Greenock Morton forfeit cup opener against Stranraer due to Covid

The game was scheduled to take place on Saturday but has now been called off.

Greenock Morton forfeit cup opener against Stranraer due to Covid SNS Group

Stranraer have been awarded a 3-0 win over Greenock Morton after their Premier Sports Cup opponents were hit by a coronavirus outbreak.

The game was scheduled to take place on Saturday but has now been called off after a number of Greenock Morton players and staff tested positive for Covid-19.

It is the third game this week to be affected by the deadly virus.

Ross County were consigned to a 3-0 loss after being unable to field a team for their clash with Forfar. Dumbarton were also forced to withdraw from their meeting with St Mirren.

A SPFL spokesman said: “Consistent with previous announcements in respect of similar issues in the group stage of this competition, any team unable or unwilling to field a team in a Premier Sports Cup round one group stage tie will forfeit the match on the basis of a 3-0 defeat.

“Accordingly, Stranraer have been awarded a 3-0 win in the tie.

“We wish the affected players and staff the very best in their recovery and will continue to liaise with Greenock Morton in the coming days.”

In a statement released online, Greenock Morton said: “The club can confirm that due to multiple players returning a positive Covid-19 test result, that today’s Premier Sports Cup tie with Stranraer has been cancelled.

“As a result, Stranraer will be awarded a 3-0 victory.

“The club are taking all the necessary measures and precautions required to try and ensure the outbreak is contained.

“Unfortunately, under the circumstances and having to take the necessary precautions, the club have been left with no choice other than to forfeit the game.

“With these measures in place, it is our hope that the home tie against East Kilbride on Tuesday night will still go ahead as planned.

“We would like to apologise to supporters who will be understandably disappointed by this and would have been looking forward to tuning into Stranraer’s stream to see the squad return to competitive action.

“We thank you for all your ongoing support and hope you are all staying safe and well.”

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