Conference trucks::football;1

    
    	First note in our new home, here we go. I'll start by repeating
    what's been said many times over recently, thanks to all who've worked
    hard at finding this new home for us all.
    
    	Our best start to a season for a long time. Up at the right end of
    the table chasing the early pace setters (keep it up Ayr Utd.).
    Actually, maybe Danny (OPS) should give Saturday's game a miss, your
    team seem to be doing a bit better without you. Two 2-1 home victories,
    ok, so it doesn't sound as if we're setting the heather (or is it a
    bog?) on fire buit it's the nature of the play that's encouraging. The
    only problem in our last three games has been keeping it up (oooer!).
    We start like world beaters and play brilliantly for the first 15-20
    minutes, then fade to being dismal by the start of the second half. 
    	Of our pre season purchases; Rafferty looks the part, should stand
    out well in the league. Newest signing Alex Mathie (�100,000 from
    Celtic) looks a bumper of a player, here's hoping that he gives his old
    team a doing next week (and if you can't be there, it's on BSkyB).
    Graham Ogg looks crap.
    	Saturday is a tough test of an away game (Hamilton) but hopefully
    we should get a result to stand us in good stead for the 'tic.
    
    	Here's to success this season,
    				  John A.
    

    
    re -1
    
     Naw John, I've got to put in an appearance on Saturday. No danger,
    we'll take both points off the Bankies (he says confidently).
    
     Hope both our teams keep up the good work, and we'll maybe have a top
    of the table clash later in the season. 
    
     Cheers,
    
           Danny.

    re -2
    
    	....told you Graeme Ogg was "not very good" weeks ago.
    
    	We were VERY happy to get rid of him!!
    
    	Cheers,
    
    	David.

    
    re -1  
    
        Okay.....you were right.
        Not too good a start for the Queen's Park is it.
    
    
    Good draw on Saturday. 
    Ah don't think too many teams will come away from Douglas Park with 
    two points this season, they were quoted as being one of the four
    promotion candidates. I think we could prove to be the surprise team
    this year. McGraw's putting together a good team of youth and
    experience.
    
    The league table does make good viewing, with our friends from Ayr,
    sitting proudly at the top, with ourselves just a point behind.
    
    Wednesday night sees the biggy, the Tic at Cappielow. Good start to the
    season for them, but their bubble's gonnae burst soon, and why not at
    Cappielow.
    An interesting piece of info is, when Stuart McCafferty has scored 
    against Celtic, he has never been on a losing side. Let's hope he can
    keep that going, and score a few against the Tic.
    
    It's gonnae be one hell of a game for sure, so make sure you watch it
    Live on Sky.
    
    Prediction Time:    Morton 3  Celtic 2  AET  
    
    Sat Prediction:     Forfar 1  Morton 3
                                          

    
    John,
    The only thing you forgot to mention is that Stuart Rafferty has played
    against Celtic in excess of 15 times !
    
    But only scored twice !!!!!!
    
    
    

	The atmosphere builds up for THEE tie of the Skol Cup 2nd Round.
	Morton's defence will be the make or break aspect of the team's
	performance on Wednesday. We know we can play football in the middle
	of the park, and we're pretty handy up front, but, with Reid gone, 
	we're now far too dependant on Doak in the air. I cringe at every 
	cross-ball into the Morton penalty area. We'll need a bit of luck
	there, I fear.	Let's hope we don't lose that game-killing, early goal. 

	On the bright side I feel that BSkyB viewers will be surprised that a 
	First Division side is capable of playing such attractive football.
	If McGraw plays a midfield containing Rafferty, McDonald, and McInnes
	it should be a joy a watch (I though McInnes had one of his best games
	for Morton on Saturday ,after having a dreadful start to the season).

	Score prediction: I'll go for 3-2 after extra time too (Something
	tells me it won't be a 0-0 draw).

	John P.

    	This is great. The disk crash has totally wiped a close home defeat
    by Clydebank from our memory (think it was 2 or maybe 3 one). We've
    been stringing some handy results together but to be honest I've
    not really been too confident of keeping such a high league position since
    Hunter was crocked. We're still liable to score goals at any time but I
    can't see too many clean sheets with us relying on Doak for a vast
    majority of the time. Collins has been playing well though, something
    very out of character for him.
    	Hope that McGraw's going to either go for a new centre half or give
    Gerry Kelly a run (we could do worse). A point on the purchase of any
    new players. I wonder if McGraw's been tempted to go for someone but has
    been told not to by the directors (ha!) since the club don't want to be 
    seen to have any cash, what with the compensation to come from the league 
    over the BSkyB fiasco. 
    	Here's hoping for a continuation of the current league form at
    Kirkaldy on Saturday. I'll go for a 3-1 'Ton victory.
    
    		Cheers,
    		     MD 20/20 (Pink Grapefruit)
    
    PS. Anybody know when McCabe's back(then we can fling Gahagan to F...).
    

    
    Morton got �25K from the Scottish League, as did Celtic, Rangers and
    Hearts. Maybe now we'll see McGraw go out and pick up a half descent
    centre half.
    Cause of the system crash, here's our results so far......
    
