Plenty of Nothing

44th Empress's Cup Final

Princess Hisako hands over the Empress's Cup in 2017. Source.

The final of the 44th Empress's Cup takes place today.

Beleza have won the Empress's Cup 15 times, most recently in 2020. NTV stands for Nippon Television.

Leonessa have won the Empress's Cup six times, most recently in 2016, and are the WE League's inaugural champions. INAC is short for International Athletic Club.

These two have met in the final twice before, in 2008 and 2018, and Beleza won both times. They played to a 2 - 2 draw in the WE League Cup group stage on September 10th.

Match No. 47: NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza [4 - 0] INAC Kobe Leonessa

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In the SPFL Championship, Arbroath visit Cappielow. Morton are fifth in the division with 30 points, Arbroath ninth with 18. But so far this season Arbroath have a win and a draw against Morton. Both teams were knocked out of the Scottish Cup last weekend, Morton by Celtic, Arbroath by Motherwell. Morton have not won a game since November 26th. Arbroath have won one game since then.

Morton have signed George Oakley, an English striker who previously played for Wimbledon, Kingstonian, Welling United, Maidstone United, ICT, Hamilton, Pirin Blagoevgrad (in Bulgaria), Kilmarnock, Woking, and ICT again.

Lewis Strapp is injured.

Jaze Kabia is on loan from Livingston to Queen of the South.

Lawrence Shankland (Morton 2017) has become the first Hearts player in 31 years to score 20 goals in all competitions.

Here's a trend. In 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 there were four non-Old Firm clubs with a positive goal difference in the Premiership. In 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 there were three. In 2020-21 and 2021-22 there was one, and there's only one right now.

[Morton 1 - 2 Arbroath. Goal by Oakley.]

The other Championship matches:

Cove Rangers (8th) 0 - 5 Ayr United (2nd) (last night)

Dundee (3rd) [3 - 0] Queen's Park (1st)

Partick Thistle (4th) [0 - 1] Hamilton Academical (10th)

Raith Rovers (7th) [2 - 2] Inverness CT (6th)

Scottish Cup, Round Four:

Linlithgow Rose 0 - 2 Raith Rovers (January 24)

Elgin 2 - 1 Drumchapel (January 24)

Challenge Cup QF:

Dundee 4 - 2 Dunfermline (January 24)

Other matches:

UCD 0 - 1 Bray Wanderers (friendly) (January 25)

PEC Zwolle 4 - 1 TOP Oss (yesterday)

PEC are top of their division.

Gala Fairydean Rovers [1 - 0] Cumbernauld Colts

Forres Mechanics [1 - 2] Turriff United

Auchinleck Talbot 3 - 0 Largs Thistle (January 25)

Cumnock Juniors [0 - 1] Largs Thistle

FC Isle of Man [1 - 4] Squires Gate

Young Boys vs Winterthur (tomorrow)

Renfrew vs Morton Women (tomorrow)

Canada

The first round of the Canadian Championship will be played the weekend of April 18th. As the Wanderers Ground is not considered playable that early in the year (same for Calgary and Winnipeg) HFX Wanderers will play away.

HFX Wanderers have signed 22-year old English midfielder Callum Watson from Creighton University in Nebraska.

Historical matches:

January 28, 1967    Morton 0 - 1 Clyde

During their winningest league season Morton were knocked out of the Scottish Cup in Round One.

Elfen Saitama in the Empress's Cup:

(as AS Elfen Sayama FC)

第19回    R2    Tasaki Perule 9 - 0 AS Elfen Sayama

第23回    R2    AS Elfen Sayama 0 - 3 Shimizu Daihachi Sports Club

第24回    R2    JEF United 3 - 1 AS Elfen Sayama

第25回    R1    Butchigiri 0 - 8 AS Elfen Sayama

               R2    YKK Tohoku Women's SC Flappers 4 - 0 AS Elfen Sayama

第26回    R1    Kanagawa University Women' SC 6 - 1 AS Elfen Sayama

第27回    R1    Iga FC Fraulein 0 - 3 AS Elfen Sayama

               R2    Urawa Red Diamonds 5 - 0 AS Elfen Sayama

第28回    R2    Kamimura Gakuen High School 0 - 2 AS Elfen Sayama

               R3    AS Elfen Sayama 1 - 2 Okayama Yunogo Belle

第29回    R2    Hooh High School 0 - 1 AS Elfen Sayama

               R3    AS Elfen Sayama 1 - 2 Ohara Gakuen JaSRA

第30回    R2    AS Elfen Sayama 2 - 3 Waseda University

第31回    R1    AS Elfen Sayama 11 - 0 Oita Trinita Ladies

               R2    NTV Menina 0 - 1 AS Elfen Sayama

               R3    Speranza FC Takatsuki 1 - 3 AS Elfen Sayama

               QF    AS Elfen Sayama 0 - 2 INAC Kobe Leonessa

第32回    R2    Fujieda Junshin High School 1 - 1 AS Elfen Sayama (Fujieda won on PK)

第33回    R2    Kanto Gakuen University 0 - 3 AS Elfen Sayama

               R3    AS Elfen Sayama 1 - 0 Fukuoka J. Anclas

               QF    INAC Kobe Leonessa 2 - 0 AS Elfen Sayama

第34回    R2    Japan Soccer College Ladies 0 - 1 AS Elfen Sayama

               R3    AS Elfen Sayama 2 - 1 Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki

               QF    INAC Kobe Leonessa 4 - 0 AS Elfen Sayama

第35回    R1    Nagano Parceiro 0 - 5 AS Elfen Sayama

               R2    AS Elfen Sayama 2 - 0 Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita

               R3    Okayama Yunogo Belle 4 - 3 AS Elfen Sayama

(as AS Elfen Saitama)

第36回    R3    Iga FC Kunichi 3 - 1 AS Elfen Saitama

第37回    R2    AS Elfen Saitama 2 - 0 FC Kibi International University Charme

               R3    Okayama Yunogo Belle 2 - 6 AS Elfen Saitama

               QF    AS Elfen Saitama 0 - 2 INAC Kobe Leonessa

(as Chifure AS Elfen Saitama)

第38回    R2    Chifure AS Elfen Saitama 3 - 1 Hinomoto Gakuen High School

               R3    Albirex Niigata 1 - 0 Chifure AS Elfen Saitama

第39回    R2    Chifure AS Elfen Saitama 1 - 0 Aichi Toho University

               R3    Nojima Stella 0 - 0 Chifure AS Elfen Saitama (Nojima Stella won on PK)

第40回    R1    JFA Academy Fukushima 1 - 0 Chifure AS Elfen Saitama

第41回    R2    Chifure AS Elfen Saitama 3 - 0 NGU Loveledge Nagoya

               R3    Albirex Niigata 2 - 2 Chifure AS Elfen Saitama (Elfen Saitama won on PK)

               QF    Chifure AS Elfen Saitama 3 - 2 Orca Kamogawa

               SF    NTV Beleza 2 - 1 Chifure AS Elfen Saitama

第42回    R2    Chifure AS Elfen Saitama 1 - 0 Nippon Sport Science University Fields Yokohama

               R3    Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies 3 - 0 Chifure AS Elfen Saitama

第43回    R4    Chifure AS Elfen Saitama 0 - 2 Albirex Niigata

第44回    R4    Chifure AS Elfen Saitama 2 - 1 Iga FC Kunoichi Mie

               QF    Nojima Stella 0 - 2 Chifure AS Elfen Saitama

               SF    INAC Kobe Leonessa 2 - 1 Chifure AS Elfen Saitama

Yuki Kobayashi

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou continued to mine his J League connections in December by signing midfielder Yuki Kobayashi, formerly of Vissel Kobe, Machida Zelvia and Yokohama FC. Kobayashi scored in Vissel Kobe's 2021/6/16 Emperor's Cup match against Suzuka Point Getters. Source.

