Morton maintain excellent cup form

Published on Sunday 7 September 2008 23:47

MORTON progressed to the semi-finals of the Alba Challenge Cup for the fourth season in a row after notching a surprise 2-0 victory away to First Division rivals Queen of the South.

The win, which came courtesy of goals from former Gretna duo Brian Wake and Ryan McGuffie, means Morton, who have yet to notch a league win this season, have now won all three of their cup matches, scoring 13 goals in the process.

Davie Irons' side made the breakthrough in 48 minutes when Wake, unmarked on the left, cracked home a low 15-yard angled drive after being set up by McGuffie. Provider turned scorer for Morton's second when McGuffie curled a superb 20-yard effort high into the net with 13 minutes left.

Elsewhere Paul Di Giacomo scored a second-half double as Airdrie United fended off a late Cowdenbeath fightback to win 2-1 at Central Park.

The former Kilmarnock striker looked to have wrapped up victory when his brace put the visitors 2-0 up with only 15 minutes left but a tremendous goal from Cowdenbeath's Brian Fairbairn set up an exciting finale.

The home side's chances, however, were dashed when they were reduced to ten men with the 84th-minute dismissal of captain Mark Baxter for a foul on Airdrie substitute Michael Brown.

Airdrie manager Kenny Black said: "It was not an epic but it was never going to be easy against a Cowdenbeath side who are well organised."

Steven Craig's first-half strike was enough to take Ross County through at the expense of ten-man Clyde at Broadwood.

The only goal arrived in the 25th minute when Craig pounced to force the ball just over the line after Scott Boyd had headed Sean Higgins' corner kick against the crossbar.

Clyde were dealt a further blow on the stroke of half-time when Neil McGregor was sent off for a second bookable offence, and Ross County were able to enjoy a relatively hassle-free second half as they eased into the last four.

They will be joined in the draw by in-form Partick Thistle who ended Livingston's run of seven successive victories with a 2-0 win at Almondvale.

Both of the Firhill side's goals came in the closing 15 minutes, with Chris Turner setting them on their way before defender Marc Twaddle sealed the win.