Ross runs Dumbarton ragged as Ton march on
LOAN STAR Frank Ross inspired Morton to a comfortable win as the Cappielow men booked their place in the quarter-finals.
The Aberdeen youngster opened the scoring and proved too hot to handle for a hardpressed Dumbarton defence.
Morton boss Jim Duffy said: ‘Frank was terrific. He is a talented young player and that’s why we brought him in. He was a joy to watch and, like all flair players, you need to get them on the ball as much as possible.’
Ton capitalised on a bright start when Ross finished a flowing move to score his first goal since joining on loan.
The 19-year old midfielder surged down the left flank and played a neat one-two with Gary Oliver before calmly picking his spot from a tight angle.
Morton continued to dominate and Michael Tidser produced a wonderful slide-rule pass to release Andy Murdoch, who toe-poked wide — although he looked to have been pulled back by Andy Dowie.
Iain Russell’s header wide was the closest the Sons came to scoring and it was no surprise that Morton eventually extended their lead.
Four minutes into the second half, Australian defender Jack Iredale was on hand to stab home the rebound after Scott Gallacher had brilliantly parried Oliver’s shot.
Dumbarton pressed forward looking for a way back into the match but this left space for Morton to exploit on the break.
They almost did so when Gallacher brilliantly saved substitute Bob McHugh’s effort.
But McHugh wasn’t to be denied and, ten minutes from time, he side-footed Tidser’s cross into the net.
Sons boss Stevie Aitken said: ‘We lost poor goals. We can’t give them away so cheaply.’