IT won't be exactly like 2003.
There certainly won't be anywhere near 8500 fans squeezing on to the Cappielow terracing for starters. And it is the third tier title at stake this time rather than the bottom one. That aside, however, the parallels with 12 years ago are obvious. Just as then, Morton welcome Peterhead at home for the final game of the season on Saturday knowing a victory will (almost certainly) see them finish the season as champions. Back then a second-half goal from Scott Bannerman was enough to deliver the third division title to Greenock. Today they will look for a new hero, someone that will fire the goals to again see off the Highland team and see Morton crowned champions of SPFL League 1.
There is little room for error. Jim Duffy's side sit top of the table courtesy of last weekend's victory away to Stranraer but only on goal difference. Their nearest rivals, Forfar Athletic, will look to make up the three-goal deficit by handing out a hiding to Ayr United at home, while Stranraer, two points back, could yet pip both to the championship should Morton and Forfar lose and they were to win away to Brechin City. It is Morton's title to lose, however.
This has been a year of redemption. They concluded a dismal Championship campaign last year by being humiliated 10-2 by Hamilton Academical and were relegated by a 14-point margin. That spelled the end for former manager Kenny Shiels and under Duffy they have managed to work their way to the top of a very competitive division at just the right time. A home victory - in front of an expected crowd of around 4000 - would serve as the pinnacle of a productive campaign.
"The boys ground out a great result last weekend and it's in our own hands now," said Warren Hawke, part of that 2003 title-winning squad and now active behind the scenes at Cappielow as a consultant for club development. "Peterhead don't have anything to play for but we can't take it lightly. There's a great opportunity there for the team to get back into the Championship at the first time of asking and I really hope they do it. Personally I'm a bag of nerves probably because this time I can't do anything about it. I'll be sat at the back of the main stand with my fingers crossed just hoping they get over the line.
"I know what this means for the club, the supporters, and everyone else in the town. Ultimately it might just come down to a rub of the green. Sometimes you give everything and it just doesn't work for you. But we just have concentrate on what happens at Cappielow and ensure we get the three points. And after that you can see if that's going to be enough."
Hawke was an unused substitute when Morton defeated Peterhead in 2003 but it remains the biggest highlight of a career that included an FA Cup final appearance against Liverpool, and Sunderland versus Newcastle United derbies.
"The greatest game of my career was the Peterhead game in 2003 - no doubt whatsoever," he added. "It was the occasion, the fans, the players, the spirit and, most importantly, the silverware. Getting that medal in your hands meant the world to me. This game gives the current squad a chance to make themselves legends and icons in the eyes of the fans. That certainly happened with us and it would be great to see a Morton team with a league trophy in their hands once again."
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