MORTON 2 Oliver (25) Quitongo (84) DUNFERMLINE 1 Clark (30)

MORTON’S search for their first Championship win ended with a 2-1 success over Dunfermline at Cappielow thanks to Jai Quitongo’s goal on 84 minutes.

The Greenock side led in the first half through Gary Oliver’s goal, however Nicky Clark’s first goal for the Pars looked to have ensured a share of the spoils until Quitongo struck.

Morton boss Jim Duffy said: “We just edged the game and it was a deserved win.

“It was a really open game with both sides going for it.”

“There was a sense of relief at the final whistle as it is always good to get your first win.”

Both goalkeepers were called into action early with Morton’s Andy McNeil tipping a Ben Richards-Everton header on to the bar and when the hosts raced to the other end David Hutton blocked a close range Oliver drive.

Morton came close again on 13 minutes when Quitongo slipped the ball under Hutton.

However Richards-Everton popped up on the line to clear.

Dunfermline were not so fortunate on 25 minutes when Oliver worked his way to the edge of the box and sent a low drive home.

The score was level five minutes later when Callum Fordyce drilled a loose ball goalward and Nicky Clark stuck out a foot to divert it into the net from eight yards.

Oliver sent an effort inches wide three minutes into the second half with Gavin Reilly going close shortly afterwards with a shot on the turn that just cleared the bar.

Home appeals for a penalty for a trip on Quitongo by Richards-Everton were ignored midway through the second half.

However, the striker was all smiles six minutes from time when substitute Scott Tiffoney rolled the ball into his path and he crashed home a shot off the under-side of the bar.

Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston said: “We are miles better than that.

“This is a game that we should be looking to win but we were again punished for making a mistake.

“However that is not an excuse as we should be doing better.”