MORTON brought their losing streak to an end this afternoon as they shared a goalless draw with Raith Rovers.

The Cappielow club had lost their last eight fixtures, including seven straight league defeats, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.

While a win today would have been ideal, the draw was a welcome change and at least represented a positive step in the right direction.

Ton fielded five home debutants in Jamie McCormack, Darren Cole, Barrie McKay, David Robertson and Garry O’Connor.

Former Hibs and Scotland striker O’Connor finalised his move yesterday afternoon and was thrown straight into the starting line-up by boss Kenny Shiels.

Although not yet 100 per cent fit, he showed signs that he will prove a handful for defences at this level.

He started well and sent an early header over the top. And only a dubious offside call denied him a debut goal on 38 minutes. As they have in most games since David Hopkin took temporary charge, Ton enjoyed the lion's share of possession over the piece.

But there were great chances at both ends. For Morton, Robertson and McKay both spurned excellent opportunities.

Former St Johnstone midfielder Robertson saw his early one-on-one chance superbly saved by Raith keeper Ross Laidlaw.

However, that stop was bested by home keeper Nicolas Caraux, who demonstrated lighting reflexes to flip a Callum Elliot header over the crossbar.

In the second half, McKay and Dougie Imrie drew decent saves from Laidlaw, while Joe Cardle fired wide from a promising position and saw another effort well saved by Caraux.

The hosts finished on the front foot, but just when it looked as though they were set to snatch it at the death, sub Archie Campbell’s low cross was cut out before O’Connor could convert.

In the end, Shiels’ side could not find the breakthrough - but they will have received a boost from the clean sheet and a point that takes them closer to Cowdenbeath in the play-off place.

Morton (4-2-3-1): Caraux; McCormack (Campbell, 85), Cole, Peciar, Fitzpatrick; Taggart, Bachirou; Imrie ©, Robertson (Wallace, 74), McKay (Fulton, 74); O’Connor.

Subs not used: Hands, Habai, Cham, Gaston (gk).

Raith Rovers (4-5-1): Laidlaw; Mullen, Donaldson, Hill ©, Booth; Anderson (Vaughan, 73), Fox, Callachan, Moon, Cardle; Elliott (Smith, 65).

Subs not used: Spence, Ellis, Matthews, Bates, Stewart (gk).

Booked: Moon (87).

Attendance: 1,745 Referee: Iain Brines