix of 1st team and squad player throughout the tour and has been impressed by some of the fringe players who have shown they can make the step up into the 1st team if required.

Next up for the Ton it a trip to Love Street for what could be the last derby played there.

Pre-Season Fixtures
14/07/2005 A Northwich Victoria 0-2
16/07/2005 A Altrincham 3-1
19/07/2005 A Witton Albion 2-0
23/07/2005 A St Mirren (Renfrewshire Cup Final)
26/07/2005 A Falkirk

No work on Monday

Yesterday we took advantage of being off work and arranged a BBQ at our place. It was also a good opportunity to catch up with the Ogilby's who had just returned for their 2 week holiday in Spain on Sunday evening.

So depsite the somewhat changeable weather we went ahead with the BBQ. Ended up a decent turnout - Us, The Ogilby's, The Smith's, Fiona, Calum & Barry all came down to sample the delights of my scorching.

As is almost customary every year we missed Claire Anne on her birthday as she was out in Spain - So we all tried to make it up to her with a belated birthday celebration.



After which we had a hotly contested game of Scene It which was won by "Team Snake in the Grass" consisting of Martin O, The Smiths, Gillian, Fiona & Barry.

All in all a cracking weekend - we must do it again sometime.

The Long Weekend

This weekend was the Glasgow fair weekend - which to be honest doesn't mean a lot nowadays but 1 thing it does mean is that Gillian (who works in Glasgow) had the Friday & Monday off work.

I took the Monday off in the hope that we could arrange a trip down south to Alton Towers (and maybe squeeze in a Morton game on the Saturday) but unfortunately our lack of cash meant that idea was knocked on the head earlier in the month. Instead we decided to try and make the most of the long weekend.

Friday night we had Fiona & Calum down for dinner as Fiona & Gillian counted down the hours to the release of the new Harry Potter book. They had pre-ordered the book from WH Smith in Greenock which was opening at 12.01am on Saturday morning especially for this book release.
Once they had picked up their copies of the book I left them to their own devices as I knew I would get no sense out of them till mid-Saturday at least.

Saturday we headed through to the Gaffney's after the Harry Potter post-Mortem took place. Ton were playing Altrincham in the 2nd leg of their 3 game English tour & as we were heading through to Dunfermline David was sending me text's from the game. With every passing text I was kicking myself more and more that I didn't bite the bullet and go - 2up after 20 mins, man sent off & penalty saved by our keeper - why wasn't I there !!!!!!!
Game eventually finshed 3-1 which has whet my appetite even more for this Saturday's Renfrewshire cup final versus St. Mirren at Love Street.

Saturday night we ate, drank and were merry with the Gaffney's , The Reilly's and Stibby who was about as useful as a chocolate fireguard.

The crutches and bandaged legs were as a result of an operation on shid splints on Friday. He resided on the couch most of the time while we made the best of the situation.
Sunday was spent gauching at chez Gaffney - caught a bit of the Open golf and did our usual food run for lunch. Great being through and seeing the guys again. Everytime we're through Alyssa seems to have come on so much since the last time. As usual got a load of pictures will need to get the online ASAP

Came home on Sunday evening to see Barry who had just returned from a trip to the US.

Pre-Season Fixtures

Morton's pre-season schedule is all away from Cappielow as the team look to prepare for the opening game of the season in the Bells Challenge Cup against Gretna followed by Raith Rovers in the League both at home

• 14/07/2005 A Northwich Victoria
• 16/07/2005 A Altrincham
• 19/07/2005 A Witton Albion
• 23/07/2005 A St Mirren (Renfrewshire Cup Final)
• 26/07/2005 A Falkirk

The drought is over - Footie is back.

Well after 78 Days of sorrow, sunshine & speculation - Morton are back!!!!

Tonight they take on Northwich Victoria in a friendly at the New Victoria ground as part of their mini-pre-season tour of England.

After the disappointment of missing out on promotion for the 2nd consecutive season Douglas Rae has made it clear to the management team that another failure would not be accepted.

Mcinally began the close-season by releasing a number of players from the squad.
Out the door went

Alan Mahood
John Maisano
Scott Bannerman
Paul Walker
Liam Mitchell
Stephen Hamilton
Graeme Ballantyne

Of those released only Maisano & Walker had played major roles in the 1st team last season with both possessing undoubted ability but failing to utilise it. Sorry to see both go as on the their day both players were a class above the 2nd Division.

Special mention must also go to Scott Bannerman who cemented his place in Morton history with 2 of the most important goals in our recent history. 1st goal v's Stenny and the 3rd Division winning strike against Peterhead. Scott's 1st team appearances were fairly limited last year and he suffered to an extent from being a very versatile player who never really staked a claim for a position.