It's the Scottish Cup, Round Four, when the Premiership clubs join in. Together there are 32 teams: all twelve from the Premiership, all ten of the Championship clubs, three each from League One and League Two, and one each from the Lowland League, the East of Scotland League Premier Division, the West of Scotland League Premier Division, and the West of Scotland League First Division.

Linlithgow Rose, Darvel and Drumchapel United have been in it since the preliminary round, making this the fifth game for each of them.

The biggest fixture is the Edinburgh Derby, Hibs versus Hearts. The diddiest is Elgin City (tier IV) vs Drumchapel United (tier VII).

Morton visit Celtic. The game is an early start to accommodate BBC One. This will be Morton's first encounter with the Video Assistant Referee and the first Scottish Cup match to feature that technology.

Morton and Celtic have been drawn together 14 times before in the history of the Scottish Cup. Morton have won only once, in the semi-finals of the 1947-48 cup. Morton's last win of any kind against Celtic came in the third round of the 2013-14 League Cup. Imrie scored.

Morton have not had a win of any kind since November 26th, when they knocked Queen of the South out in the last round of this cup. Celtic have not had a loss since November 2nd when Real Madrid beat them in the Champions League, and they have not lost to a Scottish club since September 18th when St Mirren beat them in league play.

If Morton want to play in Europe this summer they have to win this match and go on to lift the Scottish Cup.

Celtic currently have six Japanese players in their roster. For their part Heart of Midlothian are loading up on Australians and now have four.

Scott Fox, the emergency goalkeeper who saved Morton's bacon in the 2021 playoffs, has signed with Cove Rangers.

[Celtic 5 - 0 Morton.]

The other Scottish Cup matches:

St Johnstone [0 - 1] Rangers

These two have met 13 times before in the Scottish Cup. St Johnstone won the last time.

St Mirren [0 - 0] Dundee [St Mirren win on PK]

They've been drawn together 9 times before, and Dundee have won 6 times.

Hamilton Accies [0 - 0] Ross County [Accies win on PK]    Upset

This is only their second Scottish Cup match. Hamilton won the first one in 2009.

Arbroath [0 - 2] Motherwell

Motherwell have won all four previous meetings.

Kilmarnock [1 - 0] Dumbarton

Dumbarton are ahead historically, three games to two.

Stenny [1 - 3] Livi

They met once before, in 1979, and Livi (or rather Meadowbank Thistle) won.

Dundee United [3 - 0] University of Stirling

First meeting ever.

Inverness CT vs Queen's Park [postponed]

Just a Championship fixture.

Cove Rangers vs Ayr United [postponed]

Just another Championship fixture.

Partick Thistle [1 - 1] Dumfermline [Partick win on PK]

The met in this cup just last year.

Linlithgow Rose vs Raith Rovers [postponed]

They met in the 2014-15 Scottish Cup.

Alloa [1 - 2] Falkirk

Just a League One fixture.

Elgin vs Drumchapel United [postponed]

Drumchapel United have only been around since 2001 and are thus the youngest club in this round.

Hibs [0 - 3] Hearts (tomorrow)

These two have met 29 times before in the Scottish Cup. Hearts are ahead 17 to 12.

Darvel [1 - 0] Aberdeen (Monday)    UPSET

First meeting ever.

Other matches:

PEC Zwolle 2 - 0 VVV-Venlo (yesterday)

I think VVV-Venlo must have been the inspiration for V-Varen Nagasaki.

Keith vs Forres Mechanics [postponed]

Largs Thistle [1 - 3] Beith Juniors

FC Isle of Man [0 - 3] Vauxhall Motors

Winterthur vs Servette [postponed]

ICT vs Morton Women (tomorrow) [postponed]

Challenge Cup QF:

Dundee vs Dunfermline (January 17) (postponed again)

South Challenge Cup Round Two:

Lesmahagow 0 - 3 Whitletts Victoria (August 17)

Round Three:

Schotts Bon Accord vs Dundonald Blue Bell [postponed]

Luncarty vs Thornton Hibs [postponed]

Threave Rovers vs Whitletts Victoria [postponed]

The semi-finals of the 44th Empress's Cup (tomorrow):

Match No. 45: Beleza [3 - 1] Albirex Niigata

Match No. 46: INAC Kobe Leonessa [2 - 1] Elfen Saitama

Other Japan:

FC Kagura Shimane of the JFL is being sued by staff for non-payment of wages.

Canada:

Former HFX Wanderers attacker Alex Marshall is training with Harbour View FC of the Jamaican league. Wanderers have signed goalkeeper Yann Fillion from IFK Mariehamn in Finland. They've also signed defender Riley Ferrazzo, another player from Vaughan Azzurri.

Historical matches:

January 21, 1967    Raith Rovers 0 - 1 Morton

A) The last time Morton beat each 2022-23 Premiership club:

2022/7/20      Hibs 0 - 3 Morton    League Cup group stage

2019/5/4        Morton 1 - 0 Dundee United    Championship

2019/1/4        Morton 1 - 0 Ross County    Championship

2017/8/12      Morton 4 - 1 St Mirren    Championship

2016/7/23      Kilmarnock 0 - 2 Morton    League Cup group stage

2016/4/9        Morton 2 - 1 Livingston    Championship

2015/9/20      Morton 3 - 2 Motherwell    League Cup R3   

2013/9/24      Celtic 0 - 1 Morton    League Cup R3

2006/9/12      Morton 3 - 2 St Johnstone    Challenge Cup QF

1988/4/9        Morton 3 - 2 Rangers    Premier Division

1984/8/18      Hearts 1 - 2 Morton    Premier Division

1982/4/17      Morton 2 - 1 Aberdeen    Premier Division

B) Celtic versus lower-league clubs since 2013:

2022/2/13      Celtic 4 - 0 Raith Rovers    Scottish Cup R5

2022/1/22      Alloa 1 - 2 Celtic                 Scottish Cup R4

2021/9/23      Celtic 3 - 0 Raith Rovers    League Cup QF

2021/4/3        Celtic 3 - 0 Falkirk               Scottish Cup R3

2020/2/9        Clyde 0 - 3 Celtic                Scottish Cup R5

2020/1/18      Partick 1 - 2 Celtic              Scottish Cup R4

2019/9/25      Celtic 5 - 0 Partick              League Cup QF

2019/8/17      Celtic 2 - 1 Dunfermline      League Cup R2

2019/1/19      Celtic 3 - 0 Airdrieonians    Scottish Cup R4

2018/8/18      Partick 1 - 3 Celtic              League Cup R2

2018/3/3        Celtic 3 - 0 Morton             Scottish Cup QF

2018/1/20      Celtic 5 - 0 Brechin            Scottish Cup R4

2017/3/5        Celtic 4 - 1 St Mirren          Scottish Cup QF

2017/1/22      Albion Rovers 0 - 3 Celtic  Scottish Cup R4

2016/9/21      Celtic 2 - 0 Alloa                 League Cup QF

2016/4/17      Rangers 2 - 2 Celtic            Scottish Cup SF (Rangers won on PK)