                   	Morton 2  Partick 1
    			Morton 2  Stirling A 1
    			Hamilton 1  Morton 1
    			Morton 2  Celtic 4 (Skol Cup)
    			Forfar 1  Morton 4
    			Morton 1  Clydebank (can't remember)
    			Morton 3  Dundee 0
    			Meadowbank 0  Morton 1
    

    
    
    I have actually heard that we might be about to spend the money
    already.
    I can exclusively reveal that Morton have made an offer for Grant
    Tierney of Partick Thistle (ex Cowdenbeath and Dunfermline centre
    half). But will he accept the terms, I think he will.
    So Grant Tierney could be bought in time for the game at Starks.
    With or without him, I'm going for a 2-1 win against the men from
    Kirkaldy.
    

    re.7
    
    El Dee
    Just to remind you of that score you had conveniently forgot.....it was
    
    Morton.....1  Clydebank.....7
    
    8*))
    
    

    
    
    Just heard today that Morton have signed ex-temp-dec employee and my
    ex-next door neighbour Dougie Johnstone.   About 22 years old and
    played for various Ayrshire 1st div amateur teams.  Reputed to be an
    excellent midfielder.
    
    Remember where you heard his name first!
    
    
    Michael
    

    
    Had to write a wee note before ma days off.
    Ayr on Saturday at Cappielow........should be a close one.
    Prediction..Morton 3  Ayr Utd 1
    
    Read today that Gahagan has an injury which could (hopefully will) keep
    him out for several weeks (about 30 weeks would be okay), but still no
    news of when McCabe will be back.
    To think we're doing so well now, and we've lost two of our best players
    in McCabe and Hunter (Hunter out for the season).
    No news yet on big Grant Tierney signing. We could do with him so we 
    could get Boag tae *?#$ (the reserves).
    
    And ah finally got ma new Morton tap fae Rowes.....they've only selt
    oot at least 6 times in the toon.  

    
    
     Well well Mr Sally, your prediction would have been spot on if the
    referee had blown for full-time 10 minutes early. Maybe something to do
    with all the time-wasting from fatty Wylie in goal!!!
    
     Ayr were crap on Saturday, we gave Morton 3 goals and still came back
    to steal 2 points.
    
    
     ps. Just to really rub it in, Paul McLean controlled the ball with his
    hand before lashing it past a bemused Wylie for Ayr's third goal. A
    certain free kick to Morton that wasn't picked up by the homer ref and
    his linesman. Shame really :-) :-) :-)
    
     Danny...

    KILLIE V MORTON TONIGHT 
    
    Any of you boys care to make a wee prediction????
    
    Home advantage should swing it for Killie methinks, IF (big if) our
    defence can cope with Mortons attacking midfield. Biggest threat to us
    should be Mathie who by all accounts is standing out in Div 1.
    
    You lot might have problems on our right side from 'super' Ally
    Mitchell if Pickering is out and if TB feels like a game of fitba'
    tonight he should be able to play his own game on a big park.
    
    0-0 after 45 mins
    1-0 after 50 mins
    1-1 after 80 mins
    2-1 after 89 mins ( a mazy run, beating three players ending in a
    scorching 25 yarder from TB which tears the net from the posts !)
    
    Aah, It's good to have dreams  8-)
    
    Andy.

	Not the easiest of games tomorrow against Partick at Firhill,
	especially after some of our recent performances. Last Saturday 
	against Montrose was the 2nd-worst performance of the season
	- a dreadfull game all in all and one to forget.

	We improved slighly on Tuesday against Killie, with MacDonald
	coming back into midfield and playing very well, but we never
	looked like breaking down the Kilmarnock defence. Mathie was
	marked out the game by McSkimming, And Alexander continued to
	play like a numpty. Our defence always looked shakey thanks,
	in the main, to the one and only -  Graeme Ogg who came in
	to replace the suspended Pickering. He seems to	have a few 
	weaknesses. i.e. he can't tackle, pass, cross, mark, or run and 
	he constantly gets caught out of position. Maybe we could
	sell him to Dunfermline or something :-).

	So, if McDonald can stamp his mark on the midfield tomorrow,
	and Mathie is allowed more space than he was given at Rugby Park,
	then I'll predict, Partick 1 Morton 2 (Assuming Ogg returns to
	the reserves). 
                                                

    	Well we seen this coming didn't we? As soon as we lose Hunter to a
    bad injury and the defence looks as if a primary school team could
    take them apart. We've always got the hope that the midfield and
    forwards have a good day and we score more than the other mob. 
    	Glad to see McDonald coming back into the team. I still don' think
    he's got a whole game in him, but is usually very effective for about
    an hour in a game. Has he been injured or has he been taking a more
    active role in his position as coach (no, not a bus)? Here's hoping
    that he also gets McInnes back onto the rails (he seems very good at
    this) so that he  can put in a few more good matches. I know he's been
    scoring (very) regularly from midfield but I can't help thinking that
    he's had a James of a season so far.
    	Won't be there again tomorrow since 'cos of work so I'll go for;

    		Partick Skizzle 1 (There's no way we'll have a shut out)
    		Super 'Ton      3 (I think they'll miss Duffy more than
    we'll miss Hunter).

    			John A.

