Alexander's Army Marches North

Rowan Alexander will return to Cappielow as visiting boss for perhaps the sixth time, but his appearance has seldom been met with as much trepidation as will be felt tonight. While the sight of Super Ro warming up used to strike fear into the hearts of visitors to Greenock, it is now his forward line of Smith, Deuchar and Bingham that has home fans' hearts racing, buttocks clenching and jaws flapping. The millionaires of Gretna are back in town, and with a high-profile lineup made possible by the millions of stakeholder Brooks Mileson, this time they mean business.

Defeat from a 3rd division club is enough to send any supporter base in the league into flouncy depressions worthy of Romeo's reaction to his banishment, but should Morton fail to lock down the expensive strikeforce tonight, they will be adding to the already-horrific tally of 20 non-wins in 27. Only 6 victories in the recent past has moved some Morton fans to call for the heads of the manager and some of his signings, but following a good attacking display this weekend at Stranraer, a high-scoring game might yet swing Morton's way.

Neither team has any injury worries, but new £10,000 signing Bryan Gilfillan will watch the game from the stands, the former Cowdenbeath utility man being cup-tied, thus postponing his appearance for the Gretna defence until at least Saturday. Marco Maisano is eligible to return for Morton but following an improved midfield display on Saturday, with Chris Millar lining up in the middle as well as an impressive substitute appearance for Scott Bannerman, he may watch the game from the bench or the stands.

The winner will go through to play Motherwell next Tuesday night at home.