JIM Duffy admits Robert Thomson’s goal early in the second half was the key as Morton staged a stunning comeback against Dunfermline on Saturday.

Ton looked dead and buried at half-time, 2-0 down with no visible route back into the game. 

But Thomson’s strike two minutes into the second half proved vital to his side’s comeback — and Duffy was delighted to see his team win.

He told the Tele: “It was an outstanding game of football between two teams who just went toe-to-toe. 

“I thought we started the game great and should’ve been a couple of goals up in the first five minutes.

“But then there was a misunderstanding and Joe Cardle took full advantage.

“It was a penalty as well, I’ve no issues with that and it looked as though the game was beyond us. 

“But when you get a goal back early in the second half it gives you a bit of momentum and you can throw caution to the wind a little bit to see if you can get something from it.

“I think Robert Thomson’s goal was key to the comeback because it gives you a chance. 

“The fact that we managed to get an early goal in the second half, the atmosphere becomes a little more positive, the players become a little bit more relaxed and even if we draw that game it’s a fantastic outcome. But to get the win is a bonus, there’s no question about that.”

Duffy also told how he wanted his side to show their character in the second half after a toothless first 45 — and he told the players that in no uncertain terms at the break.

He said: “I basically told them just to show a bit of character. I felt when the second goal went in our heads went down a bit and we looked a bit flat, which is understandable.

“Nobody wanted to take responsibility and all of a sudden everyone was just booting the ball away. So we were thankful it was 2-0 at half-time. 

“But this group of players always shows total commitment and we showed that again — the second half in particular.
“You always need a bit of good fortune to win the game in the last minute.”