2016/3/6        Celtic 3 - 0 Morton             Scottish Cup QF

2016/2/7        East Kilbride 0 - 2 Celtic    Scottish Cup R5

2016/1/10      Stranraer 0 - 3 Celtic          Scottish Cup R4

2015/9/23      Celtic 2 - 0 Raith Rovers    League Cup R3

2015/2/1        Celtic 2 - 0 Rangers           League Cup SF

2014/11/30    Hearts 0 - 4 Celtic              Scottish Cup R4

2014/9/24      Celtic 3 - 0 Hearts              League Cup R3

2013/9/24      Celtic 0 - 1 Morton              League Cup R4

C) Celtic's biggest wins against Morton:

1965/12/25    Celtic 8 - 1 Morton              league

1932/8/27      Celtic 7 - 1 Morton              league

1967/10/11    Celtic 7 - 1 Morton              League Cup SF

1985/3/23      Morton 2 - 7 Celtic              league

1945/1/6        Celtic 6 - 1 Morton              Southern League

1908/8/15      Morton 0 - 5 Celtic              league

1925/10/24    Morton 0 - 5 Celtic              league

1984/9/1        Celtic 5 - 0 Morton              league

[2023/1/23     Celtic 5 - 0 Morton              Scottish Cup R4]

D) Morton's biggest wins against Celtic:

1942/9/12      Morton 4 - 0 Celtic              Southern League

1948/1/17      Morton 4 - 0 Celtic              league

The Miramichi Buildings

The Miramichi Buildings in Port Glasgow were offices for a lumber yard on the Clyde shore where timbers from New Brunswick were offloaded and sawn up. The site is now a Tesco Extra. It would be interesting to hear how people in Port Glasgow pronounced Miramichi, but the memory of that might be lost. (People in New Brunswick say MEERmiSHEE.) Source.

Morton visit Hamilton. Morton are fifth in the division with 30 points, Hamilton tenth with 11. Hamilton are in dire shape this season. They have only 2 wins in league play, the last one coming October 18th. They have not scored in a league match since November 11th.

But they're into the Challenge Cup semi-finals. (See below.)

Morton have a win and a draw against the Accies so far this season.

Compare and contrast the Accies and Morton. So far in the 21st Century Hamilton have spent ten seasons in the Premiership, Morton zero. But they each suffered a plunge to the bottom division early in the century: Hamilton were in Division Three in 2000-01, Morton 2002-03. Attendance is about the same: when Morton visited Hamilton July 30th, attendance was 1,357. When Hamilton visited Morton October 8th it was 1,361.

Morton have acquired striker Ally Roy on loan from Glentoran. Roy has also played for Hearts, East Stirlingshire, Stenny, Dumbarton, Sligo Rovers, Derry City, Partick Thistle, Airdrieonians and Queen of the South. While with Queen of the South he scored against Morton in the August 21, 2021 match at Cappielow.

Jaze Kabia has returned to Livingston. Darren Hynes has signed with Clyde.

[Hamilton 1 - 0 Morton.]

The other Championship matches:

Ayr United (2nd) [2 - 2] Arbroath (9th)

Cove Rangers (8th) [2 - 2] Raith Rovers (7th)

Dundee (3rd) vs Partick Thistle (4th) [postponed]

Inverness CT (6th) [0 - 0] Queen's Park (1st)

The Challenge Cup quarter-finals were held midweek:

Hamilton Accies 3 - 2 Clyde (January 10)

Queen of the South 0 - 0 Kelty Hearts (January 10) (QoS won on PK.)

Queen's Park 0 - 1 Raith Rovers (January 11)

Dundee vs Dunfermline (postponed)

Also, it's the League Cup semi-finals:

Celtic [2 - 0] Kilmarnock

Rangers [2 - 1] Aberdeen (tomorrow)

This set of four clubs has never met up in the League Cup semi-finals before.

The Scottish League Cup had been branded the Premier Sports Cup since 2021, in honour of an Irish pay TV channel, but Premier Sports has been bought out by Viaplay and so in November the cup was rebranded the Viaplay Cup.

Other matches:

Celtic B [2 - 4] Gala Fairydean Rovers

Forres Mechanics [0 - 8] Brora Rangers

Longridge Town vs FC Isle of Man [postponed]

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy vs Largs Thistle [postponed]

Heracles Almelo [0 - 3] PEC Zwolle (tomorrow)

Morton Women [0 - 4] Hutchison Vale (tomorrow)

KNVB Beker, Round Two:

Feyenoord 3 - 1 PEC Zwolle (January 12)

Canada:

Aidan Daniels and Jake Ruby have signed contract extensions with HFX Wanderers. The club has signed midfielder Lorenzo Callegari from FC Chambly in the French fourth tier.

CF Montréal are in hot water for hiring a guy who once called for Pauline Marois to be shot. Story.

44th Empress's Cup, quarter-finals (tomorrow):

Match No. 41: Beleza [3 - 0] Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Match No. 42: Albirex Niigata [1 - 0] Omija Ardija Ventus

Match No. 43: Urawa Red Diamonds [1 - 2] INAC Kobe Leonessa

Match No. 44: Nojima Stella [0 - 2] Elfen Saitama

Waseda University in the Empress's Cup:

第27回    R1    Seiwa Gakuen High School 0 - 2 Waseda University

               R2    NTV Beleza 5 - 0 Waseda University

第28回    R1    FC Adooma 0 - 4 Waseda University

               R2    Waseda University 1 - 0 Albirex Niigata

               R3    Waseda University 0 - 2 TEPCO Malise

第30回    R1    Butchigiri 0 - 8 Waseda University

               R2    AS Elfen Sayama 2 - 3 Waseda University

               R3    Urawa Red Diamonds 3 - 0 Waseda University

第31回    R1    Hinomoto Gakuen High School 3 - 7 Waseda University

               R2    Ohara Gakuen JaSRA 1 - 1 Waseda University (Ohara won on PK)

第33回    R2    Waseda University 6 - 2 Jumonji High School

               R3    INAC Kobe Leonessa 1 - 0 Waseda University

第34回    R1    Fukui High School of Fukui Institute of Technology 0 - 3 Waseda University

               R2    Hokkaido Otani Muroran High School 1 - 5 Waseda University

               R3    INAC Kobe Leonessa 1 - 0 Waseda University

第35回    R1    Waseda University 3 - 0 Sendai University

               R2    Waseda University 4 - 0 Japan Soccer College

               R3    Waseda University 0 - 4 NTV Beleza

第37回    R1    Waseda University 1 - 0 Fukuoka J. Anclas

               R2    AS Harima Albion 2 - 2 Waseda University (Waseda won on PK)

               R3    NTV Beleza 5 - 0 Waseda University

第38回    R1    Fukuoka J. Anclas 0 - 5 Waseda University

               R2    Nojima Stella 3 - 2 Waseda University

第39回    R1    Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita 1 - 3 Waseda University

               R2    Ehime FC 0 - 1 Waseda University

               R3    Waseda University 1 - 1 INAC Kobe Leonessa (Waseda won on PK)

               QF    Nojima Stella 4 - 3 Waseda University

第40回    R1    Fukuoka J. Anclas 0 - 3 Waseda University

               R2    MyNavi Vegalta Sendai 2 - 0 Waseda University

第41回    R1    Waseda University 3 - 1 Kibi International University Charme Okayama Takahashi

               R2    Nippon Sport Science University Fields Yokohama 1 - 0 Waseda University

第42回    R1    Waseda University 5 - 0 Okayama Yunogo Belle

               R2    AS Harima Albion 2 - 1 Waseda University

第43回    R1    Waseda University 4 - 0 Shikoku Gakuin University Kagawa Nishi High School

               R2    Sfida Setagaya 1 - 0 Waseda University

第44回    R1    Bunnys Gunma FC White Star 1 - 3 Waseda University

               R2    Loveledge Nagoya 1 - 2 Waseda University

               R3    Orca Kamogawa 0 - 0 Waseda University (Waseda won on PK)

               R4    Omiya Ardija Ventus 1 - 0 Waseda University

Historical matches:

January 14, 1967    Clydebank 0 - 1 Morton

January 14, 1978    Morton 2 - 0 Stirling Albion

Two for Goldthorp.

