Greenock Morton 4 - 1 Brechin: Ton close gap to play-offs

Morton stepped up their pursuit of a play-off place with this comfortable victory against basement side Brechin City whose search for a first win in the Championship continues.

Gary Oliver opened the scoring for Morton. Picture: SNS/Craig Foy

The Greenock side raced out the traps and opened the scoring through Gary Oliver after only four minutes. Ross Forbes produced a brilliant left footed cross and it only needed a slight touch from the former Hearts striker to beat Graeme Smith.

Referee Alan Newlands somehow failed to award a penalty when Smith blatantly cleared out Robert Thomson. The experienced goalkeeper proved his worth moments later when he made a fine double save from Thomas O’Ware after Gary Harkins’ in-swinging corner rebounded from the bar to the defender.

The home side, though, were unable to convert pressure into total control and were punished when Brechin’s Isaac Layne lashed home a stunning equaliser just before half time.

But Morton reached the break back in front, restoring their lead in bizarre fashion when Scott Tiffoney used his knee to lob the ball over Smith and into the net.

Morton wrapped up the three points when Harkins slotted home a controversial penalty after Euan Spark was adjudged to have fouled Oliver. Substitute Jai Quitongo added gloss when he tapped in a Forbes cross.