Locke frustrated as pressure fails to pay

Boss says players gave everything but had no luck in front of goal

Raith Rovers winger Bobby Barr was left disappointed as his return to Cappielow ended in a narrow defeat.

Barr signed a pre-contract with Raith last season and moved to Stark’s Park in the summer along with fellow exMorton man Declan McManus.

“We created umpteen chances and had so much of the ball but we were just not clinical enough,” he said.

A free-kick stunner from Morton midfielder Ross Forbes proved the difference between the sides, and Barr revealed that Raith had identified his set piece threat in the build-up.

“We’ve put in a big wall, they’ve jumped, and he’s still put it in the top corner.”

The goal arrived in the 18th minute as Raith defender Kyle Benedictus was dispossessed by lively striker Jai Quitongo, who was then fouled 25 yards from goal.

Forbes’ dipping effort found the top corner of the net, leaving Raith keeper Kevin Cuthbert with no chance.

The second half belonged to Rovers but they could not find an equaliser.

The best chances fell to McManus, who sent a free header over the bar from six yards on 54 minutes, then fired wide from the centre of the box on 68 minutes after being teed up by Barr.

Raith’s final chance came from a 90th-minute free-kick, moved forward 10 yards after sub Jordan Thompson’s initial effort struck a hand.

McManus took the second attempt but saw his low effort parried by sub keeper Derek Gaston, who had replaced Andy McNeil after the ex-Raith stopper picked up a facial injury in an accidental collision.

Raith boss Gary Locke said: “It was a frustrating game for us because, second half especially, I thought we were dominant.

“I couldn’t fault the players – they gave everything they possibly could – but just didn’t get that bit of lady luck in front of goal.”

Rudi Skacel challenges Ross Forbes. Raith boss Gary Locke said his players gave everything, but had no luck in front of goal.