Greenock Morton Goalscorers, Part 12

Gary Oliver's 2018-19 Match Attax card. Source.

Goalscorers who left the club in 2022:

Jimmy Knowles

2021/10/9      SO    Links Park    Montrose              Lennox    Challenge Cup

Michael Ledger

2021/11/20      5'    Stark's Park    Raith Rovers    MacDonald    league

Oisin McEntee

2022/2/22      80'    Firhill    Partick Thistle                Sneddon    league

Brian McLean

2019/8/23      80'    Cappielow    Partick Thistle                Fox    league

Gary Oliver

2016/7/23        7'    Rugby Park    Kilmarnock       MacDonald    League Cup

2016/9/17      24'    Cappielow    Dunfermline               Hutton    league

2016/10/15    36'    Palmerston    QoS                     Robinson    league

2016/10/29    89'    Cappielow    Ayr United               Fleming    league

2016/11/1      68'    Cappielow    St Mirren                Langfield    league

2016/12/17    79'    Cappielow    Hibs                         Laidlaw    league

2017/1/28      31'    Somerset    Ayr United                Fleming    league

2017/1/28      65'    Somerset    Ayr United                Fleming    league

2017/11/21    34'    East End    Dunfermline             Murdoch    league

2017/12/2        4'    Cappielow    Brechin                       Smith    league

2018/1/20      24'    East End    Dunfermline        Robinson    Scottish Cup

2018/2/3        90'    Cappielow    Dunfermline          Robinson    league

2018/3/13      88'    Almondvale    Livingston          Alexander    league

2018/8/14      39'    Dumbarton    Dumbarton            Adam    Challenge Cup

2018/11/3      23'    Cappielow    Partick Thistle               Bell    league

2020/10/31    83'    Cappielow    Ayr United              Sinisalo    league

2021/3/20      61'    Cappielow    QoS                     Ferguson    league

2021/5/8          5'    Links Park    Montrose                Fleming    playoff

2021/5/11        5'    Cappielow    Montrose                Fleming    playoff

2021/5/21      44'    Cappielow    Airdrieonians             Currie    playoff

2021/7/13      SO    Cappielow    East Kilbride         Brennan    League Cup

2021/7/20      SO    Rugby Park    Kilmarnock        Hemming    League Cup

2021/7/31      23'    Cappielow    Dunfermline            Mehmet    league

2021/10/2      55'    Cappielow    Arbroath                   Gaston    league

2021/11/6      13'    East End    Dunfermline              Williams    league

2021/11/6      87'    East End    Dunfermline              Williams    league

2021/12/18    74'    Gayfield    Arbroath                      Gaston    league

2022/1/8        35'    Cappielow    Dunfermline           Williams    league

Gavin Reilly

2021/10/9      SO    Links Park    Montrose              Lennox    Challenge Cup

2021/12/7      SO    Cappielow    Inverness CT        Ridgers    Scottish Cup

2021/11/27    81'    Caledonian    Inverness CT        Ridgers    league

2022/1/8        45'    Cappielow    Dunfermline          Williams    league

2022/1/15      27'    Somerset    Ayr United            McAdams    league

2022/1/15      61'    Somerset    Ayr United            McAdams    league

2022/2/12      80'    Cappielow    QoS                             Rae    league

2022/3/12      76'    Cappielow    Partick Thistle      Sneddon    league

Mark Russell

2015/1/10      69'    Ochilview   Stenhousemuir        Fleming    league

2015/2/21      91'    Cappielow    Stranraer               Mitchell    league

2015/3/28      90'    East End    Dunfermline                Scully    league

2015/5/2        39'    Cappielow    Peterhead                 Smith    league

2016/11/12    69'    Dumbarton    Dumbarton              Martin    league

(Mark Russell had returned to Morton after stints with Falkirk and Finn Harps, but did not add to his goal total.)

Gozie Ugwu

2021/7/13      SO    Cappielow    East Kilbride     Brennan    League Cup GS

2021/7/20      SO    Rugby Park    Kilmarnock    Hemming    League Cup GS

2021/8/7        40'    New Douglas    Hamilton             Fulton    league

2021/11/6      60'    East End    Dunfermline            Williams    league

2021/12/4      26'    Cappielow    Ayr United            Albinson    league

2021/12/4      84'    Cappielow    Ayr United            Albinson    league

2021/12/7      SO    Cappielow    Inverness CT        Ridgers    Scottish Cup

2021/12/11    45'    Cappielow    Inverness CT         Ridgers    league

2022/1/28      25'    Cappielow    Raith Rovers    MacDonald    league

2022/4/1        59'    Cappielow    Kilmarnock          Hemming    league

Iain Wilson

2022/3/18      42'    East End    Dunfermline          Stolarczyk    league

The Firhill Tavern

The Firhill Tavern, 740 Garscube Road, anchoring the neighbourhood in the 1970s. Source.

Morton visit Partick Thistle at Firhill Stadium. Morton are 4th with 30 points after 18 games. Partick are 5th with 30 points after 20 games. So far each side has taken a win from the other.

Though they're in fourth place Morton lead the Championship in two important categories: fewest losses (4) and fewest goals allowed (19). For their part Partick are averaging 2 goals scored per game, the best in the division; Morton score one and a half per game. Partick Thistle are very streaky this season. They were six games without a loss beginning with the League Cup group stage in July, but put up six straight losses in October and November.

Darren Hynes and Lewis McGregor have left Morton. Kyle Jacobs, who has been on loan to FC Edinburgh since July, has left Morton and signed with FC Edinburgh properly.

Lawrence Shankland and Kyogo Furuhashi are neck and neck in the Premiership scoring race with 15 goals apiece.

Cove Rangers fired their manager Jim McIntyre after that 6 - 1 loss to ICT Monday and quickly rehired Paul Hartley. He got them into the Championship back in April and then left for Hartlepool (because naming is destiny) where he won 1 game out of 11 and was sacked.

[Partick Thistle 2 - 1 Morton. Morton goal by Baird.]

The other Championship matches:

Raith Rovers (6th) 1 - 1 Dundee (2nd) (last night)

Arbroath (9th) [1 - 4] ICT (7th)

Ayr (3rd) [1 - 0] Hamilton (10th)

Cove Rangers (8th) [0 - 6] Queen's Park (1st)

Other matches:

Gala Fairydean Rovers 2 - 0 Edinburgh University (January 3)

Gala Fairydean Rovers [0 - 4] Caledonian Braves (today)

Forres Mechanics [8 - 1] Strathspey Thistle

FC Isle of Man [1 - 3] Kendal Town

Cambuslang [2 - 2] Largs Thistle

PEC Zwolle 3 - 2 Almere City FC (yesterday)

Scottish Women's Cup, R4:

Ayr United [4 - 4] Morton (tomorrow) [Ayr win on PK.]

