Greenock Morton 2
Dundee 0
League (First Division)

Match Report

A goal in each half for bottom of the table Morton saw Dundee's run without a win extend by another week.

Stand in boss Davie Farrell saw a defensive mix up gift Morton the lead in the 26th minute. Although Rab Douglas rushed out to deny James Grady, his strike partner Peter Weatherson was given the opportunity to place the ball into the empty net. Ryan McGuffie made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the second half. James Grady had again nipped in behind the Dundee defence and when his run was stopped by a hand ball, referee Craig Thomson pointed to the spot.

Dundee lined up back in the usual 4-4-2 they have played this season. Freddie Daquin and David O'Brien came into the starting line up replacing Paul McHale who was injured last time out against Ross County and Mark Gilhaney who dropped to the bench. Ex Dee James Grady started his second game for Morton, the little striker scored the Greenock teams winner last weekend and was a constant thorn in the Dundee defence this afternoon.

The rain poured down on Cappielow from the first whistle to the last and the visiting support who were in good voice prior to kick off but by quarter to five they had little to sing about. Neither side took control of the match right from the off and Dundee's start was much improved compared to the performance in last weekends defeat to Ross County. Allan Jenkins had the first effort on goal for the home side, a shot that was deflected wide of the target. A minute later Dundee might have had the lead when on the break David O'Brien played it to Bob Davidson in space. The striker shaped to shot but his shot that lacked power and accuracy never troubled Kevin Cuthbert in Morton's goal.

Mickael Antoine Curier's best effort on goal came next as he curled a free kick from 30 yards on target but Cuthbert again wasn't really troubled as he held the strike. Craig McKeown picked up a booking as Morton broke from the midfield shortly after, Allan Jenkins burst into the Dundee half and McKeown's tackle was deemed bad enough by ref Thomson to get his cards out for the first and only time of the afternoon.

That was a sign that Morton were beginning to take control and but for a Rhian Dodds shot that was blocked Dundee didn't have much else in the way of an attacking threat before Morton to the lead

Eddie Malone's short pass to Darren Williams allowed Grady take control and as Rab Douglas came out his box to block the ball went straight to his strike partner Peter Weatherson placed it high into the empty net.

Morton should have double their lead when Jim McAlister robbed Eric Paton of the ball on the left and played it quickly to Grady who through one on one should have scored but dragged his shot wide. Paton went down injured a couple of minutes later but the right back ran off his injury and played in Chris Pozniak for Dundee's next chance.

Pozniak on the edge of the box turn and shuffled into space before curling a shot over the bar. Morton had another massive chance to make it 2-0 before the break when another defensive mix up meant Douglas had to again rush from his box to clear. Weatherson eventually shifted it to Jenkins but he fired over the bar.

The final chance of the half came for the home side again. Morton crossed the ball quickly from the right after a throw for Finlayson who peeled off the back of the defence. His volley forced Douglas into a save as he had to get down to push away at the near post.

A slow start to the second half meant that there was little action infront of either goal before a penalty for Morton ended the match as a contest.

A long ball up the right left Darren Williams with a chase on his hands after Grady was in behind. Grady's run was ended as the ball skipped up off a hand with both Williams and Eric Paton in close proximity there was confusion over which players hand the ball hit but no confusion over the fact it came off a Dundee mans hand and a penalty was awarded. Ryan McGuffie side footed the ball high into the net and had the home stand rocking.

Dundee's chances to get back into the game were few and far between. Curier knocked down for Davidson but his shot was blocked and Curier had an effort himself that summed up Dundee's day if not season so far as it was more trouble to the comer flag than Cuthbert's net.

Farrell tried to change it, introducing Gilhaney for Daquin. Morton had another chance through Finlayson when he really should have done better but Dundee didn't threaten again before the stand in boss made anther two changes late on with Bryan Deasley and Eddie Mearns coming on for David O'Brien and Rhian Dodds.

A late chance for Grady could have sealed the win for Morton but Douglas plucked the ball off the feet of the ex Dundee striker before he could get a shot away.

It could be all change in the dugout next weekend as Dundee look to appoint a new boss before next Saturday's meeting with Airdrie and the new man's first job will be to try gain three points from a match for the first time since August.

Match report written by Tommy Young - Dundee Matchday Programme