I know this is a bit late but I was on hols last week, hence
the reason I managed to get to a home game.
So on to the game... Well it started as good as any could wish.
A Killie defender trying to chip the ball back to the keeper 
didn't hit it hard enough and Mathie managed to volley the ball
over the keeper into goal. Then Killie up'd their game and to
be honest the Morton defence were very shakey and a bit lucky
to hold out for so long. But they couldn't hold out forever
and in forty mins Wylie made the cardinal of sins by coming
out for a cross ball and punching the ball out to H.Burns who
shot a low shot into the back of the net.
Killie continued to mount the pressure at the start of the 
second half. Then Morton brought on McDonald for McInnes and
then was forced to bring on Pickering for Alexander. This
actually proved to be a good thing as Mortons game improved 
with Pickering operating on the right of midfield.
But it ended 1-1 after full time.
Then onto extra time. Personally I thought that Killie would
probably take over from here since they are "Full Time Pros!!!"
but I'm glad to say the opposite happened. Straight from the kick-
off Morton seemed to be more determined and it payed off immediately
when Ogg crossed the ball from the left wing and it found its way
to MacArthur who shot across the goal from the right, passed the
keeper into the left corner of goal. Morton continued to keep
posession for the rest of the game and in fact should have had
a penalty in the second half of extra time. When Mathie collected
the ball half way in the Killie half passed the Killie defence,
ran into the box only to brought down by one of the defenders and
for the ref to ingore it.
On the hole Morton deserved the victory proving that a team playing
football will beat a bunch of animals that just want to kick bodies
or balls rather than the ball..
On a point I mentioned slightly before, Morton will have to get
the defences act together. Collins played a resonable game so I'll
leave him. The new Number 6,that's name eludes, me show signs of
promise but will have to improve on his passing. The number 5 Doak?
kept going out of possition and was only causing his own players
confusion. Ogg played crap for the first 90 mins, which a bit much
in one match ( although he did seem to improve in extra time, maybe
because Killie were tiring). Lastly Rafferty, I was actually begin-
ning to wonder if we had a bought Ronan Rafferty after all, nuff said.

			cheers, Graham.

    ANIMALS ??? KICKKING ????
    
    Surely not a reference to the killie/morton game ? I don't think there
    was a tackle made in that game let alone a bad one. The only blight on
    a pretty entertaining game from my end was the scoreline - that aside
    it was a good cup tie - end to end stuff etc.
    
    
    BTW, By saying "on the hole" I take it you mean Cappielow 8-))
    
    Andy. 

    Yes Andy I was refering to this game. I thought your defenders
    were a bit too physical. Especially number 5 . Who seemed
    to lose the rag at McArthur and flung the ball at his face then
    called him a bad word like spanker :-)
    
    and I don't hear any dispute about the penalty claim, do I???
    
    BTW when you say "KICKKING" do you mean Kicking :-)
    
    		Graham.

    Always kick with three K's - it does more damage !  I must have missed
    the penalty claim I honestly don't remember it. Btw were the turnstiles
    at your end in pitch darkness as well or is that just a wee treat for
    away fans ??
    
    AA

    A good result for the Ton yesterday taking both points at Dundee.
    Thats us now taken maximum points from both Dundee and Partick this
    season and were looking in a good position. Couldn't make the game
    yesterday but I read that Morton defended resolutely and Wylie was rarely
    troubled, which I find hard to believe after watching the midweek game
    against Raith in the B & Q cup - the defence were a nightmare. Now that
    Morton have got their settlement from the league regarding the postponed
    showing af the Skol cup clash on BSB, and no longer have to plead
    poverty, they should use some of the cash from last years transfers and
    get some decent defenders at Cappielow. If not, then we're always going
    to give away many stupid goals to inferior opposition as has already 
    been seen this season.
    
                                                                     eeggs. 
    

    
    	Agree with you totally there Johnny. I don't think there's any Ton
    supporters left needing convinced that we are in dire need of an
    influential defender. As long as we continue in this position, we're
    likely to get good results but as McGraw said, we're in danger of
    becoming a bigger threat to ourselves than opposing teams. The
    management team have obviously recognised this flaw in the team because
    last week we signed a MIDFIELDER from Dundee (�5000??) who played his
    first game in the reserve match against Clydebank in a team which
    included Dave McCabe returning from injury.
    	Nice to see Derek Lilley scoring the winner yesterday. He looks a
    powerful young forward that could keep Alexander out of the side, at least
    until he finds his form again. 
    	Nice point to note, we've taken 11 points out of 12 from the top 3
    teams so far this season. If now we could only beat the Montroses,
    Forfars and Stirling Albions of this league, we'd be laughing.
    
    	Cheers,
    	     John A.
    	 

    
    
      Is there naebody who has been going tae the games recently,or are
      we only entering a note  when we win.I am wan off the un-fortunate
      wans who can't get tae the game,and don't get a copy of the tullie.
          If you could find the time tae right a wee note tae let me 
      know wit happened, cause I take a lot of stick through here and
      I want tae hiv an answer fir them.
    
    
                            Cheers  Andy.

 	
	According to the Greenock Telegraph, Allan McGraw has been having
	talks with former Morton hero Jim Tolmie. Apparently he's now 
	living locally, after travelling the world for a few years. The
	chairman is in London just now, on other business (probably negotiating
	with a rival international toffee company about next year's shirt 
	sponsorship deal), so it's unlikely anything will be finalised this 
	week.

	I know we probably don't need ANOTHER striker, but I can't help
	feeling that ANY new blood has to help at the moment. Tolmie's 31 now,
	so he's not over the hill, and hopefully he'll have picked up a bit
	of much needed experience at FC Lokeren, and Man City among others.

	Morton have completely lost their confidence these days. In the latter
	part of last season and the early part of this one, they were quite
	capable of playing attractive, passing football for long spells. 
	Now their performances are dire. It's time to spend some of that
	money they've been storing away for a rainy day... otherwise ..?

