Irons: Now it's home sweet home

William Dick - William Dick • Published 31 Dec 2008 12:30

MORTON 2 PARTICK THISTLE 0

DELIGHTED Davie Irons believes Morton can home in on success after shaking off their Cappielow jitters.

A trademark Stevie Masterton free kick and a header from Peter Weatherson were enough to make it five consecutive wins on their own patch.

And Irons reckons his men can now handle the pressure of playing in front of a demanding Greenock public.

He said: 'The home form is something we looked at when we came in and our record here was poor. There is always pressure playing in front of your own fans, especially when things aren"t going well and I think the tension used to get to us.

'But the lads have got their confidence back. We are tougher mentally now and are enjoying playing at Cappielow again.'

Morton"s all-action start got the fans behind them right away and a Masterton free kick was headed off the six-yard line by Alan Archibald.

However, Masterton"s next effort was much more deadly, following Willie Kinniburgh"s push on Weatherson in 17 minutes.

The dead-ball expert left Jonny Tuffey helpless with a precise curler from the left edge of the box which the keeper could only help on its way into the top corner.

Morton might have doubled their lead when Stewart Greacen set up Jim McAlister, whose side-footed effort rose just too high.

Moments later, McAlister turned provider with a drilled cross over the six-yard line but James Grady, at full stretch, was unable to keep his shot down. Thistle were struggling to make any impact but they were given a boost when Stephen McKeown forced a save from Colin Stewart.

Thistle started the second period much more positively and almost drew level when David Rowson swapped passes with McKeown before testing Stewart with a 14-yard shot which the keeper smothered.

Masterton was once again instrumental as the Cappielow men doubled their advantage in 65 minutes. His inswinging corner was perfectly measured for Weatherson, whose glancing header flew high into the net.

Morton should have been in easy street moments later when Allan Jenkins was sent racing clear of a static Jags defence by Weatherson, but the midfielder pulled his angled shot inches wide of Tuffey"s far post.

Irons added: 'It"s nice to finish the year with a win in front of our own supporters and hopefully we can build on our record here against Queen of the South on Saturday.'

Jags boss Ian McCall, disappointed to lose at his old ground, was nonetheless full of praise for Morton"s goal heroes.

He said: 'We know Stevie Masterton is exceptional with free kicks and our players were warned not to give away any fouls in a certain area.'

Of Weatherson, McCall added: 'I"d kill to get him at Partick Thistle because he"s the best striker of his type in the division. He tortured us tonight.'

Morton: Stewart 7; MacGregor 7, Walker 6, Shimmin 8, Greacen 7, Jenkins 6, Finlayson 6, Masterton 9, Weatherson 8, Grady 7 (Wake 87, 6), McAlister 6. Subs: McGuffie, Paartalu, Russell, McWilliams.

Partick Thistle: Tuffey 7; Paton 6, McKinlay 5 (Storey 46, 5), Robertson 6, Kinniburgh 5, Archibald 6, McKeown 7, Rowson 6, Buchanan 6 (Lennon 69, 3), Roberts 5, Harkins 5 (Chaplain 61, 4). Subs: Donnelly, Hinchcliffe.

Referee: J McKendrick. Attendance: 2,385

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 31 Dec 08

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