Match Report - By Grant Hood

City made their first visit to Cappielow since February 2007 for this afternoon's clash with Morton, which also saw mid-week hat-trick hero Andy Jackson return to his former club for the first time since his switch to The Glebe in the summer of 2012.

City Manager Ray McKinnon made one change to the line-up from the Cup-tie replay win over Annan Athletic, with Darren McCormack partnering Gerry McLauchlan in the core of defence and Ewan McNeil making way for Paul McLean in the full back position.

Before the kick off both sets of supporters impeccably observed a minutes silence to acknowledge the recent passing of former Morton director and broadcasting legend Arthur Montford.

The early exchanges saw Morton's Declan McManus and Michael Miller both fire wide. City took the lead on 9 minutes after neat play on the left from Kyle McAusland set up ANDY JACKSON to blast home the opener from inside the penalty area. Two minutes later an Alan Trouten effort clipped the bar, although he was flagged offside in any case.

It had been a bright opening 15 minutes for City and with Paul McLean surging down the left, his cross was headed on by Bobby Barr and Alan Trouten's effort was deflected over the bar. City's second goal was only delayed by 2 minutes as City's two loanees combined with JAMIE MASSON slamming home from inside the penalty area following a terrifically composed penetrating run from Kyle McAusland. With 18 minutes gone, things were looking bright for City, amid unrest amongst the home fans.

Shortly after, Jon Scullion fired wide from 25 yards after pouncing on a Gerry McLauchlan defensive header. City replied with an Alan Trouten effort finishing wide of the Morton left hand post following a through ball from Jamie Masson and impressive wing play from Bobby Barr.

Play swung from end to end and Morton's Joe McKee fired wide from distance, then it took a timely sprint from goal from City goalkeeper Graeme Smith to block Declan McManus who initially looked favourite to reach a penetrative through ball.

Derek Gaston in the Morton goal was proving equally adept at stepping out to support his defenders as he sprinted well out of his penalty area to intercept an astute pass from Trouten as he sought to pick out Bobby Barr who was breaking at pace. Just before half-time Aberdeen loanee McManus picked up the first yellow card of the game for a cynical foul on Bobby Barr.

Half-time saw City leave the field with an impressive 2-0 lead intact. This was greeted by a chorus of boos from the home support set alongside noisy appreciation from the City faithful who had made the lengthy journey to Greenock.

The second half started with an early break down the left from Bobby Barr which resulted in a series of City corners which ultimately came to nothing. Morton sought to hit back but, from home pressure, Kyle McAusland won possession and switched play to the left but Alan Trouten shot wide from 20 yards after Barr had played him in,

Morton's Lee Kilday tricked Paul McLean before creating a shooting opportunity, but shot straight at Smith in the City goal. In response, 'Pabs' hit right back by breaking forward himself, but his shot was off target. Morton's Mark Russell was booked for pulling back Trouten, before a stinging 25-yard shot from danger man McManus was beaten away by 'Buzz' in the Brechin goal. This only delayed a breakthrough for the hosts as in 64 minutes a JAMIE MCCLUSKEY drive from the Morton right beat the City keeper low to his right, despite him getting a touch.

With a couple of quick bookings for both sides (Barr and Scullion) Jackson then found himself with time to turn in the box, evaded his marker, but couldn't find his way past the onrushing home keeper. In response, Smith in the City goal had to be alert to pick up a ricochet from Scullion. Shortly after this, Craig Molloy was brought on to replace Gary Fusco and Kyle McAusland picked up City's first yellow card for a block in midfield.

With 5 minutes remaining Andy Barrowman slotted home but McManus had been clearly flagged offside, and with a minute left Jamie Masson was cautioned for a midfield challenge and the tireless Andy Jackson was replaced by Robert Thomson.

The game was a minute into added time when the most controversial incident of the game arrived. A long diagonal ball was played into the City penalty area, which was clearly handled high in the air by Paul McLean. Despite fervent claims from Pabs and his team-mates that it was mid-air push that led to the ball striking a flailing arm, the home support greeted the sight of the referee pointing to the spot with a combination of exuberance and relief. Those of a City persuasion were gutted to see DECLAN McMANUS thunder the spot kick high into the net to tie the scores at 2-2.

The drama didn't finish there however, as City went close to snatching a dramatic late winner in the last action of the game. Not for the first time, terrific wing play from Bobby Barr created a shooting opportunity inside the box for Alan Trouten but, despite makIng good contact, his drive was blocked by Gaston in the home goal - despite him not knowing too much about it.

And so the game finished 2-2, stretching City's unbeaten run to an impressive 9 games. However pleasing this may be, the Management Team will once again look back at a golden opportunity to secure 3 valuables points and will doubtless look at how to turn these draws into wins during a challenging run of upcoming fixtures over the festive period.

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Diamonds Too Strong For Pars

Ayr United 2 Stenhousemuir 3

Warriors Win By Odd Goal In Five

Forfar Athletic 2 Stirling Albion 1

Loons Overcome Binos

Peterhead 1 Stranraer 4

Blues Put Four Past Blue Toon