	John.

    Tonights result   Morton 5  Clydebank 0

    
    	Well done Big Graham! This topic's been about as lively as the area
    outside Love Street on a Saturday at 4:45 pm (no, wait a minute it has
    been quite busy there lately what with the "HAY MUST GO/SACK THE BOARD"
    brigade, hasn't it?)
    
    	Still back to the matter in hand. What's been happening to the
    team? Are they on drugs or something? It must be a close fought thing
    between us and Aberdeen as to the most erratically inconsistent team in
    Scottish football. Signing Tolmie seems to have worked well but I still
    think that somebody's cooking the books over his age (still only 31
    years old?? Sure thing!)
    	We didn't fare too badly with bad weather postponements over the 
    New Year period (the groundsman must have persuaded Wilson to lie on the 
    park and soak up the heavy rainfall-we all know he's been sponging the 
    club for years now) and also played host to a soberish Jim Leishman and
    his new club Montrose, where we once again snatched a draw from the jaws
    of victory. 
	Still here's hoping we can hit a bit of good form in time for a wee
    cup run. A victory on Saturday against Stirling and then Meadowbank next
    week, coupled with a cup win over East Fife (who beat Brechin last night)
    would certainly brighten up the look of this season again.
	
		Morton 3 Stirling A 1 (Doak, Tolmie and Alexander).

	You never know what to expect when you go to see Morton, and last
	night was no exception. After playing reasonably well on Saturday
	against the Killie, Morton produced an indifferent display in the 
	first half against Clydebank. They did manage to score, however,
	right on half-time with a simple Alexander header from a corner.
	It was pretty much against the run of play at that point.

	In the second-half, Clydebank seemed to lose their way a bit,
	allowing Morton to come more into it. It was one of those nights
	when everthing seemed to go our way right, and not before long we 
	had added another three. A McInnes volley from a Tolmie lay-off,
	a Mathie penalty after McArthur was tripped, and another shot from
	Mathie after he found the ball at his feet during a goalmouth
	scramble. Later on, Tolmie neatly chipped the keeper to make it 
	five. After a quiet game he looked very relieved to have scored.

	Best men for Morton were Pickering (outstanding) , Mathie, and 
	McArthur (he works hard and seems to be improving as time goes on). 
	Dougie Johnstone played a very composed game in the centre of defence.
	
	Let's hope we continue our wee run on Saturday, but judging by 
	previous experience any result could be likely !

	John	

    
    	Scottish cup day today and nothing less than a victory will do.
    Morton seem to have settled a bit recently, into a team that has a
    winning look about it. A good all round display last week against 
    Stirling who've been putting togethewr a very good string of results.
    Their 'keeper (McGeowan?) was voted 1st Division player of the month
    for December but he didn't look too clever with Mathie's goal.
    
    	Points of the day:
    
     * The referee had to go off injured, so the far side linesman took
    over the refereeing post. "Who ran the line on the far side" i hear you
    ask. At this time an announcement came across the tannoy..."If there are
    any qualified referees or linesmen in the crowd, would they please step
    forward." A big guy called Stuarty who's refereed youth football for
    years, ran round, got kitted up in a Morton bench jacket and trousers
    so's not to get cold and was handed the flag. 
    
     * Morton received a throw in about 5-6 yards away from the Stirling
    by-line. McArthur threw it to Alexander (who was being marked) who was
    running towards the by-line, so instead of giving it back to McArthur,
    Rowan tries to let the ball run to the by-line and flick it into the
    middle of the box past the defender. He skiffs it with the outside of 
    his foot and it runs out for a by kick. Now we've all seen crap like 
    this before, and for some guy behind us it was just too much to take.
    "That was sh&te, Alexander."  "F@ck off." retorts Rowan. I don't think
    he was having too good a day.
      
     * Tolmie was put through on the keeper with no defenders close...
    When McGraw signed Tolmie, he said "If there was one person I had to
    bet my life on to beat a keeper one to one, it would be Jim Tolmie"
    ...took the ball inside the box, and hit it off the keeper's legs-BANG!.
    
     * Talking of McGraw. Is he on drugs or something? "Martin Doak is the
    best centre half in the first division." Come on, who's he trying to
    kid? Dougie Johnstone had another accomplished game at centre half. If
    he was to grow his hair a couple of inches, roll his head a wee bit more
    when he runs and wear leather straps around his wrist, he could
    definitely be the next Brian (Beryl) Reid. 
    
    		Prediction for today;
    
    	Morton  4  East Fife 1
    	 Mathie     Sludden (The puddin)
    	 McArthur
    	 Tolmie
    	 Alexander
                                        

	A great game to watch both for the neutral, and the Morton 
	supporter. The first half didn't go exactly to plan, thanks to
	a couple of well taken goals from East Fife - a rocket header from
	a difficult curling free kick, and, I'd say, a fortunate lob over 
	Wylie by Sludden when the ball broke to him. Mathie had scored
	earlier with a penalty after he'd been brought down by the keeper
	as he raced towards goal.

	The second half was a joy to watch with Morton producing their
	best team performance of the season. Mathie was the inspiration,
	as they plugged away relentlessly at the East Fife defence, and he 
	scored the equaliser with a low angled drive after a fine solo run. 
	Substitute Craig Brown set up the third when his midfield pass 
	found Rafferty unmarked in the box, and he scored with a first 
	time turning shot. Finally, Alexander got on the end of a Mathie 
	cross and his six-yard toe-poke made it four. It could have been 
	more if Tolmie, and Alexander hadn't missed a couple of easy
	chances in the dying minutes after excellent work again by Mathie,
	who never gave the East Fife defence a rest.

