Arbroath 0
Greenock Morton 0
Scottish League (Championship)

Match Report

Arbroath couldn’t break down a stubborn Morton defence yesterday as both sides had to settle for a point in a goalless draw.

Dick Campbell kept faith in the same starting eleven who defeated Elgin City, with Miko Virtanen returning to the squad with Scott Gallagher missing out due to a slight injury and Mark Whatley in the stands as he makes his come back from his own niggling injury.

The Lichties attacked the Harbour end with the wind at their backs but soon found themselves up a Greenock Morton back 5 with another 4 midfielders sitting deep which meant there was very little space to get in behind.

Thomas O’Brien did get his head on a free kick in the 3rd minute but it was just over the bar.

Ross MacIver should have opened the scoring in the 11th minute but he somehow put his header over the bar from just 4 yards out after a lethal long through from Lewis Strapp.

Arbroath certainly had the most possession and were trying hard to work the ball around the pitch but as soon as Morton got a sniff or got onto the ball it was just launched high up the pitch and Arbroath had to start again.

A clash of heads between Strapp and Jason Thomson left the Arbroath right back covered in blood with a nose injury forcing Miko Virtanen into action with David Gold slotting into the Thomson’s right back position.

Just on the cusp of half time and Bobby Linn looked through on goal but defender Sean McGinty got the break of the ball as he slid over to deny Linn.

Deep in first half injury time and Dale Hilson was booked for a foul on Reece Lyon.

HT – Arbroath 0 – 0 Greenock Morton

Thomas O’Brien was the next player to be shown a yellow card in the 54th minute as he was adjudged to have fouled MacIver.

Luca Colville stepped up and his fierce strike smashed off the Arbroath far post and back into play as Arbroath escaped.

Despite playing against the wind, Arbroath were still in control of the game and Colin Hamilton had Arbroath’s first real shot on target in the 63rd minute.

Bobby Linn had a create ball across the goal line just looking for a touch into the back of the net but there were no takers and the chance was gone.

Luca Colville was booked for Morton for a foul on Michael McKenna before Luke Donnelly replaced Kris Doolan.

Colville was again involved as this time his corner kick hit the Arbroath cross bar from a curling wind assisted corner kick in the 77th minute.

Scott Stewart replaced Dale Hilson in the 78th minute and this allowed Bobby Linn to switch wings and he was soon in the space as he run in on goal but his shot was uncharacteristically high and wide.

James Craigen had a shot blocked in the 82nd minute as Arbroath pushed for a goal before a Colin Hamilton corner came close in the 87th minute.

In the end neither side could break the deadlock and the point means Arbroath move up into the 9th place.

Match report written by Arbroath FC Official Website