Canada

Valour FC have signed Marcello Polisi, who spent the past two seasons with HFX Wanderers. Fumpa Mwandwe has been loaned out to Newtown AFC of the Welsh league until the end of February.

The Canadian Premier League website had nothing new to say about anything from December 24th until January 3rd. In contrast, Plenty of Nothing updates every day.

The 2022-23 Championship clubs ranked by number of years in the top Scottish division:

98    Dundee

86    Partick Thistle

54    Morton

49    Hamilton Academical

42    Queen's Park

37    Raith Rovers

36    Ayr United

12    Inverness CT

10    Arbroath

  0    Cove Rangers

Historical matches:

January 3, 1967    East Stirlingshire 1 - 2 Morton

January 7, 1978    Alloa 0 - 5 Morton

Goals by Billy Thomas, Charlie Brown (see below), Goldthorp and Ritchie (2).

Northern FC in the Glasgow Cup:

1887/9/17      R1    Northern 4 - 0 Whitefield

1887/10/15    R2    bye

1887/10/29    R3    Cowlairs 7 - 1 Northern

1888/9/15      R1    Pollokshaws 1 - 4 Northern

1888/10/6      R2    Northern 10 - 0 Pollokshaws Harp

1888/11/3      R3    Northern 5 - 5 Queen's Park

1888/11/10    R3    Queen's Park W - L Northern

1889/10/12    R2    Northern 3 - 6 Rangers

1890/10/4      R1    Kelvinside Athletic scr/wo Northern

1890/11/11    R2    Northern 1 - 2 Celtic

1891/9/19      R1    Northern 4 - 3 Thistle

1891/10/10    R2    bye

1891/11/7      R3    Celtic 3 - 2 Northern

1892/9/7        R1    Rangers 6 - 2 Northern

1893/9/16      R1    Northern 3 - 1 Cameronians

1893/10/7      R2    Northern 2 - 3 Celtic

1894/9/15      R1    3rd LRV 5 - 0 Northern

1895/9/21      R1    Clyde 3 - 0 Northern

(Source: Scottish Football Historical Archive)

This'll Cuir Yer Heidache, Angus

Hogmanay, 1947. Source.

Morton host Ayr United. Ayr are third with 32 points, Morton are fourth with 30.

Morton's league campaign is half over (though they've played Raith Rovers three times and Queen's Park only once). If Morton keep to their first-half form they'll end the season with 60 points. (Compare other recent halfway marks below.) Morton have allowed the fewest goals in the division and are even with Dundee for fewest losses and have not lost a league match in two months.

Four Championship clubs are showing signs of financial distress, and for once Morton is not one of them.

Michael Garrity is back from Dumbarton. Grimshaw, Gillespie and Crawford have signed contract extensions.

[Morton have signed midfielder Calvin Miller, formerly of Celtic, Dundee, Ayr, Harrogate Town, Notts County and Chesterfield.]

[Morton vs Ayr is postponed due to a frozen pitch.]

The other Championship matches:

Dundee (1st) [2 - 4] Arbroath (9th)

Hamilton Academical (10th) [0 - 1] Raith Rovers (6th)

Inverness CT (7th) [6 - 1] Cove Rangers (8th)

Queen's Park (2nd) [2 - 0] Partick Thistle (5th)

[Queen's Park take over first place.]

Other matches:

Avro 0 - 1 FC Isle of Man (December 28)

Isle of Man are 17th out of 22 in the NWCFL Premier Division.

Lossiemouth 0 - 0 Forres Mechanics (December 30)

Forres Mechanics are mid-table in the Highland League.

Glenafton 0 - 1 Largs Thistle (December 30)

Largs are mid-table in the West of Scotland League Premier Division.

Berwick Rangers 2 - 1 Gala Fairydean Rovers (December 31)

Gala Fairydean are mid-table in the Lowland League.

FC Isle of Man [3 - 4] Burscough

72nd All Japan University Football Tournament final (yesterday):

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2 - 3 Toin University of Yokohama

Canada

Two Atlético Ottawa players are trying out at Atlético San Luis in Liga MX.

Video: Former HFX Wanderer Iida Kodai and teammates explore Melbourne at Christmastime.

Morton's point total at Hogmanay, the past decade:

Dec 31, 2022        30

Dec 31, 2021        14    (season started at the normal time)

Dec 31, 2020        14    (season started late)

Dec 31, 2019        19

Dec 31, 2018        25

Dec 31, 2017        26

Dec 31, 2016        28

Dec 31, 2015        24

Dec 31, 2014        31    (League One)

Dec 31, 2013          9

Historical matches:

December 26, 1966    Morton 6 - 0 Third Lanark

This was Morton's last ever match against Third Lanark who folded at the end the season.

December 31, 1966    Hamilton Academical 1 - 2 Morton

January 2, 1967    Morton 0 - 2 Cowdenbeath

This was Morton's first loss since September 21st.

December 31, 1977    Morton 2 - 1 Montrose

Goals by Davie Hayes and Andy Ritchie.

January 2, 1978    Dumbarton 1 - 4 Morton

Goals by Charlie Brown, Goldthorp and Ritchie (2).

About the East of Scotland League

The present East of Scotland League was founded in 1923, one hundred years ago. You can see year by year final standings here at the Scottish Football Historical Archive.

In 1987 the league was sorted into two tiers, the Premier Division and First Division. This format remained in place until 2015 when the number of teams defecting to the new Lowland League reduced the EoSL back to a single division. The 2016-17 EoSL finished with only 11 teams, its lowest membership since 1947. Subsequently the league took a page from the Lowland League's operating manual and began to ransack the SJFL East Region, collecting junior clubs that wished to join the pyramid. This year the EoSL has 60 clubs in four divisions.

Currently Linlithgow Rose are top club in the EoSL.

What teams were in the 2012-13 East of Scotland League, and where are they now?

2012-13 Premier Division

Whitehall Welfare    EoSL First Div., after 6 years in the Lowland League

Stirling University    Lowland League

The Spartans    Lowland League

Gretna 2008    Lowland League

Edinburgh City    SPFL League One

Lothian Thistle HV    EoSL Premier Div.

Preston Athletic    EoSL First Div., after 4 years in the Lowland League

Civil Service Strollers    Lowland League

Vale of Leithen    EoSL Premier Div., after 9 years in the Lowland League

Heriot-Watt University    EoSL Second Div.

Edinburgh University    Lowland League

Tynecastle    EoSL, Premier Div.

2012-13 First Division

Craigroyston    EoSL Second Div.

Coldstream    EoSL First Div.

Leith Athletic    EoSL First Div.

Berwick Rangers reserves    Berwick Rangers' first team is in the Lowland League

Eyemouth United    folded 2021

Easthouses Lily MW    EoSL second Div.

Gala Fairydean    Lowland League as Gala Fairydean Rovers

Kelso United    Border Amateur League as Kelso United Thistle

Selkirk    Folded in August 2018 after 5 years in the Lowland League

Duns    Border Amateur League

Ormiston    EoSL Second Div.

Peebles Rovers    EoSL Second Div.

Burntisland Shipyard    EoSL First Div.

Hawick Royal Albert    EoSL Second Div. as Hawick Royal Albert United

Art Deco Kirkcaldy

Raith Cinema. Source.

Morton travel to Kirkcaldy for a Christmas Eve Eve match against Raith Rovers. These two teams met just thirteen days ago in the Challenge Cup Round Four, when Raith won on penalty kicks. Morton are fourth in the division with 29 points, Raith sixth with 23.