	Main points of the game: 
	
	Mathie was outstanding. It's crazy that Celtic spend 1M quid on a 
	striker and at the same time they let someone like Mathie go without 
	giving him a proper chance in the first team. Still, it's their 
        funeral ! 

	McInnes was dire and his substitute, Brown, played well when he came
	on. I'm sure he'll replace him in the first team during this
        week. McInnes confidence has gone completely and he needs a few 
    	games in the reserves to get it back.

	The team looks very well balanced at the moment, so provided we don't
	pick up any more injuries, and we can continue with this settled team,
	I don't think we need to be frightened of anyone. Bring on the Killie!
	(or Meadowbank?)

	John.                              

	Cup time, again, tomorrow and the next lamb to the slaughter is
	Meadowbank at Greenock. After beating them on Wednesday 2-1
	away we should be confident, especially as Raffery, Tolmie,
	Johnstone and Pickering didn't play. I assume that McGraw 
	rested them and there are no injury worries. I'll take a guess
	at tomorrow's team:

	Wylie, Collins, Pickering, Doak, Johnstone, Raffery, 
	McInnes or Brown, McArthur, Alexander, Tolmie, Mathie.

	This has been the team that has given us the record of 1 defeat in
	the last 10 games. 

	The key area for Morton will be the midfield. McArthur and McInnes
	have both been inconsistant this year, but when there are playing
	well Morton are hard to beat. The rest of the team have been turning
	out consistantly excellent performances recently. Here's hoping..

	Score prediction:	Morton 3, Meadowbank 1.
	
	John
                                        

        Well I was one of the 352 at the game at wide open Meadowbank who
        saw a game finished by the first 20 minutes.
        Morton scored one goal from a goal-mouth scammble,Gaghan hit
        the post and Doak followed up.Number two came from a run from
        Mathie who dribbled/ran by two defenders on the right and crossed
        to Alexander who out-jumped the No5 and headed home.
        This is the first time I've see the ton in 5 years and I see
        that they have adopted the tactic of the punt up the park for the
        forwards to chase,this is o/k as long as the forward players are
        prepared to chase but as I've seen only Mathie will do this.Gaghan
        is a waste of time not much skill and not fit,and Alexander is a
        typical hit man or a gymnast.
        Meadowbanks goal came in the last minute and it was on the cards
        a goal-mouth strimash which resulted in Wylie being un-sighted.
    
        If we are to proceed to the next round Morton have to get the 
        their defence sorted out, particulary when it is a corner or a
        free-kick.On wednesday they were suspect on the high ball to the
        back post,only Meadowbanks poor finishing and some lucky
        interceptions kept them from scoring.
        If the past notes are to be going by we were without some key
        players so going by that I think the score will be.
    
                         MORTON 3  MEADOWBANK 1
    
       PS. Is there no money at the club to get Alan McGraw a wheel-chair,
       it must be embarrising to the club and players who have to carry
       this once fine player to the dug-out.
       
    
           

I switched on the radio hoping to hear that Morton were
beating Meadowbank only to hear the commentator say....
and Thistle have just scored their second to go 2 up.
Enough of that I thought as I kick the dog.
Anyway I plucks up enough courage and switches on the telly
goes to ceefax and looks at the score...
Meadowbank 2 Morton (ya beauty) "3!!!!!!!"

So then I proceded to watch the highlights on BBC1 with
the dog on my lap and a big cheesy grin. No rude comments
please, the wifes sensitive.

The scorers for Morton were:
Mathie (pen) 61 min
Hopkins 83 min?
Alexander (give this man a knighthood) 90min.

			cheers, Graham.

    Congratulations Morton for reaching your first cup final for a wheen o
    years.
    I hear SQFs own Derek Grant missed a sitter for Montrose, never mind
    Derek I hear Auchinleck are still tracking your progress and you may
    get a step UP soon.
                            

    re Morton furra cup
    
    Just a short note from an Ayrshire based Hamilton Accie to ask for any
    score predictions from Morton boys for the B&Q cup final?
    
    Any feedback from the rescheduled game on tuesday night a convincing
    win from Accies including a superb strike from Colin Miller?
    
    I have recently opened a notefile 0n 274 and any input would be
    appreciated
    
    Incidently I think Accies will make it two in row (surprise,surprise)
    in a very hard and close game but I could be wrong.
    
                                   Del

    
    
           Could we please make something clear here,as you stated you are
    a Ayrshire based Accies fan, but it  would be more accurate of you if
    you explained to everyone that you live in the bleakest area of that
    fine county,namely KILMARNOCK.That way we will all make allowances for
    you .8-).
    
             BTW how is life in stage ???  ...
    
                      SQF HM..
    

    re super AYR???
    
    Hows it gaun big Sal, its great tae here fae ye!
    Things are ok here for the time being,how's SQF treatin ye?
    
    By the way when ye support Accies and work in Ayr, Killies aboot the
    middle o both o them ,so its no fur the love o Killie that a syay
    there. But a don't like Ayr any better by the way.
    
