St Mirren get 2018 underway with a trip to Cappielow today for the third Renfrewshire derby of the season.
The sides last met in October at the Paisley 2021 Stadium as they shared the spoils following a controversial 2-2 draw. Saints opened the scoring on 66 minutes from the penalty spot through Ian McShane. The decision to award a penalty infuriated Morton as it appears the foul on Lewis Morgan took place outside the penalty box. But the Ton levelled less than two minutes later with a thunderbolt from Andy Murdoch getting them back on terms. Just four minutes later, The Buddies were back ahead as top scorer Gavin Reilly swept home a cross from Cammy Smith. Morton would equalise again with a little over 10 minutes remaining following the decision by the referee to award the visitors a penalty kick. Ex-St Mirren midfielder Gary Harkins stepped up and made no mistake to make it 2-2. But the drama was not over there when, a few moments later, Reilly was brought down inside the box. The referee failed to award Saints their second penalty of the afternoon despite clear contact being made on the striker.
Today's trip to Cappielow is St Mirren's second this season having visited the stadium back in August for match day two. It was a day to forget for Saints as Morton ran out 4-1 winners thanks to two penalties from Michael Tidser either side of a wonderful Cammy Smith goal, before Bob McHugh and Andy Murdoch scored to put the seal on a big derby win for the Ton.
St Mirren have, however, won their second fixture at Cappielow in each of the previous two seasons. A Lawrence Shankland header was enough for The Buddies to claim three points two years ago today. Last season's second trip to Cappielow saw the Buddies boost their hopes of Championship survival with a stunning 4-1 win over the Ton thanks to goals from Stelios, Stevie Mallan, John Sutton and Gary MacKenzie.
The Buddies ended 2017 on a high with a 2-0 win over Dundee United giving Jack Ross' side a five point gap at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship. It was Saints' fourth league win in a row after having already seen off Brechin, Dunfermline and Queen of the South in December.
Morton, meanwhile, come into today's match on the back of a 1-0 home win over Inverness on December 23rd. They were scheduled to face Dumbarton last Saturday, however, that was postponed due to the weather.
A win for Saints today would help Jack Ross' side maintain their gap at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship. While Morton know that a win, coupled by results elsewhere going their way, would see them climb into the play-off spots.