Dougie Imrie has been Morton manager a full year, and is 17th out of 42 in terms of seniority among current SPFL managers.

Rumour has Lewis Strapp going to Dinamo Tbilisi.

[Raith Rovers 2 - 2 Greenock Morton. Robbie Muirhead scored for Morton and there was an own goal.]

The other Championship matches:

Arbroath (9th) [1 - 4] Queen's Park (3rd)

Ayr United (1st) [0 - 2] Dundee (2nd)

Cove Rangers (8th) [2 - 0] Hamilton Academical (10th)

Partick Thistle (5th) [5 - 1] Inverness CT (7th)

Other matches:

Gala Fairydean Rovers [1 - 3] The Spartans

Forres Mechanics [1 - 0] Lossiemouth

Elfen Saitama [1 - 2] Nojima Stella (December 25)

Canada:

HFX Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar has brought in his assistant coach from Vaughan Azzurri, Jorden Feliciano. As Stephen Hart built his team around a group of Trinidadian players, so Gheisar is bringing in the Vaughan Azzurri talent, signing Azzurri forward Massimo Ferrin. Former Wanderer Elliot Simmons has signed with Vancouver FC.

The CPL is now talking about talking to the players' union.

Historical matches:

December 24, 1966    Arbroath 0 - 0 Morton

Morton played Arbroath three times this season and each game ended 0 - 0.

December 24, 1977    Dundee 3 - 1 Morton

Morton goal by George Anderson. After 20 games Morton were in second place, three points behind Dundee.

Morton's record on December 23rd:

2017    Morton 1 - 0 Inverness CT

2006    Morton 1 - 0 Raith Rovers

1989    Morton 1 - 1 Raith Rovers

1978    Morton 1 - 0 Celtic

1972    Aberdeen 3 - 0 Morton

1967    Morton 0 - 4 Celtic

1961    Morton 1 - 0 Berwick Rangers

1944    Morton 1 - 3 Motherwell

1939    Albion Rovers 3 - 1 Morton

1933    Morton 1 - 0 King's Park

1922    Hibs 0 - 1 Morton

1916    Morton 3 - 0 Hamilton

1911    Celtic 1 - 1 Morton

1905    Celtic 4 - 0 Morton

1899    Ayr FC 1 - 4 Morton

1882    Morton 2 - 1 Thornliebank (protested)

Morton's record on Christmas Eve:

2016    Morton 1 - 0 Queen of the South

1988    Morton 1 - 1 Forfar

1977    Dundee 3 - 1 Morton

1966    Arbroath 0 - 0 Morton

1960    Falkirk 3 - 0 Morton

1955    Morton 1 - 1 Alloa

1949    St Johnstone 1 - 1 Morton

1938    Morton 0 - 2 East Fife

1932    Morton 3 - 1 East Stirlingshire

1927    Morton 1 - 0 Arbroath

1921    Morton 2 - 1 Aberdeen

1910    Morton 1 - 1 Celtic

1904    Kilmarnock 1 - 0 Morton

1898    Morton 6 - 1 Hamilton Academical

1892    Morton 7 - 3 Dykebar

1887    Morton 11 - 0  1st RRV

Morton's record on Christmas Day:

1971    Kilmarnock 4 - 2 Morton

1965    Celtic 8 - 1 Morton

1954    Third Lanark 4 - 1 Morton

1948    Partick Thistle 1 - 0 Morton

1943    Morton 3 - 2 Falkirk

1937    Dundee 2 - 2 Morton

1930    Morton 4 - 2 St Mirren

1926    Dunfermline 1 - 1 Morton

1920    Airdrieonians 3 - 2 Morton

1915    Morton 0 - 1 Partick Thistle

1909    Motherwell 5 - 0 Morton

1886    1st RRV 1 - 12 Morton

Tower Hill

Tower Hill, Gourock, against the Himalayan foothills. Source.

Queen's Park visit Cappielow. Queen's Park are third in the Championship with 30 points, Morton fourth with 29. Morton won their first meeting.

Last weekend Morton were knocked out of the Challenge Cup, while Queen's Park beat Montrose to advance to the quarter-finals. Prior to that Morton were ten games without a loss, league and cup. But they are still on a streak of nine league games without a loss. They had a similar run from November 2006 to January 2007, and a run of eleven from the start of the 2006-07 season, which stretches to fifteen if you include the end of 2005-06.

Like Arbroath last year, Queen's Park are having a once-in-a lifetime season. They have not been this high up in the Scottish League since 1956-57 when they finished 13th in the old Division One.

To my knowledge the first time Queen's Park played at Cappielow was:

1887/4/23      Morton 5 - 3 Queen's Park    friendly

The last time Queen's Park came to Greenock was:

2020/10/13    Morton 1 - 0 Queen's Park    League Cup group stage

This is Queen's Park's first visit to Cappielow on league business since the Division Three days of 2002.

Pitch inspection ... [Game off.]

The other Championship matches:

Dundee (2nd) vs Cove Rangers (8th) (postponed)

Cove won the first meeting.

Hamilton (10th) vs ICT (6th) [postponed]

Last week the Accies knocked Caley Thistle out of the Challenge Cup.

Partick (5th) [3 - 2] Ayr (1st)

Ayr beat Partick the first time around.

Raith Rovers (7th) [1 - 1] Arbroath (9th)

Raith won the first meeting.

Other matches:

PEC Zwolle 1 - 0 Helmond Sport (December 12)

Roda JC vs PEC Zwolle (yesterday) (postponed)

Rangers B vs Gala Fairydean Rovers (yesterday) (postponed)

Huntly vs Forres Mechanics (postponed)

Largs Thistle vs Petershill (postponed)

FC Isle of Man [0 - 2] AFC Liverpool

Ayr vs Morton Women (tomorrow) (postponed)

44th Empress's Cup, Round 4 (tomorrow except for matches 35 and 36):

Match No. 33: MyNavi Sendai (WE) [1 - 4] Tokyo Verdy Beleza (WE)

Match No. 34: Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina (WE) [1 - 0] Yokohama FC Seagulls (N1)

Match No. 35: Albirex Niigata (WE) [2 - 0] JEF United Chiba (WE)

Match No. 36: Omiya Ardija Ventus (WE) [1 - 0] Waseda University (Kanto U)

Match No. 37: Urawa Red Diamonds (WE) [3 - 1] Nagano Parceiro (WE)

Match No. 38: INAC Kobe Leonessa (WE) [2 - 1] AS Harima Albion (N1)

Match No. 39: Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara (WE) [1 - 0] Sfida Setagaya (N1)

Match No. 40: Elfen Saitama (WE) [2 - 1] Iga FC Kunoichi (N1)

The 2022 Nadeishiko League season is over. Three teams will join the 2023-24 WE League: Cerezo Osaka from N1 and Shizuoka Asrigina and Yamato Sylphid from N2.

Canada

Former HFX Wanderers midfielder Jeremy Gagnon-Laparé has signed with York United. Wanderers have signed Tiago de Freitas Guimarães Coimbra of Palmeiras U20 in Brazil. In the university draft Thursday HFX Wanderers took Anthony Stolar of CBU and Aiden Rushenas of Dal.

Historical matches:

December 14, 1966    Morton 3 - 1 St Mirren

Morton won the Renfrewshire Cup.

December 17, 1966    Morton 7 - 0 Montrose

This was Morton's fourteenth consecutive league win.