                                                         del

    Del, 
    
              Things are quite good up here so I can't complain the only 
    problem is that every game is an away game now bar the trip to Stenie on
    Tuesday to take on Stirling,thats only about 6 miles from my house.
              After Celtic, Rangers and Hearts the most supported club up
    here is the might Ton from Greenock,so you should get plenty of Cup
    banter before the final.Rmemember this time you'll have to play some to
    win the trophy, cos as every one knows the AYRshire giants rolled over
    last season cos we all feel very sorry for Hamilton having a silly
    ground silly lights and generally being a very silly team.Ooops I
    forget to mention silly strips too.
              About Tuesday the giants wish you well in your quest to gub
    our grubby wee cousins from up the road .So get stuck in to them.
        
    
                 no doubt more latter 
                                   
                                    SQF HM...
     

    
    B&Q CUP FINAL:
    MORTON.............2         
    HAMILTON ACCIES....3

    Morton 1    Falkirk 5
    
    
    Asheeesh sheeeeesh sheeeesh........

    I thought i would find some reasonable people within the football
    notes. Being born and bred in greenock (shankland lane gibbshill)
    My first memories of football were watching from the cowshed on my dads 
    shoulders,i remember once my dad took me into the dressing rooms with
    my autograph book getting the players signatures and ally magraw gave
    me this book which he had signed , it wasnt till i got home that i
    looked at the book "it was the celtic No2 book" typical eh!.
            Morton are always going to be team that produces young gifted
    boys then turn them over to the big boys , which is a shame because
    greenock should have a good team challenging for honours at all levels
    but the support they could have is split between the people who travel
    to glasgow to watch rangers and celtic which has happened since i can 
    remember.
     My best memmory is when morton won the first div , when
    ritchie,goldthorpe,orr etc were playing the fat man scored some truly
    amazing goals even although he couldnt run ten yards.
       
    
                              al =8^}       

    At last a win against Brechin to move us up a place,is quick draw
    McGraw going to play the next half of the season struggling in the
    bottom half of the league then have a grandstand finish bringing
    us just out of the relagation zone.
    
    I think might be at the start of a winning streak now that the rain
    has started.

    A good result againt Airdrie last night considering we only had half
    a team and some young boys that were pulled out of the shed.
    Quick draw complained to the muppets at the SFA about the injury
    situation but them in there wisdom? decided that it would have to be
    played with the remaining three fit players.
    As a protest the Tons chairman resigned from the board of the
    SFA,insisting that he would not serve on the SFA board whilst it
    ignored it's own doctors advice and when against his own clubs
    priciples of playing an under strenth team.
    
    PS...does anyone know when Fat Farry and Syco Steedman became MD's.

     Well so far this year we're un-defeated but not climbing the league,
     so it looks as if we will be going down,to get out of this mess we
     will have to pick up at least 11 POINTS to catch Stirling who are in
     6th bottom position.
     This week we play Kilmarnock in the scottish,hopefully we will be
     drawing at after 89 minutes then score our customary late goal.

    
    Well Andy no shocks this time,hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe
    
    KILLIE V RANGERS
    
        Final
     

    Finally we seem to be going somewhere,pity it's in this division,
    but hopefully it will build some confidence in the younger players
    in the team and maybe give the older ones a kick up the A*** in time
    for a good cup run.
    PS. Quick draw won the manager off the month award.

Morton showed during the week that despite the mega spending power of Rangers,
they still have no strength in depth. Snelders in goal and 5 outfielders who
would expect to be competing for a start in a Premier game came down to Greenock
and went home after a battle with a 3-2 win (a couple of weeks earlier Morton
won 2-1 in a closed doors game).

Here's hoping that the new campaign will go that we bit further than last year
and get that promotion spot to the premier. By all acounts Hawke, the two fins
and Reid are in good shape.

I expect Falkirk and Thistle to stuggle even more in the first than United did
last year. Morton and St Johnston will no doubt provide the flair again - and we
will not miss the 6ft 3 giants of Dunfermline, kick and run - that was to the
oposition players, it was even uglier when they had the ball !

Roll on the opener on 17th Aug - anyone know why the league decided to only let
the Premier start on the 10th ? Its certainly not for TV reasons, the BBC will
NOT be showing the start of the season.

Danny.

    
    Cormack still has to go. I saw 4 games last season from which they took
    only 2 points and that guy is one liability. 

yes cormack junior is inconsistent - he cost 3 points when sent off against
St Mirren at Greenock, but got 3 when he screached the only goal at Love Street.
Injury in last 18months did not help - personally I'll give him 5 games this
year before I decide on liability or not (he did score the goal last night). I'm
sure Newcastle never regret releasing him though.


As to Peter Cormack snr, there is a liability. When Mcgraw was ill last year,
Cormack snr's tactical skills and substitutions nearly reached the depths that
John McMaster had previously demonstrated - and boy was that low.



Danny.

MORTON 1	FALKIRK 0

A game of two finns	Linberg	on international duty and very sorely missed
			Rajamaki - scored a screacher to give us the points

Unfortunately Derick Lilley had another great game - shame given the presence
of scouts from a number of clubs, hope he stays to get us promotion.

Roll on tomorrow night and another trek to Greenock, hopefully to see the mighty
Aberdeen ! humbled in the coca cola cup.

My heart says we will win, my head says lost in extra time.

Danny.

Morton	3	Aberdeen  3   (3   7  aet)

A great footballing night from two teams who only wanted to go forward, playing
a beautiful passing game. We were 1 minute from glory.

Aberdeen had numerous chances and probably deserved their two goal start we gave
them.

