Queens knocked off top spot after capitulation

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH suffered a rude awakening at the end of the first quarter of their league campaign, surrendering their unbeaten record in the Championship in spectacular fashion.

The Dumfries side had only conceded four goals in their previous eight league matches but were dismantled 5-0 at home by Morton.

Ross Forbes set the pattern for the game when he put Morton in front with a curling left-foot shot early on and, but for a fleeting effort from Stephen Dobbie, Queen of the South took little out of the first half.

Jamie McDonagh waltzed past two defenders to extend Morton’s lead and, before the half was through, Gary Oliver slotted home the third goal.

Morton were clearly enjoying themselves and the lively Jai Quitongo almost brought the fourth, his shot beat Robinson but struck the post. He found the net shortly afterwards after good work by Forbes.

Thomas O’Ware made it 5-0 with a penalty midway through the second half after Forbes was fouled to complete the scoring.

Falkirk moved to within a point of the summit with a hard-earned 2-1 home victory over Dunfermline.

They took the lead when John Baird sent Craig Sibbald galloping clear of the defence and he lifted the ball over Sean Murdoch to score.

Mark Kerr should have scored shortly before half-time but steered his 10-yard shot wide.

Myles Hippolyte scored a superb solo goal early in the second half to double Falkirk’s advantage.

Farid El Alagui pulled a goal back after rounding goalkeeper Danny Rogers but Falkirk held firm at the back to see out the win.

At the bottom end of the table, Jack Ross failed to get a win in his first game as St Mirren slipped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Dundee United.

It was an improved performance by the Paisley side who threatened on more than one occasion but United did enough to continue their climb up the table.

Ryan Hardie had a couple of early openings for St Mirren – his first easily gathered by Cammy Bell and his next effort was wide of target.

Scott Fraser put United up seven minutes from the break after Tony Andreu had flicked the ball on.

Andreu scored a wonderful second goal when he clipped the ball over Jamie Langfield to ensure United of the points.

Substitute Lawrence Shankland had a header cleared off the line and David Clarkson shot narrowly wide as St Mirren tried to hit back.

Dundee United finished short-handed when Mark Durnan was sent off late on after his second booking.