MORTON MATCH REPORT

Two second half Billy King goals goal earned United three vital points that ensured they stay top.

Cappielow is never an easy place to come to, but it was fully deserved and a heartening victory in the race for the Championship.

By Peter Rundo

Despite the freezing temperatures, the game went ahead on perfect underfoot conditions thanks to the covers that had been down since Thursday.

There were two changes in the side that defeated Dunfermline. Tam Scobbie returned to the side after suspension and in the absence of the injured Willo Flood took over the captain’s amband. Paul McMullan was Willo’s replacement.

Both teams went into this game in good form, United hoping to make it six games without defeat, whilst the hosts – with just one defeat in seven outings – were eyeing a third successive win.

United’s last visit to Cappielow was in last season’s play-off quarter-final which United won 2-1 and followed up with a 3-0 win in the second leg and at Tannadice. And with United edging the first meeting this term by the odd goal in three, the Tangerines were aiming for a fourth successive victory over the ‘Ton to retain their position as league leaders.

Both teams opened brightly, but it was United who almost drew first blood after five minutes.

Fraser Fyvie started the move with a long ball out of defence which found Scott McDonald who held the ball up and Fyvie was on the end of the move drilling a shot just past the far post.

On 11 minutes United opened up the Morton defence with Fraser finding McMullan with a precision pass but there were no takers when he cut the ball back.

Two minutes later, McMullan played McDonald in and though his well struck ball was straight at the keeper, Gaston only held it at the second attempt.

United were moving about well and with tempo to dominate, but Morton threatened for the first time after 19 minutes.

Former United striker Robert Thomson latched on to a stray Fyvie pass and found Jai Quitongo who drove past the far post.

Shortly afterwards a great one-two between McDonald and Fraser which saw the former on goal was blocked.

A Fyvie effort was then partially blocked enabling Gaston to collect easily and, as the Terrors kept the pressure up, Stewart Murdoch headed over.

On the half hour mark, Harry Lewis had to look lively to collect a low cross as Morton tried to break United’s stranglehold on proceedings.

Their continual probing almost paid off four minutes from the break, Fraser laying the ball off across the edge of the box to Fyvie, but Gaston blocked his shot.

And the home keeper was again in action doing likewise from McDonald after he was superbly played in by Fraser.

Just before half-time, Mark Durnan was booked for kicking the ball away and the half finished with Fyvie clearing the danger from a Morton free-kick.

Sam Stanton warmed Gaston’s hands with a 30-yarder within a minute of the restart.

But there was a scare for United immediately afterwards, Thomson’s flick on was only parried by Lewis, but fortunately Murdoch was on hand to avert further danger.

However, seconds later, Quitongo fired just past as Morton served notice that they still posed a danger.

Seven minutes in the second half, Fraser was bundled over by Quitongo, but no foul - or possibly a penalty - was forthcoming!  

On the hour mark, United finally made the breakthrough: McMullan played the ball to Billy King who jinked his way to a shooting, drilling a left-foot into the bottom left hand corner from the edge of the box.

Arabs' hearts were in their mouths seven minutes later when Jamie Robson was woefully short with a back pass which left Lewis with a race with Quitongo for the ball and it was the Morton player who reached first but fortunately his toe poke from 25-yards was wide of the target.  

Another pass back caused near panic in the United defence. Lewis at ground level headed away Durnan’s knock back, but skipper Scobbie mopped up the danger.

Ten minutes from time, United, incredibly, didn’t score a second! McMullan was denied at by the keeper at point-blank range and when McDonlad played the rebound back to him, his second effort was saved by the feet of Gaston at the expense of a corner.

And in stoppage time, victory was assured as United broke three on one and Fyvie picked our King who slotted home with ease. 

Man of the Match:

He wasn’t on the scoresheet like last week against Dunfermline, but Scott Fraser again gets the award for being the creator of so many of his side's chances.

Morton:

Gaston, Murdoch (Langan 69), O’Ware (C), Lammie, Doyle, Oliver, Forbes, Quitongo, Harkins, Thomson (Doohan 81), Gasparotto.

Subs not used: McHugh, Tidser, Tiffony, Russell, Armour.

United:

Lewis, Murdoch, Durnan, Scobbie (C), Robson, McMullan (Quinn 85), Fyvie, Stanton, Fraser (Edjenguele 90), McDonald (N’KoyI, 90 + 2).

Subs not used: Deniz (GK), Allardice, Smith, Appere

Referee: Gavin Duncan

Attendance: 2021 (Arabs 465)