Then
9.03	Referee continues poor performance by awarding us the softest penalty
	Lilley scores. Greenock goes mental. There is hope
9.07	Anderson equalises. Greenock is shaking with the noise.
9.12	Vialli Lilly storms one past Walker. The noise is heard in Paisley !
9.15	Aberdeen play get out of jail free card. Surprise surprise Joe Miller is
	on the ground in the penalty box. Nine referees out of ten would wave
	play on, but after the penalty he gave us, he had to give this. Dodds
	saves his team mates from an Aitken ear bashing.

Extra time. The Dean Windass show Morton 0 Windass 4. After his first we had no
choice but to play 3 up front and only 3 at the back. His second made the heads
drop.

So near, ah well. The premier league needs us and the people of Greenock showed
they want the Premier.


Danny.

Morton get another chance tonight to end there poor home record against county
rivals St Midden. Its 15 years since we won a league game at home against them.
Maybe tonight ?

Danny.

Greenock Morton  2  St Mirren 0
Derick Lilley
Alan Mahood

The jinx is over. Now all they have to do is play till the end of season with out
defeat and get back in the promo race ! Easy typed, hard to do I suspect.

Danny.

Cup replay	Dundee 0    Greenock Morton 1   (aet)     (2-2 in 1st game)

A pleasant surprise last night putting the blues out the cup. Now its Kilmarnock
and not a care in the world. Two seasons ago we were unlucky not to put Killie
out (lost in the replay). What a chance to reach the semis. Kilmarnock have all
the pressure - if they win its no surprise and everyone will say they had an
easy route to the semis. Loose and Williamson will regret being in charge !

Come on the ton.


Danny.


PS
Lucky last night never went to penalties or they would still be there. In normal 
time Wylie saved a Dundee penalty with 10minutes to go. With 1 minute to go
Thompson saved a penalty from Lillie.

    
    
    
    
    Morton 0:2 Falkirk
    
    McGraw should be hammered by the SFA for fielding an extremely
    understrength side in this division one clash.
    
    Obviously with an eye on Saturdays cup tie he left out 10 first team
    regulars , so must surely be dealt with as this is totally unacceptable
    behaviour either to the supporters of other clubs in the division or
    the fans who turned up and didn't want to see a reserve fixture.
    
    A totally pointless exercise considering they'll get gubbed as usual
    on Saturday by a vastly superior outfit!
    
    Iain.

I was surprised when I saw the team on text last night, but all these calls of
"cheat" and McGraw to go the a league discipline meeting are over the top.

Yes the team had changes - so what, there were 3 due to injury and others as 
players have been consistently poor and expected to keep their place in the 1st
team. Well they learned otherwise last night.

As to it being a reserve team and unfair to other clubs, sorry but disagree. Of
the six names the press has picked on, 3 are regularly in the 1st team squad and
have started a number of games, covering for suspension and injury. In fact there
were only 3 players last night that I'd class as first team debutants.

I say well done McGraw, the team is out of the promotion playoff race, we have
not been dragged in to a relegation battle so 'young' players are given the
chance to show there talent in a league game. That puts meaning in to what would
otherwise have been a meningless game for the club.

Morton probably had more under 21 players on the park last night than most
Premier teams would filed in a season. We are a club that breeds young talent
not a rich club that spends big (Celtic, Rangers) or a club that picks up low
cost not going to get to the top experienced players (Kilmarnock, Ayr, Raith).

Young doesnot equal reserve team but the future of a club !! and the future of
football in Scotland outside the richest 5 !!!!!

Danny.

    I've always thought that the idea of deliberately fielding a week side
    is nonsense .... who decides if they are weeker players anyway ?
    The only way a team can field a weekened side is by putting only 9 or
    10 players out instead of 11.
    If you are to be judged on ability then it is someones opinion versus
    someone elses. 
    Anyroad Morton could be up in front of the SFA every other week for 
    fielding a weekened side ....ie one with Peter Cormack in it
    
    
    

    
    
    
    re -1
    
          WEEK = WEAK.... sorry
    
    

    
    Hey....carefull on the Celtic Rangers analogy...not many teams have the
    youth policy they have even though your point on wealth is justified.
    All that's done is make it more difficult for "home-grown" talent to
    break into the top team.....so a lot more ex-Celtic boys club players
    are joing other senior teams.
    
    On the rules....lets not bullsh*t here. Morton DID field a team that
    was not "their strongest available" (which I think is the rule..right?)
    and PLEASE don't insult our intelligence by suggesting it is
    coincidence...just before the cup game.  Do you *honestly* think McGraw
    would have fielded *that* team if the timing & circumstances were
    different....I think not so please cut the crap.
    
    To be fair to Morton...they should get the same treatment as others who
    have done this before...and that is usually nothing. So I wouldn't call
    for McGraw's head, never happens to the "big guys" so lets keep it
    consistent, even though it's wrong.
    
    ......don't try to explain it again either...you sound like you are
    trying convince yourself, not mature, sensible adults like wot we am !
    
    Trevor.....honest I can bring you a doctors note for 22 players !

    
    
    Hey Danny,
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
             ##########                       ########      
             #                                        #
             #                 ##                     #
             #######           ##              ########       
                    #                         #
                     #                        #       
                     #                        #       
             ########                         #########       
    
    
  Close game - - - NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
  Yours smugly
    
  Iain.

