Morton 0 - 0 St Johnstone

Published on Saturday 31 January 2009 18:46

MORTON chalked up their fourth successive draw, while Saints equalled their club record of 16 league games unbeaten, a record set 13 years ago under Paul Sturrock.

Saints, who have been suffering a goal drought of late, with just three goals in their last six games, showed early signs of improving on that dismal record in seven minutes when Steven Milne played the ball into the path of Gary Irvine, bursting forward, but the defender shot wildly over. Five minutes later Saints carved out an even better opportunity when veteran Paul Sheerin whipped over a cross from the left, but Derek Holmes' flying header went just over.

Derek McInnes's side showed a real hunger and desire from the off and in 16 minutes Sheerin's downward header from Irvine's cross was well held by Morton goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert.

Morton's first real effort of any substance came in 26 minutes when Jim McAlister and Brian Wake combined with an intricate passing move to set up Peter Weatherson, but his thunderous 25 yard drive was beaten down by Saints' Alan Main, who managed to hold the ball at the second attempt.

The Greenock men might have had a penalty on the hour mark when Weatherson appeared to take an elbow in the face from Saints' debutant Graham Gartland, but the ref waved away furious claims.

Saints were unfortunate in 63 minutes when Liam Craig's outswinging cross from the left was headed against the crossbar by Holmes, just six yards out.