Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

Yet again, a late goal proved to be City’s downfall as Jim Duffy’s Morton side emerged with all three points thanks to an Andy Murdoch winner nine minutes from time.

Unlike some of the other narrow defeats in recent weeks, the result was a fair reflection in a game where the visitors had the majority of possession and City failed to test Gaston in the Morton goal.

Darren Dods, in his 100th competitive game as manager made one change from the side that lost out narrowly to St Mirren a fortnight ago. Aron Lynas, having served a two game suspension took the place of Euan Spark on the right hand side of defence. The club were dealt a blow earlier in the week with the news that star striker Andy Jackson will remain sidelined until around Christmas due to a stomach tear – so youngsters Kalvin Orsi and Connor McLennan continued up top.

The first real chance of the game fell to the visitors after 13 minutes. A cross from the left fell for Robert McHugh, but his shot produced an excellent save by Smith with his feet.

With Morton dominating possession, City attacks were few and far between. However, Connor McLennan had an opportunity but his volley from outside the box went high and wide.

Just after the half hour mark ex City striker Robert Thomson was unlucky not to connect with a dangerous cross from Michael Doyle just in front of goal.

The visitors continued to assert their dominance and won a free kick 25 yards out following a foul from Willie Dyer. Ross Forbes stepped up to take the free kick and his effort went just wide. Just a minute later, Andy Murdoch shot harmlessly over the bar after some good play from Jai Quitongo.

In first half stoppage time, City conceded another free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the box – this time Ross Forbes’ powerful shot was deflected wide for a corner.

The visitors started the second period in the same fashion as they finished the first as they searched for the opening goal. Just two minutes into the second half Ricki Lamie headed wide from a Forbes cross and just five minutes later, another cross from Forbes was headed onto the bar by Thomas O'Ware but the linesman had already flagged for offside.

After 66 minutes, a cross from the left side was met by Jai Quitongo but his header was deflected out for a corner. Substitute Gary Harkins was next to have a go for the Ton, but his low shot was comfortably saved by Smith.

City were dealt a blow after 73 minutes when Ryan McGeever had to hobble off injured after making a crucial crunching tackle – he was replaced by Gary Fusco.

Although defending admirably, City were struggling to create any openings at the other end of the park but Finn Graham was unlucky to see his goal-bound shot on the edge of the box blocked by the Morton defence.

The visitors deservedly broke the deadlock just nine minutes from time. ANDY MURDOCH got the better of Willie Dyer on the edge of the box and struck an angled drive past Smith and into the far corner.

Jim Duffy’s men weren’t content with the one goal advantage and looked to put the game to bed in the closing stages. Gary Harkins had a surging run into the box but Smith did well to save at the feet of the experienced midfielder.

With time running out, Jai Quitongo got the better of Gary Fusco on the right hand side but his shot flashed across the face of goal. In stoppage time, Graeme Smith got down well to save a low free kick from Gary Harkins.

Overall, there can’t be many complaints at the result as Morton were more than worthy of their win. Next up for City is another home match against Queen of the South next weekend.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Dumbarton 0 St Mirren 2

The Saints stay top of the league.

Falkirk 0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 0

Share of the spoils at the Falkirk Stadium.

Livingston 2 Dundee United 0

Livi continue their fine start to the season.

Queen of the South 0 Dunfermline Athletic 0

Stalemate at Palmerston.