Morton's momentum continues ahead of their Championship meeting with Ayr United after a 2-0 home win over Queen's Park. The result at Cappielow Park on Saturday extends Morton's unbeaten run and sets up a key fixture for both sides this Friday.
Grant Gillespie opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Michael Garrity sealed the points with a second-half strike into the corner. The victory marks Morton's first clean sheet in 20 matches and moves them within striking distance of the play-off places.
How the match unfolded
Morton took control early and were awarded a penalty, which Gillespie converted. Dylan Borso, operating as a lone striker, was a constant threat and forced a save from Queen's Park goalkeeper David Mitchell after the hour mark. Michael Garrity's decisive second goal came from a low effort into the corner, ensuring the points stayed in Greenock.
Queen's Park made four substitutions at the hour mark in an attempt to change the game, introducing Ross McLean, Lewis Stewart, Aiden McCallion and Zach Mauchin. Their efforts were not enough, with defender Euan Murray substituted late after receiving a booking for his reaction to a challenge. Tyrece McDonnell replaced him for the closing stages.
Sean Crighton, the Queen's Park manager, acknowledged his team's effort. "Effort is not something Sean Crighton has ever questioned from his side and they continued to seek a way back into the game," he said.
Championship context for Ayr
The result has direct implications for Ayr United, who sit seventh in the Championship with 12 points from 11 games. Their recent form shows two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five matches, including a 1-0 defeat to Partick Thistle last time out. Ayr are 11 points behind league leaders Stenhousemuir.
Morton's win means they are now four points behind eighth-placed Arbroath. A victory over Ayr United on Friday would move Morton to within two points of Gary Naysmith's side, making it a critical encounter in the race for the top half. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw at the end of August.
Ayr United travel to Cappielow on Friday, October 24, for a 7:45pm kick-off. The Honest Men will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat and create a gap between themselves and their hosts in the standings.
First reported at Queen's Park Football Club
On October 23, Morton goalkeeper Elyh Harrison confirmed his return from a groin injury. The Manchester United loanee missed two games but featured in the wins over Arbroath and Queen's Park. Harrison said, "Two wins, to be fair, we dug in well, kept a clean sheet." Ayr United, who are seventh in the Championship with 12 points, face Morton on October 24.
