Morton 2 Stranraer 0

Both Morton and Stranraer remained unchanged from Saturday's matches. The Blues or oranges were hoping to build on their morale-boosting win at Peterhead going into this CIS Cup First Round Tie with Morton at Cappielow.

The first chance fell to the home side when McCondichie easily saved Weatherston's weak shot. After this it was Stranraer who looked more likely for a fifteen-minute spell. A good move up the right wing involving Finlayson and Swift saw the latter put in a fine cross, which found the inrushing Michael Moore. Moore's near post header went straight at Coyle. After a period of Morton possession Moore had another good effort just over the bar following a fine solo run from inside his own half. In the 20th minute Stranraer forced a corner. Finlayson's centre found the unmarked Murray Henderson but his header lacked power and although it looked to be going in John Maisano headed off the line with ease.

At the other end Bannerman headed wide from good cross from Chris Miller. Morton were coming on strong now and Peter Wetherston had a fine effort tipped over by McCondichie. Paul Walker was causing problems down the right wing and it was his good play that led to the opening goal. He found space down the right and his fine back post cross was headed back across goal by Wetherston and Bottiglieri out jumped the Blues defence to head in from close range. The lead was well deserved. Shortly after Michael Moore was booked for a terrible forward's challenge on the goalscorer. Another ref might have sent him off. There was one more chance before half-time which fell to Paul Walker. He twisted and turned on the edge of the box before firing narrowly over the bar after good build up play from Wetherston.

The second half proved to be a much more decent cup-tie with the game flowing from end to end more. This was a result of Stranraer changing their formation. In the first half the Blues were outnumbered in midfield playing a 4-4-2. Neil Watt changed it to a 3-5-2 and this gave us a more of an attacking threat.

The first chance of the half fell to Allan Jenkins. His strong left foot shot was straight at Craig Coyle and that forced him into a smart save low to his left. Morton responded with a Scott Bannerman long-range effort, which had to be tipped round the post by McCondichie. Stranraer forced another corner and Lee Sharp had shot charged down after good work from Jenky. Two substitutions followed, off came Aitken and Grant and on came McPhee and Graham. Finlayson had a good run and cross, which Coyle smothered at the near post. Morton came back and the dangerous Wetherston shot straight at McCondichie. A great surging run from Swift from his own half ended with his shot being delayed for too long and Coyle managed to gather. Then came arguably Stranraer's best chance of the game in 64th minute. After great work by Graham we had a 2 on 1 in the box. Moore was too close to Graham and so by the time Graham squared the ball to him he was closed down and the shot was blocked. Aghh!! Peter Wetherston had another good chance but his half-volley flew over the bar. Davie Graham then showed great pace and skill down the right but he delayed his shot and once again Coyle made the save deflecting it wide for a corner. Stranraer had another effort cleared off the line at this stage following a scramble. The home support were getting anxious now.

This was short lived though and after a period of Ton pressure Bannerman broke through the Blues defence to calmly tuck the ball away into the bottom corner past the helpless Andy McCondichie. Young Gary McPhee had an effort on goal that was easily saved by Coyle. Paul Kerr came on late on for the tired Michael Moore and the big target man nearly got a consolation when he burst through thanks to a good through pass by Graham. Unfortunately for Kerr his low shot went narrowly wide although the linesman had his flag up for offside anyway.

STRANRAER MOM: Derek Wingate- Strolled through the match. Always looked composed and good on the ball. Also a special mention to Andy McCondichie who didn't put a foot wrong the whole night and David Graham who gave us a real attacking threat in the second half. CIS Man of the Match was Morton's skillful midfielder John Maisano.

OVERALL SUMMARY- The Blues were outplayed for long spells in this match. Morton were a much improved outfit from last season and must be one of the favourites for promotion to the first division. In the second half we looked much more of a threat and Davie Graham must be considered for a regular start to matches.

Attendance: 2758