MORTON recorded an impressive 2-1 victory over pre-season title favourites Dunfermline Athletic at Cappielow this afternoon.

In what the first meeting between the clubs tipped to fight it out for the League One crown, Jim Duffy’s men took a much-merited lead in the 29th minute.

Scotland Under-21 striker Declan McManus was the scorer, netting with a stunning shot from distance after the Pars defence failed to deal with Sean Crighton’s headed clearance.

Ton were the dominant force for the majority of the match but found themselves back on level terms on 72 minutes when Ross Millen scored from the spot following a Ricki Lamie foul.

But Conor Pepper met a Andy Barrowman cross with a bullet header four minutes later to restore the hosts advantage.

It was the energetic Irishman’s second goal for the club and could turn out to be one of his most important after it proved enough to secure the three points.

The victory moved the Ton above the Pars and into second place, one point behind new table toppers Ayr United.

Morton (4-4-2): Gaston; Kilday, Crighton ©, O’Ware, Lamie; J. McCluskey (Hands, 85), McKee, Pepper, Crawford (Miller, 80); McManus, Barrowman.

Subs not used: S. McCluskey, Russell, Scullion, McNeil, Caraux (gk).

Booked: McKee (39), Pepper (62), McManus (64), Lamie (72).

Dunfermline (5-3-2): Scully; Williamson (Thomson, 37), Millen, Buchanan, Martin, Drummond; Falkingham, Spence (Forbes, 83), Geggan ©; Ugwu (Stirling, 68), Moffat.

Subs not used: Urquhart, Byrne, Smith, Goodfellow (gk).

Booked: Buchanan (40), Thomson (61).

Attendance: 1,934 Referee: Nick Walsh