Mcinally's Team

With the lose of these player the squad was looking a bit on the thin side but Jim then delved into the transfer market & made 5 good signings.
In came

Ryan Harding

Alex Walker

Andy Mclaren

Kevin Finlayson

Derek Lilley (not pictured)



Harding joined us on loan from Livingston in January and shored up the defence that had looked abit shaky with Greacen & McCluskey as the central pairing. Andy Mclaren was another January loan signing who impressed sufficiently to gain a permanent deal at Cappielow. His vision and skill helped him become a fans favourite in his 4 months at Cappielow and upon returning to Dundee Utd was able to negotiate the remaining year of his contract to allow his to join us.

Finlayson was one of the Stranraer side who pipped us to promotion this season but the lure of full-time football ensured he remained in 2nd Division - In my opinion a more industrious replacement for Paul Walker on the left wing. Alex Walker is a bit of an unknown quantity having arrived at Cappielow from Rangers after failing to make an impact in the 1st team at Ibrox. Mixed reports from a loan spell at Clyde don't help matters - however he will be seen as a replacement for Scott McLaughlin who was on loan at Cappielow for the 2nd half of last season but opted to stay at Almondvale under Paul Lambert.

By far the most popular signing of the summer was the return of Derek Lilley to Cappielow - Derek left for Leeds Utd for over £500,000 having spent 6 years & played over 150 games for Morton and firmly establishing himself as a provengoalscorerr and a fans favourite. After spells with Hearts, Bury, Oxford, Dundee Utd & Livingston Lilley opted to drop down from the SPL to help the Ton with their promotion push this year.

With these 5 additions that now gives us a decent sized squad of players

2nd Division Fixtures 2005/2006

06/08/2005 H Raith Rovers
13/08/2005 A Stirling Albion
20/08/2005 H Forfar Athletic
27/08/2005 A Dumbarton
10/09/2005 H Gretna
17/09/2005 H Alloa Athletic
24/09/2005 A Ayr United
01/10/2005 H Peterhead
15/10/2005 A Partick Thistle
22/10/2005 A Raith Rovers
25/10/2005 H Stirling Albion
29/10/2005 A Gretna
05/11/2005 H Dumbarton
12/11/2005 A Alloa Athletic
26/11/2005 H Ayr United
03/12/2005 H Partick Thistle
17/12/2005 A Peterhead
26/12/2005 H Raith Rovers
31/12/2005 A Forfar Athletic
02/01/2006 A Dumbarton
14/01/2006 H Gretna
21/01/2006 H Alloa Athletic
28/01/2006 A Ayr United
04/02/2006 H Peterhead
11/02/2006 A Partick Thistle
18/02/2006 A Stirling Albion
25/02/2006 H Forfar Athletic
04/03/2006 H Dumbarton
11/03/2006 A Gretna
18/03/2006 A Alloa Athletic
25/03/2006 H Ayr United
01/04/2006 A Forfar Athletic
08/04/2006 H Partick Thistle
15/04/2006 A Raith Rovers
22/04/2006 H Stirling Albion
29/04/2006 A Forfar Athletic

Im Back !!!!!

No I wasn't away anywhere - just too darn lazy to carry on posting.

Anyway it has been ages since I last posted on here and a lot has happened since then.

* Xmas & NY 04
Cracking time was had by all had the family down for Xmas Dinner (only the Houtens missing) and had a few parties over the holiday season (seen a lot of the Gaffney's & Baz & AJ). Gill bought me an Ipod for Xmas which has rarely left my side. Check out the Pics Xmas New Year

* I Turned 27
I know we did something just cant really remember what it was


* New member of the Gang
Alyssa Jane Gaffney was born on 18th March at Forth Park Maternity hospital in Kirkcaldy. Alyssa & both parents were fantastic which cannot be said for Uncle John. Alyssa Pics

* Ireland
With Baby Alyssa safely arrived in the world we took the opportunity to visit the Houtens who were in Buncrana for a change.


* Mr & Mrs Di Marco tie the knot
28th May 2005 - Paul & Paula got hitched at St. Johns in the Port and then upto Dean Park to celebrate.
Check out the Pics Wedding Pics



* Andy is the Godfather
and Gillian is the godmother (not the same ring to it) on the 26th of June for Alyssa's Christening at St. Margarets Church in DunfermlineChristening Pics

* 1 year Anniversary
myself and Gillian celebrate our 1st wedding Anniversary at the Seamill Hydro on 27th June