GMCT took an extra trip to Cappielow on Sunday to watch the annual GMST fans’ game. Not only were fans able to bid for a shirt number but former Morton stars were involved in the match including David Hopkin, Jim Hunter, John McNeil, Peter Cormack and Derek Anderson. In their coaching capacity, Allan Moore and Mark McNally lined up with the home and away teams just before the KO at 3pm.
It was an entertaining afternoon for the supporters who came along to watch both teams in the afternoon sun. At the end of the match, Morton legend, Andy Ritchie presented, No 8 for the away team, Robert MacNeilage with the MOTM award, and deservedly so. MacNeilage will be presented with the engraved trophy at the next home match.
We caught up with Andy after the presentation along with his son Stephen, who played in the home team and his granddaughter, Keira aged 8. Three generations of the Ritchie family are pictured here and Ritchie senior said “it’s been a great afternoon and l was delighted to able to present the man of the match award to MacNeilage. It was also great to see both Stephen and Keira playing at Cappielow together. Keira will love this photo, so we’ll need to get it framed for her.”
Ton legend Andy who played at Cappielow between 1976 and 1983 was reminiscing about playing against players like Alan Rough. He spends as much time as he can with Keira, kicking a ball around with her at the weekend and said “her school won’t allow girls in the team but all Keira wants to do is play football”. Let’s hope she follows in her granddad’s boots to play for Morton by joining our Morton Girls session.
Another family that were heavily involved in the game was none other than Peter Cormack who had his wife and three kids, father, father in law all supporting him but it was the younger Cormack boys who got on the score sheet. Cormack (39) played for the away team with his sons coming on to join their dad at the end of the match. Luke aged 12 and Flyn aged 5 both got goals to make the final result; Home 6 -7 Away. Cormack was delighted to be back on the perfect pitch at Cappielow where he spent 5 years and even his daughter Lois age 10, joined in the fun after the match was over.
All monies raised as a result of Sunday’s match will be awarded to the Youth Academy. GMST will donate the next 50 sign ups to their trust, so if you haven’t already then look at their website and start supporting the players of the future.
We caught up with the gaffer who coached the home team. Moore said “it’s another great element of Morton FC, and the fans’ game is a great way for ex-players and fans to join together whilst raising money for the younger players who will hopefully make the 1st team in the future.”
