MORTON were unable to defy the odds as they went down to a 2-0 defeat away at league leaders Dundee today.

After picking up just one win from their last 14 matches, Ton travelled to Dens Park in hope rather than any realistic expectation.

Kenny Shiels adapted his system, setting up in a 4-5-1 formation. David O’Brien was added to the starting line-up, and deployed as a third central midfielder, in place of Archie Campbell.

The centre of defence has been one of the success stories under Shiels, but both Darren Cole and Stuart Findlay failed to pick up Christian Nade as he stooped to steer home Martin Boyle’s cross.

The game was 12 minutes old when the Frenchman opened the scoring, and only a brave, last ditch block by Cole prevented Peter MacDonald from adding a second five minutes later.

At the other end, Garry O’Connor scuffed a shot straight at goalkeeper Kyle Letheren after Barrie McKay had teed him up following magical wing play.

Dark Blues striker Boyle was used as a right midfielder by manager Paul Hartley and proved a constant thorn in Morton’s side.

He was at the heart of Dundee’s whirlwind start to the second half, drawing a fine save from Derek Gaston as well as setting up Jim McAlister to do likewise.

Ton custodian Gaston then pulled off a third stop in five minutes, finding himself in a perfect position to catch MacDonald’s fierce drive.

The home fans grew agitated as the half progressed, however, growing increasingly frustrated at their side’s failure to kill off rock-bottom Ton.

Captain for the day Marc Fitzpatrick gave them a real scare on 84 minutes when he headed a McKay corner a foot wide of the upright.

It was an eye opener for the hosts who went straight up the park and sealed the win through MacDonald.

McAlister fed that man Boyle on the right, who then drove in on goal and forced a fine save from Gaston with a rising drive.

The Ton custodian only succeeded in pushing the ball out as far as MacDonald, and the former Cappielow favourite hooked in the rebound.

It was an encounter the visitors weren’t expected to take anything from, and if any consolation can be taken from the afternoon, it is that both Cowdenbeath and Raith Rovers also lost.

Morton (4-5-1): Gaston; McCormack (Fulton, 83), Cole, Findlay, Fitzpatrick ©; McKay, Taggart, Bachirou, O’Brien, Vine (Campbell, 70); O’Connor.

Subs not used: Smith, O’Ware, Russell, O’Neil, McIntyre (gk).

Booked: Bachirou (66).

Dundee (4-4-2): Letheren; Irvine, Gallagher, Benedictus, Dyer; Boyle, Rae © (Davidson, 78), McBride, McAlister; MacDonald, Nade (Riley, 83).

Subs not used: Lockwood, Bonnett-Johnson, Kerr, Wighton, Twardzik (gk).

Booked: Dyer (56), Nade (58), Gallagher (74), Boyle (90+1).

Attendance: 4,488 Referee: George Salmond