Words fail ICT in loss to Ton
MORTON 1 Strapp (22)
Dougie Imrie told how he used “comments” from the Caley Thistle camp as motivation for yesterday’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 in seven matches, the Highlanders seem to have lost their way, while Morton under new boss Imrie are resurgent, with three wins in five league games unbeaten.
Referring to December’s
6-1 thrashing by Inverness at Cappielow, which came after a row over “disgusting” away changing facilities, Imrie said: “A lot was said after the last game down there where Inverness won 6-1.
“Obviously I wasn’t in charge then, but some of the comments I used today as motivation.
“Comments that were made after the game, you just use that at times.”
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 I think you can see that.
“I’m lost for words at times for some of them, for what they’re giving me, but we’ve got to keep it going.”
ICT manager Billy 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 on to 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 Billy Mckay’s back-flicked header spun wide.
Morton’s breakthrough arrived after 22 minutes. Cameron Blues fed a fine, weighted ball behind the home defence, into the wind.
Lewis Strapp tore through and prodded a close-range finish past 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.
Robbie Muirhead powered through on the right and passed to the unmarked Gozie Ugwu.
The big striker should have scored but was denied superbly down low by keeper Ridgers.
Home manager Billy Dodds admitted: “We’re really shot to pieces confidence-wise right now and I need to get to the bottom of it – and I will.”