JAGS STAKE THEIR CASE FOR THE TITLE

PARTICK THISTLE underlined their title credentials as they produced a five-star display to dismantle Morton.

Manager Ian McCall was adamant the margin of victory did not flatter his side as the scoreline could have been even more emphatic.

He said: ‘I don’t think five flattered us, we could have scored more than that. We’re a point clear, I’m pleased for our supporters, there was a great atmosphere and it was good to get the win.’

The Firhill outfit stormed back from conceding the opener after 17 minutes when Robbie Muirhead scored a 35-yard free-kick.

However, McCall’s charges regrouped and drew level after 27 minutes as Jack McMillan clipped in a cross from the right and Brian Graham planted a downward header beyond Brian Schwake.

They took the lead after 34 minutes as Schwake came for and missed Cole McKinnon’s cross from a corner and Kevin Holt headed in.

Defender Aaron Muirhead claimed their third 10 minutes into the second half before substitute Scott Tiffoney weaved his way into the penalty area and from a tight angle clipped the ball past Schwake.

Fellow sub Anton Dowds grabbed their fifth in the 85th minute as he finished off a rebound.

Morton manager Dougie Imrie said: ‘Partick didn’t need to work for their goals which is disappointing.’