Morton 2   Kilmarnock 5

Know I remember why we are not in the promotion race - the central defense is
crap and the midfield has no width. The only thanks was Wylie had a good game and
kept the score down after the 4th went in and heads dropped.

For the second time this season we gave a premier team a 3 goal lead (Aberdeen
in the coca-cola was the 1st). Not a good idea. Then we loose a player to a weak
red card.

A good bolloking at half time brought the ten men out fighting and then it was
2-3 (Alan Mahood double) and the Killie defense was shaken. For 3 minutes the
dream was on and another comeback looked possible. But Killie got the killer 4th
and Morton heads dropped, it could then have been a lot more than 5. Thanks for
small mercies.

As to Killie, they looked as poor as us when they played high long balls. But
when they keep the ball on the ground, pass and run, the gulf between 1st and
premier was clear for all to see.

Morton will have to learn, you can not just play for 3 short spells and get a
result, its 90minutes or nothing against the bigger club.

Danny.

    
    
    >" Then we lose a player to a weak red card".
    
      Surely a bit of an understatement Danny!!  Paul Wright was lucky
      not to have a leg broken.If the tackle had been made to prevent a run
      in or strike at goal it may have lessened the fact that McCahill
      nearly broke his leg(s), but the fact was it was nearly on the half
      way line. He  had to go!
    
      I'll be surprised if Lilley's still around for next season at
      Cappielow.
    
      Iain.
    
      

    Poor performance by the ton. Can't beleive its the same team as last
    year.
    Far too much punting up the park by Wylie. Hawke & Rajamaki are too wee
    to deal with that effectively. Both morton's goals came from moves with
    the
    ball on the deck. Their first goal was a joke... the Morton defender
    let the
    cross go because he thought it was going out but it came back off the
    post,
    the resulting punt in from the Killie forward came off the bar and hit
    McCahill
    (I think) on the back and went in.
    Maybe next year....
    
    
    I heard on Saturday that the cowshed is coming down thanks to a grant
    from the
    footie trust...is this right ????

>  I heard on Saturday that the cowshed is coming down thanks to a grant
>  from the
>  footie trust...is this right ????

Nearly.
The directors have plans for a stand to replace the cowshed with the roof
continuing round to cover the breeze block seated 'wee dublin end'. Last I heard
was they were summitting the plans for planning permision. The telegraph got hold
of this and ran the story 'new stand, part funded by footy trust'. The club and
trust are furious as until planning permission is got, Morton can not apply for a
grant, and the trust can not review the idea.

Danny.

    I think a bomb rather than a grant from the Football Trust would be
    more appropriate as the place is a disaster.
    
    Mark.

    it has to blend into the background doesn't it
    

    A very good point.  Something that amused me during the Morton/Killie
    cup tie was the 'Ton fans singing "In Your Killie Slums".
    
    Could someone oblige and tell me what that excuse for a mascot that
    Morton have is supposed to be?
    
    Mark

Subject to a medical, Derek Lilley will sign for Dundee Utd today. Fee meant to
be in the �400K range.

This sell to survive lark does get depressing at times. Its catch 22. Players
will stay with club if they get in Premier. Club will never get in and survive in
Premier until we get a run of of players willing to stay !

Both Fins have already stated they need moves. Rajamaki wants to stay in Scotland
and play in the premier. Lindberg wants to go anywhere the Finnish national
manager approves (apparently he does not approve of 1st division and Lindberg
will be dropped from his country unless he moves up to the Premier or out of
Scotland). Lindberg goes out of contract at end of season.


Danny.

    �400k for Lilley? I wouldnt give you �40k for a man who struggled
    against Killie who have the worst defensive record in the Premier.
    
    Ah well I suppose he might do all right with a decent team round about
    him!
    
    Mark

    re -3 (.78)
    
    its the Mortonosaraus .... just the thing to brighten up the afternoon
    
    ps our  slums are some of the finest in Europe !!!
    
    

   
>>    its the Mortonosaraus .... just the thing to brighten up the afternoon
     
There's nought wrong with our lump of a mascot
 - its as mobile as our central defenders
 - it punches with the confidence of our keeper
 - its as brainless as McCormac

but most important it represents scottish football better than mascots like
'Hearty Harry' do. Why ?

Its an 'osaraus - a dinasaur that is going extinct. 


Danny.

   "Its an 'osaraus - a dinasaur that is going extinct"
    
    I can only come to the conclusion that the Mortonosaraus is the chosen
    form of mascot by the board, because it reflects the age of Cappilow
    well and reminds the supporters that they are following a team with no
    apparent ambition that is just going to fade away down the divisions 
    untill extinct.
    
    Mark.

    Has anyone heard whether Leeds have signed Derek Lilley from Morton?
    
    Cheers,
    
    	Rick.,

Morton have aparently agreed terms with Leeds and Cystal Palace. Lilley was in
London yesterday but did not agree personal terms. It can still go either way or
if he decides he prefers neither club he might just stay here (dont expect that
though).


Danny.

Derek 'Vialli' Lilley decides in the end to go to Leeds. Guess the idea of 
playing in the Pontins league for Leeds was more attractive than Nationwide 1 for 
Palace.


Danny.

    Yes and the Pontins League is definatly a more attractive option than
    the Scottish First Division.
    
    Is this the beginning of the end for Morton now the mass exodus of half
    decent players has started?
    
    Mark.

    the beginning of the end was when Bobby Thompson got sent off for not
    butting Sandy Jardine. This is the middle of the end now.