Imrie bursting with pride as Morton dump Motherwell to reach quarter-finals
In-form Morton beat Motherwell in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup fifth round at Cappielow last night after Robbie Muirhead's first-half corner caused chaos in the visiting defence.
Muirhead's inswinging corner caught out Liam Kelly, who palmed the ball out but saw it ricochet over the line off teammate Harry Paton.
The home side had used their wind advantage to good effect in the first half and kept Motherwell under pressure while the Steelmen struggled to offer any real attacking threat.
George Oakley doubled Morton's lead after the break and Motherwell's comeback attempts were too little, too late. Substitute Jack Vale pulled one back with a deflected effort in the 85th minute but Dougie Imrie's side deservedly held on to become the first club in the quarter-finals.
“I’m absolutely delighted," said Imrie afterwards. “I’m really happy for my players. We managed to get the second goal at the right time. I’m really proud of them. This is a massive victory for the club.
“The back four handled [Motherwell pair Blair Spittal and Theo Bair] very well tonight. To a man, my players were outstanding. You take anybody in the hat. If we’ll get a home tie and we get this kind of support, we’ll take anybody.”
Cap pie low was really rocking come full-time in front the BBC Scotland cameras, and Imrie added: "The fans have been absolutely fantastic since I've come to the club. It's nights like these you hope to give back to them."
It was Oakley’s goal that put the tie beyond doubt. Paul Mcginn's heavy touch put Motherwell on the back foot and Alan Power quickly found Oakley with a forward pass. As Calum Butcher backed off, the former Hamilton striker drilled the ball into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
"The confidence is flying, you can see it on the pitch,” said Oakley. “It is not just me, it is the whole team in there, the staff as well. It is just amazing to be part of.”