Dumbarton 0 - 1 Morton: Rousing contest means boost to Morton's bank balance

Published on Saturday 5 December 2009 23:17

Graham 75

MORTON were last night looking forward to a money-spinning fourth-round tie with Celtic after this replay success at a packed Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

A noisy, almost sell-out crowd gave the occasion a traditional cup-tie flavour while the incentive for both teams ensured a rousing contest.

In the end, a second-half goal from substitute Brian Graham gave the first division side the spoils despite a valiant effort from Dumbarton.

David van Zanten and Peter Weatherson signalled the visitors' intentions with early shots from the edge of the box, but both flew narrowly wide.

The breakthrough almost came in 16 minutes when Kevin Finlayson's cross picked out Weatherson, whose net-bound header was brilliantly clawed over the bar by Jan Vojacek.

Morton continued to force the pace and a series of corners almost brought reward when Carlo Monti's delivery was headed goalward by Stewart Greacen. However, Vojacek again came to the rescue, this time turning the ball onto his bar.

Having weathered the early pressure, Dumbarton finally found their attacking feet on the half-hour with Roddy Hunter embarking on an enterprising break from his own half.

Hunter played the ball into the path of Andy Geggan who looked certain to break the deadlock until David MacGregor lunged in with a crucial last-ditch tackle.

Galvanised, the Sons threatened again when Stevie Murray's corner was met by Ben Gordon's powerful header.

Morton keeper Colin Stewart, idle for much of the first half, was on his toes to make the save, though the home team were convinced the ball had crossed the line.

Chances continued to flow on the restart and Weatherson twice went close to breaking the deadlock, firstly sliding in at the far post to turn Erik Paartalu's cross narrowly wide and then heading Monti's cross just over.

The introduction of Derek Carcary for Murray injected life into the home side and the striker would surely have put the Sons in front but for another well-timed tackle by MacGregor.

Instead it was the visitors who made the breakthrough as substitute Graham made an instant impact.

The big striker, on two minutes earlier for Brian Wake, was perfectly placed at the back post to head Van Zanten's cross powerfully into the net with his first touch, on 75 minutes.

Dumbarton's hopes of a comeback nosedived three minutes later when Scott Chaplain, booked earlier, was shown a second yellow card.

They still refused to throw in the towel and even sent Czech keeper Vojacek up for a corner in a desperate bid to force extra time.

However, Morton held out and can now anticipate a full-house at Cappielow when Tony Mowbray's men arrive next month.