December 17, 1977    Morton 1 - 2 Arbroath

Goal by McGhee.

When was Morton's most recent goal against each SPFL club and who scored it?

2022/12/10    Raith Rovers    Alexander King

2022/12/3      Arbroath    Lewis McGrattan

2022/11/26    Queen of the South    Alexander King

2022/11/19    Cove Rangers    Robbie Crawford

2022/11/12    Partick Thistle    Cameron Blues

2022/11/5      Ayr United    Jai Quitongo

2022/10/28    Inverness CT    Cameron Blues

2022/10/8      Hamilton Accies    Robbie Muirhead

2022/10/4      Queen's Park    Robbie Muirhead

2022/7/23      Bonnyrigg Rose    Grant Gillespie

2022/7/20      Hibs    Grant Gillespie

2022/4/1        Kilmarnock    Gozie Ugwu

2022/3/18      Dunfermline    Iain Wilson

2022/1/22      Motherwell    Robbie Muirhead

2021/7/24      Clyde    Robbie Muirhead

2021/5/21      Airdrieonians    Robbie Muirhead

2021/5/11      Montrose    Craig McGuffie

2021/4/24      Alloa    Markus Fjørtoft

2021/4/10      Dundee    Aidan Nesbitt

2021/4/3        East Fife    Robbie Muirhead

2021/2/20      Hearts    Craig McGuffie

2020/11/11    St Mirren    Ross Maciver

2020/1/25      Dundee United    Kalvin Orsi

2019/7/23      Annan Athletic    Robbie Muirhead

2019/7/16      Dumbarton    Bob McHugh

2019/4/20      Falkirk    Charlie Telfer

2019/1/4        Ross County    Kerr Waddell

2018/11/27    Peterhead    Chris Millar

2018/7/28      Albion Rovers    Michael Tidser

2018/7/21      Stenhousemuir    Bob McHugh

2018/4/7        Livingston    Ricki Lamie

2017/7/29      Edinburgh City    Bob McHugh

2017/2/12      Rangers    Michael Tidser

2015/10/27    St Johnstone    Denny Johnstone

2015/8/1        Elgin    John Scullion

2015/4/25      Stranraer    Declan McManus

2015/4/18      Stirling Albion    Declan McManus

2015/1/31      Forfar    Peter MacDonald

2013/9/24      Celtic    Dougie Imrie

1996/9/3        Aberdeen    Derek Lilley

 not yet          Kelty Hearts

(Own goals and shootout goals not included.)

Waseda University women. Source.

Para Handy, 1959

Radio Times, December 6 - 12, 1959, featuring Duncan MacRae as Para Handy. Source.

It's Round Four of the Challenge Cup. Sixteen clubs remain, seven each from the Championship and League One, one from League Two, and one from the Northern Irish league. All the colt teams are out.

Dundee, Hamilton, ICT, Morton, Queen's Park and Raith are still alive in both the Scottish Cup and the Challenge Cup.

Morton visit San Starko to play Raith Rovers. These two have met twice before in the Challenge Cup: 1991 when Raith won, and 2000 when Morton won.

Morton and Raith have met twice in league play so far this season, each side taking a win. But Morton have gone ten games without a loss, league and cup. Morton have not lost a game since the 1st of October. Raith Rovers lost to Ayr United last weekend.

Winner of this match goes to the quarter-finals. Morton most recently made the quarter-finals in 2011, 2014 and 2021. They made the semi-finals four years in a row in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Raith won the cup in 2014, 2020 (shared) and 2022.

Have Morton ever knocked out the cup holder? No.

In Challenge Cup matches against teams from their own division Morton are 13W and 14L.

After Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, Motherwell, Kilmarnock and Ayr United, Morton are the biggest club never to have won the Challenge Cup.

But this cup has been around for about 30 years, with 30 teams competing in it most years, so Morton must be due to win it some time soon.

If Dougie wass here, he would tell you.

[Raith 1 - 1 Morton. Goal by King. Raith win on PK. Kabia and McGrattan scored for Morton in the shootout.]

The other Challenge Cup matches:

Falkirk 0 - 3 Dundee (December 8)

You can now buy a Falkirk ten-year-long season ticket for £5,000. Source.

Alloa 2 - 4 Queen of the South (December 9)

Arbroath 1 - 5 Dunfermline (December 9)    Upset

Kelty Hearts [1 - 1] Linfield [Kelty win on PK.]    Upset

Morton have never played Kelty or Linfield, so naturally they were drawn against each other. Linfield are six matches without a loss, league and cup. Kelty have one win in their last six starts.

Queen's Park [2 - 0] Montrose

Elgin [0 - 0] Clyde [Clyde win on PK.]

Hamilton Academical [2 - 0] Inverness CT

Other matches:

Forres Mechanics [1 - 1] Inverurie Loco Works

Rossvale vs Morton Women (postponed)

FC Isle of Man [2 - 3] Litherland REMYCA

Elfen Saitama [1 - 0] Sanfrecce Hiroshima

World Cup:

Japan 1 - 1 Croatia (December 5) Croatia win on PK.

Goal for Maeda, but Japan are out.

44th Empress's Cup, Round 3:

Match No. 28: Sfida Setagaya [6 - 0] Toyo University

Match No. 29: Iga FC Kunoichi [1 - 1] Ehime FC [Iga win on PK.]

Match No. 30: AS Harima Albion [2 - 0] Sakuyo High School

Match No. 31: Cerezo Osaka Sakai [2 - 3] Yokohama FC Seagulls (tomorrow)

Match No. 32: Orca Kamogawa [0 - 0] Waseda University [Waseda win on PK.]

Canada:

There might be a Canadian professional women's soccer league coming down the pipe. Story. But the CPL is doing a good imitation of someone smiling nervously and backing out of the room. Press release.

HFX Wanderers have released goalies Oxner and Basket, defenders Schaale, Tabi, Santos and Gander, and forwards Marshall and Samb. Andre Rampersad will be the only 2019 Wanderer left on the roster.

Times that Rangers colts got their Challenge Cup match scheduled to an entirely different week than the rest of the round:

2016/8/10      R1    Rangers colts 4 - 0 Stirling University    (s/b August 2)

2019/9/18      R3    Ballymena Utd 0 - 1 Rangers colts    (s/b September 7)

2019/10/29    R4    Solihull Moors 3 - 3 Rangers colts    (s/b October 12)

2021/9/14      R2    Rangers colts 3 - 0 Ayr United    (s/b September 4)

2021/10/27    R3    Alloa 2 - 3 Rangers colts    (s/b October 9)

2022/11/8      R3    Rangers colts 0 - 3 Hamilton    (s/b September 24)

Historical matches:

December 5, 1966    St Mirren 2 - 0 Morton

This was the second leg of their Renfrewshire Cup final. The aggregate score stood at 3 - 3, so a third game was scheduled for December 14th.

