Greenock Morton 2
Dundee 2
League (Division One)

Match Report

Before the match kicked off Dundee knew what was required of the final four matches of the season if they wanted to push Inverness Caley Thistle all the way to an end of the season decider. With Caley sitting seven ahead full points were what Dundee were after to stay in the hunt. Unfortunately, Dundee fell at the hurdle which was a trip to Morton.

Manager Gordon Chisholm made two changes to the line up which won last weekends match at Partick Thistle. Leigh Griffiths joined Colin McMenamin up front and Eric Paton, returning from injury, came into the right wing back role with Richie Hart dropping to the bench.

The match started as an even contest with neither side really creating an opening and it was a long ball forward which eventually brought the first chance of the match. That fell to Leigh Griffiths after a long ball over the top from Tony Bullock saw the striker run onto it on the left but after cutting inside his shot was weak and Morton keeper Colin Stewart collected with ease.

Griffiths had a half chance soon after as Gary Harkins put in a solid challenge in the midfield and the ball ran to his team mate. The striker turned towards goal and tried to catch Stewart out with a quick shot but again it was an easy take for the Morton number 1.

Weatherson and Tidser both had chances which didn't trouble Bullock but when Eddie Malone got a clearance all wrong. Tidser had another chance but this time although he did get it on target the Dundee keeper held well.

The best chance of the half for The Dees was from a set piece after Harkins had turned two Morton defenders he was brought down right on the edge of the area.

Griffiths wanted it but Paton was the man who stepped up but curled over the bar.

Morton again pushed forward and had a chance when Erik Paartalu headed goalward from a comer only for Bullock to claw it away. Minutes later though Bullock wouldn't be able to keep Morton out as they deservedly took the lead.

A free kick was played forward and Paartalu headed against the bar. The ball dropped in the six yard box and David Witteveen was first to react, stabbing the ball into the net. It was a huge disappointment for Dundee but a goal which had been coming at that stage.

The half time whistle brought a chance for Chisholm to get the team in and make some changes and thats what the manager did. Pat Clarke and Sean Higgins replaced McMenamin and Andrew Shinnie. A minute into the second period though and it could have been two right away.

A long ball over the top saw Weatherson run through and should have made it two but fired his effort wide of the goal. Morton continued to be the team on the attack and Kevin Finlayson was next to hook a shot towards goal but wide.

Dundee made another change with Brian Kerr being replaced by Colin Cameron. Soon after Morton doubled their lead.

Another ball played over the top and when Jim Lauchlan pulled back Witteveen referee Alan Muir had no choice but to point to the spot. Carlo Monti stepped up and fired the penalty home.

with the With the news coming through of a second goal for Caley Thistle it was league all but over and with the side wing little fight or desire out on showing the park it was looking like Dundee wouldn't even get close to the three points they needed to push for the title.

Moments later and really out of nothing Gary Harkins gave the side a glimmer of hope. A throw from the right was knocked down and the midfield struck into the far corner which sparked a late surge for The Dee.

Dundee did push forward and started playing some nice football. Higgins played in Griffiths on the right but a poor touch saw him carry the ball too far forward and eventually shoot behind but it was far more encouraging stuff.

Griffiths then had two other chances but couldn't find the net. First he headed wide from a free kick then from a long Craig McKeown ball forward to shot wide.

With four minutes left the striker did find a way through and leveled for Dundee. After taking a heavy knock he limped off and was still getting treatment as Dundee won a free kick 20 yards out. He made his way quickly back onto the park and didn't take no for an answer from his team mates as he seemed to decide he was taking the free kick.

He justified his decision as well when he curled the ball past Stewart and brought the score level. Dundee didn't have much time left but did look to get the ball forward to find a winner. As they pushed Morton almost caught them out and Simmonds played a ball across for Finlayson but a great block from Lauchlan denied the Morton man.

Dundee one big chance to win it came when free kick was played forward from the left and Harkins got his head to it but a great save from Stewart meant to game would end as a draw.

The result means that although Caley haven't been officially confirmed as champions unless a huge turnaround in goal difference occurs Dundee will face another season in the 1st division, It's been a disappointing end to a title race for Dundee in a season which promised so much.

Match report written by Tommy Young - Dundee Matchday Programme