Morton’s derby misery goes on as super Sutton saves shoddy Saints

MORTON really should have had their first Renfrewshire derby victory in the league since April 1999 signed and sealed by half-time in this game.

They were ahead after 17 minutes when Thomas O’Ware headed home from six yards when he got on the end of a Ross Forbes free-kick. Before that, Jim Duffy’s men twice hit the woodwork — a Michael Tidser 25-yard screamer and then a Lee Kilday header crashed back off the crossbar.

The Greenock men totally dominated the opening 30 minutes. They were much more confident, passed the ball around better and also had a far greater physical presence.

But they missed a great chance to double their advantage. Jai Quitongo — who impressed with his pace and effort up front — got in behind the home defence and had a great chance, one-on-one against Jamie Langfield. Unfortunately for him, he lacked the necessary composure and screwed his shot wide.

Only being one down allowed Alex Rae to boot a few backsides during the interval and, crucially, reorganise. He deployed a back-three system to use two strikers against the dominant centraldefensive Morton pairing of Kilday and O’Ware.

Morton had to deal with deliveries from wide areas and long balls into the box. They coped extremely well.

That was until the 84th minute when Saints substitute John Sutton — on in the 71st minute — equalised. Lovely play down the right wing by Lewis Morgan resulted in a cross ball to the back post, and there was Sutton to head home from five yards out.

That goal allowed the home supporters to bring out their banner again that displayed the words: ‘6328 days of dominance’. But they know it could have easily ended yesterday.

Rae admitted his side were fortunate to get a point to keep the 17-year run going.

‘We rode our luck and we were lucky to only be one goal down,’ said the St Mirren manager. ‘We were second best all over the park in the opening half hour.

‘But we showed character and commitment to get the goal and I’m pleased for John Sutton to get off the mark.

‘He came off the bench to make a major contribution and it shows it’s not just about the starting line-up.’

Rae would also have taken heart from the contribution of Ryan Hardie and Stephen Mallan displayed some lovely touches and vision.

Disappointed Morton boss Duffy praised his players, saying: ‘We dominated the first half hour and we’re a bit gutted we haven’t won.

‘It says a lot about us that we are leaving here disappointed at only getting a point.’