AS the curtain finally comes down on Morton's season, it's time to reflect on a long and at times thrilling campaign which caught fire in promising fashion - only to burn out just as things were getting interesting.

Going into the final 12 months of his three-year contract, manager Allan Moore carried out a substantial summer shake-up in a determined bid to finally push the club forward, recruiting a clutch of experienced players alongside some fresher faces.

It was the arrival of key figures like Martin Hardie, Kevin Rutkiewicz and Mark McLaughlin which changed the mentality around the place - and after an iffy start it soon became clear that the club was well-enough equipped to challenge at the top of the table.

A five match winning run from September into October established them as credible contenders and the manner of the two draws which followed it (at Dunfermline and Livingston) suggested that there was much more to come.

By the approach to the festive season it already looked likely that Partick, Dunfermline and Morton would conduct a three way fight for the silverware.

It was Ton who ended the year on top, having beaten both their rivals in pulsating clashes within four days over the festive season.

They reached the turn of the year suffering just two league defeats and although their defending at times left a lot to be desired, there was much to admire in their resolve and attacking prowess, while a remarkable run away from home saw them unbeaten on the road.

Bolstered by the return of Peter MacDonald from injury, plus the January transfer window arrival of Colin McMenamin, another player with medals in the bank, Morton looked well placed - and even more so as Thistle lost their manager and had to put up with a string of postponements which left them playing catch up.

Dunfermline, meanwhile, endured a rapid descent into off-field financial chaos, plunging them headlong into administration, a points deduction, player cull and fight for survival at the other end of the table.

The stage was all set for a showdown between Thistle and Morton which everyone thought would go right to the wire - and the pair's memorable Cappielow clash in February simply reinforced that view.

The away team stormed into a two goal lead but a Hardie and MacDonald-inspired comeback turned the tide and had the game gone on another five minutes Morton might well have beaten Alan Archibald's men and gone further clear at the summit.

Back then, with Morton eight points clear, albeit having played more matches, no one could have envisaged Partick romping clear with a double digit advantage to their name.

So what went wrong?

Some of it, to be fair, was outwith Morton's control.

In particular, the departure of Jackie McNamara from Partick - initially seen as a big bodyblow for their chances - proved to be quite the reverse.

Caretaker Archibald stepped into the breach and they went on an outstanding run of form - their free flowing play tempered slightly with solidity injected at the back just when they needed it most.

The question marks over their prospects post-managerial change - and let's be honest, these were evident at their own club given the length of time it took to confirm Archibald as a permanent appointment - also undoubtedly galvanised them.

They deserve credit for their relentless pursuit of points during the crucial period where they fulfilled their games in hand, albeit aided by a stroke of luck when fog intervened and saw one already-rescheduled match abandoned while defeat was staring them in the face.

But if Ton could do little about these aspects, then there's little doubt that they compounded them with poor performances at the most critical of moments - a mix of ropey defending, ill-timed injuries and a shade in form from one or two key individuals all adding up.

While a one-off stumble could maybe have been overcome, the month of March was bookended by two dismal, and hugely costly, displays at Hamilton and Raith.

These defeats, coupled with Thistle's gathering momentum, meant the pendulum had swung away from Morton and, in all honesty, they never really looked like regaining control.

Everyone's worst fears were realised when they let themselves - and a huge travelling support - down at Firhill last month, not even landing a blow as their title hopes went up in smoke.

Although what followed was academic, two more losses since have made it five defeats in 10.

Taking stock of the season as a whole is therefore a difficult balancing act - recent events have marred what was looking like a potentially special year and overshadowed the progress that has undoubtedly been made on the park.

But while Partick have been that bit better, Ton have finished comfortably clear of everyone else in second place, an achievement which should not be minimised given their travails in this division since 2007 (finishing 8th, 6th, 8th, 7th and 8th).

It's worth remembering that if they plied their trade anywhere else than the basket case environment of Scottish football, their 2013 runners-up slot would have earned some sort of reward for their efforts.

Furthermore, Morton should not lose sight of the fact that they go into tomorrow's final fixture with 25 points more than their closing return last term - and in doing so they have mounted a challenge at the top for the first time since 1996, leading the division for a long spell.

Orchestrated by some immaculate Michael Tidser displays, they have played some excellent attacking football along the way and at times looked capable of scoring at will - but ultimately it was not enough to outdo an excellent Partick side which is good value for its success.

Some players have already left and with all but three of their colleagues also out of contract others will surely follow - but there is still the chance of a platform there to build on.

Whether it will be or not, and who will oversee that job, only time will tell.

The threat of part-time football and uncertainty over league reconstruction means that contracts for the coaching staff and players remain up in the air and that any discussion about next season is largely pointless for now.

Hopefully clarity will come soon, for everyone's sake, and in the meantime the players can try and finish off a positive season on the right note with a good result at Falkirk tomorrow.

TEAM LATEST DEFINITELY missing tomorrow's trip to Falkirk are Michael Tidser (groin), Stephen Stirling (broken leg) and Willie Dyer (dislocated shoulder).

Thomas O'Ware was sent home from training on Wednesday with a sickness bug and remains doubtful, as are Peter MacDonald, Martin Hardie and Mark McLaughlin, who all missed training sessions during the week. Midfielder Kyle Wilkie is another concern after a back injury suffered against Hamilton.

Although he was given the final half hour against Accies, Allan Moore says Peter Weatherson's fitness is not yet up to the level needed to start.

TRAVEL NOTES THE Greenock Morton Supporters' Club travel section bus to the final league game of the season at Falkirk will leave the club at 1.30pm with pick-ups en-route. The section would like to thank all members and guests who have travelled this season and also the players for giving us a much more enjoyable season. Anyone wishing a seat on this bus can call John on 07909 997071. Prices are �7 and �5.

THE Albert Hotel Morton Supporters' bus to Falkirk for the final Irn-Bru SFL Division One match of the season against Falkirk will leave the hotel at 1.15pm. Price are �5 and all are welcome with pick-ups available en-route. To book a seat please call or text Jim on 07983 600945. The AHMS committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has travelled with them this season. It's very much appreciated.

THE Lighthouse Morton Travel Club bus for Falkirk will leave from the Lighthouse at 1pm. Any visitors wishing to travel can book seats by phoning or texting David on 07719 548046.