December 10, 1966    Stranraer 1 - 3 Morton

December 10, 1977    Hearts 1 - 1 Morton

Morton in the Renfrewshire Victoria Cup:

1911/x/x        R1    Morton L - W Abercorn

1912/4/6        R1    Morton 3 - 2 Johnstone

1912/4/x        R2    Arthurlie wo/scr Morton

1913/2/22      R1    Morton 1 - 3 Arthurlie

1913/12/6      R1    Morton 8 - 0 Paisley GFSP

1914/4/15      SF    Morton 1 - 0 Abercorn

1914/4/25      F      Morton 5 - 0 St Mirren (leg 1)

1914/4/28      F      St Mirren 2 - 1 Morton (leg 2)

1914/8/x        R1    bye

1915/x/x        R2    Bridge of Weir Athletic L - W Morton

1915/2/27      SF    Morton 10 - 0 Moorpark Crusaders

1915/4/16      F      Johnstone  3 - 0 Morton (leg 1)

1917/4/17      F      Morton 4 - 0 Johnstone (leg 2)

1919/4/5        R1    Morton 2 - 2 Johnstone

1919/4/19      R1    Morton 1 - 1 Johnstone (replay)

1919/4/x        R1    Morton W - L Johnstone (2nd replay)

1919/5/3        F      Morton 2 - 0 Abercorn

1924/8/27      R1    Morton W - L Paisley Academical

1924/9/9        F      St Mirren 1 - 3 Morton (leg 1)

1924/9/17      F      Morton 2 - 3 St Mirren (leg 2)

1925/9/8        F      St Mirren 2 - 0 Morton (leg 1)

1925/9/16      F      Morton 2 - 1 St Mirren (leg 2)

1927/8/23      F      St Mirren 1 - 1 Morton (leg 1)

1927/9/7        F      Morton 2 - 0 St Mirren (leg 2)

1927/9/28      R1    Morton 5 - 1 Paisley GSFP

1928/9/17      F      Morton 2 - 0 Arthurlie (leg 1)

1928/10/1      F      Arthurlie 2 - 4 Morton (leg 2)

In its early phase this trophy was a competition for Renfrewshire's smaller senior clubs. In its late phase it was a qualifier to determine which amateur club would face Morton or St Mirren in the Renfrewshire Cup. But in its middle phase both Morton and St Mirren entered teams. Morton won the cup in 1914, 1917, 1919, 1924, 1927 and 1928.

(Source: Scottish Football Historical Archive)

The Scottish Inverted Pyramid

A photo of Gala Fairydean Rovers' Category A listed grandstand Netherdale, suitable for use as the cover of a Pink Floyd album. Source.

Morton visit Arbroath. Morton are second in the Championship with 28 points. Arbroath are ninth with 12. Both sides won their matches in the Scottish Cup Round Three last weekend. 

Arbroath won the first meeting 1 - 2 at Cappielow on September 17th. They are the only side that can sweep Morton this season. But Morton are nine matches without a loss, league and cup. The last time that happened was November/December 2012 when Allan Moore was manager.

Arbroath are last in the division in scoring, with only 10 goals in 16 games. Morton have allowed the fewest goals, 16. (See A below.) Morton are maintaining a positive goal difference for the first time since 2017-18. (See B below.)

Ayr, Morton, Dundee and Queen's Park are all capable of holding first place after today's games.

The SFA is imposing limits on head tennis. Read.

This is a Plenty of Nothing Championship League Cup Round Two match. [Arbroath advance on the yellow card rule.]

[Arbroath 1 - 1 Morton. Goal by McGrattan.]

The other Championship matches:

Ayr United (1st) [1 - 0] Raith Rovers (7th)

Cove Rangers (8th) [1 - 0] Partick Thistle (5th)

Inverness CT (6th) [0 - 1] Dundee (3rd)

Queen's Park (4th) [4 - 0] Hamilton Accies (10th)

Other matches:

Gala Fairydean Rovers [4 - 5] East Kilbride

Beith [4 - 1] Largs Thistle

Barnoldswick Town [0 - 1] FC Isle of Man

Kobe Leonessa [3 - 0] Elfen Saitama (tomorrow)

World Cup:

Japan 2 - 1 Spain (December 1)

Canada 1 - 2 Morocco (December 1)

Japan advance. Canada are out.

Scottish Junior Cup, R4:

Bellshill [2 - 2] Kilbirnie Ladeside [Bellshill win on PK.]

Cumnock [0 - 0] Auchinleck Talbot [Cumnock win on PK.]

A six-mile trip.

Dundee East Craigie [1 - 1] St. Roch's [East Craigie win on PK.]

Gartcairn [1 - 2] Rutherglen Glencairn

Hurlford [1 - 0] Troon

A 17-mile trip.

Larkhall Thistle [1 - 1] Aberdeen East End [Larkhall win on PK.]

Carnoustie Panmure [1 - 3] Glenafton Athletic

Shotts Bon Accord [2 - 2] Arthurlie [Schotts win on PK.]

Highland League Cup, R2:

Banks O' Dee [3 - 2] Forres Mechanics

Scottish Women's Cup, R3: 

Airdrie [2 - 3] Morton (tomorrow)

It's the second round of the 44th Empress's Cup. These are the matches involving universities:

Match No. 19: Ange Violet Hiroshima [0 - 4] Toyo University (tomorrow)

Match No. 23: University of Tsukuba [0 - 1] Sakuyo High School

Match No. 27: NGU Loveledge Nagoya [1 - 2] Waseda University

Canada

HFX Wanderers have hired Patrice Gheisar, formerly of Vaughan Azzurri, as head coach. 

Meanwhile, assistant coach Alejandro Dorado has left the club. Pacific FC have signed Wanderers midfielder Pierre Lamothe. Midfielder Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé has also departed.

The Canadian Premier League has been around for four years, and must continue another four to spare Concacaf the embarrassment of having a World Cup host country without its own national league. The old Canadian Soccer League lasted six years.

The New York Times published an article about how Brampton is the nursery of Canadian soccer.

Former Wanderer Iida Kodai has signed with Preston Lions FC of the NPL2 Victoria league in Australia. It's an incentive to take a look at Australian soccer. Their season starts in February.

Historical matches:

December 3, 1966    Morton 2 - 1 East Fife

A) Best goals against, all divisions:

  9            Dunfermline (16 games)

13            Celtic (15 games)

14            Rangers (15 games)

15            Dumbarton (15 games)

16            Morton (16 games)

16            Stirling Albion (15 games)

B) Morton's plus and minus goal difference years:

1890s                               --    --    --    --    +    --    +

1900s            0    --    --    --    --    --    --    --    --    --

1910s            --    0    --    +    +    +     +    +    +    +

1920s            +    +    --    --    --    --    --    --    +    --

1930s            --    --    --    +    +    +    +    --    --    +

1940s            +    +    +     +    +    +    +    +    --    +

1950s            --    --    +    +    --    +    +    --    --    --

1960s            --    +    +    +     0    --    +    +    --    0

1970s            0    --    --    --    --    --    +    +    --    +

1980s            --    --    --    +    --    --    +    --    0    --

1990s            --    +    +    --    +    +     +    --    +    --

2000s            --    --    +    +    +    +     +    --    0    --

2010s            --    --    +    --    +    --    +    +    --    --

2020s            --    --   [+]

Sort the 2022-23 Lowland League clubs into groups according to how they entered the league:

6    founding members (Dalbeattie Star, East Kilbride, Gala Fairydean Rovers, Gretna 2008, Stirling University, The Spartans)

4    entered later by application (Broomhill, Edinburgh University, Cumbernauld Colts, Civil Service Strollers)

3    relegated from the SPFL (East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath)

3    promoted from below (Caledonian Braves, Bo'ness United, Tranent Juniors)

3    guest clubs (Rangers B, Celtic B, Hearts B)

Now sort the clubs that have left the Lowland League:

5    relegated (Threave Rovers, Preston, Hawick Royal Albert, Whitehill Welfare, Vale of Leithen)

3    promoted to SPFL (Edinburgh City, Kelty Hearts, Bonnyrigg Rose)

1    folded (Selkirk)