Jibes went up Ton our wall
Imrie uses trash talk to get revenge on ICT
Dougie Imrie used trash talking from the Caley Thistle camp as motivation for Morton’s shock win in the Highlands.
The Greenock men shot down the title- chasing hosts with a first-half Lewis Strapp strike.
The defeat left a Caley Jags’ side looking bereft of confidence six points off title pace with an extra match played on leaders Arbroath.
Without a win for seven matches, the Highlanders seem to have lost their way in their promotion race.
But at the other end of the table Morton are resurgent under new boss Imrie – after three wins in five league games unbeaten.
And referring to December’s 6-1 thrashing by Inverness at Cappielow, which came af ter a row over disgusting” away changing facilities, Imrie said: “A lot was said after the last game.
“Obviously I wasn’t in charge then but some of the comments after the game I used today as motivation. I won’t go into it too much but the boys were hurting from that game.
“Comments that were made after the game, you use that at times.”
Imrie admits his fast-improving side are leaving him speechless at times after climbing to seventh
He added: “It’s a fantastic win – we’ve come up here and beaten one of the title contenders. The boys have been different class since I’ve come in. I’m proud of every one of them.
“We’ve built a real team spirit here and you can see that. I’m lost for words at times for what they’re giving me but we’ve got to keep it going.”
Dodds, without a win since that 6-1 game, drafted in new signing Austin Samuels and fit-again Billy Mckay to his starting line-up. Bristol City loanee
Sam Pearson threatened early on with a teasing run, before cutting onto his right foot and drawing a fine diving save from Jack Hamilton.
After 18 minutes, Tannadice loanee Logan Chalmers’ free-kick caught keeper Jack Hamilton in no man’s land but Mckay’s back-flicked header spun just wide.
Morton’s breakthrough arrived after 22 minutes. Cameron Blues fed a weighted ball behind the defence, into the wind. Strapp tore through and prodded a close-range finish past Mark Ridgers with his left foot.
The second half was notable for the absence of many clear- cut chances but with just over 20 minutes left Strapp hacked a goalbound header by Shane Sutherland to safety.
Morton should have tied it up with three minutes left when Gozie Ugwu was denied by Ridgers.
Dodds admitted: “We’ll go again but the boys’ confidence is really shot to pieces right now. I need to get to the bottom of it – and I will.”