Cakewalk for Ton’s keeper on birthday
Aidan has a birthday bash to remember as Ton triumph
MORTON keeper Aidan McAdams enjoyed a 22nd birthday to remember as he helped put his side into the Scottish Cup third round with his penalty shoot-out heroics.
The shotstopper saved spotkicks from Euan Murray and Lewis Mayo after the teams were locked in a goalless stalemate after 120 minutes.
It was the kind of night when Ton looked as though they could play all night without scoring.
The home side enjoyed the bulk of possession without converting their chances before the game headed into the spot-kick lottery.
Lewis Strapp netted the 13th penalty of the night to ensure that McAdams’ saves counted, despite Reece Lyon missing one for Ton.
Cappielow gaffer Gus MacPherson said: “It is credit to the group that we can go and compete against a team of Dunfermline’s quality.
“There was always a feeling that
MORTON ......... DUNFERMLINE...0 AET, MORTON WIN 6-5 ON PENS just one goal would settle the game but we couldn’t get that. But overall I’m pleased we’re through.”
The Greenock side dominated the bulk of the play but couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net.
Reece Lyon started it off with an effort that sailed just over before Kazaiah Sterling, on loan from Spurs, brought out a save from Dunfermline keeper Owain Fon Williams.
As the opening period drew to a close, Strapp’s effort went into the sidenetting after Aiden Nesbitt’s effort was just wide of the target.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Morton’s
Brian McLean clipping a post with an effort.
In extra-time, though, it was Dunfermline who almost snatched it, with Kevin O’Hara heading on to a post before they lost out in the shoot-out.
Pars boss Steve Crawford said: “It was fine margins. There wasn’t much in it and we hit the post at the end of the game. But you can’t feel sorry for yourself.”