MORTON 2 Forbes (27), Shankland (68) RAITH ROVERS 0

MORTON’S new recruit, Lawrence Shankland, marked his switch from Renfrewshire rivals St Mirren in the best possible way by hitting the Greenock side’s second goal in their 2-0 win over visitors Raith Rovers.

The on-loan Aberdeen striker headed in midway through the second half to add to Ross Forbes’s cross that became a shot to keep Jim Duffy’s side on course for a play-off place.

Duffy said: “It was a good win and I thought we played well in what was a tough match.

“We protected our goal well and were a threat up front so it was good day.

“It is always good for a striker, and his manager, to come in and score. Lawrence found space and took his chance well.”

Shankland was involved early when he flicked a Ross Forbes cross goalward with Kevin Cuthbert perfectly placed to gather.

Raith appealed for a penalty with 15 minutes gone when Chris Johnston tangled with Mark Russell. However, referee Gavin Duncan looked to be correct in waving play on.

The Greenock side took the lead in fortunate circumstances on 27 minutes. Forbes curled over a left footed cross from 30 yards out on the right touchline looking for Shankland. However, the ball sailed over him before bouncing past a startled Cuthbert and into the far corner.

Former Morton favourite Bobby Barr was denied an equaliser by the finger-tips of Derek Gaston just before the break.

The Kirkcaldy side dominated the start of the second half and came close to opening their account on three occasions.

Raith paid the price for not scoring on 67 minutes when Russell wriggled clear on the left byline and flighted a fine cross to the back post where Shankland headed home.

Stark’s Park manager Gary Locke commented: “We looked the more likely side to score at 1-0 but missed some good chances.

“We feel a bit hard done by as this was a chance to pull to within three points of Morton but now the gap is bigger.”