Dick Campbell’s side recorded a convincing 3-2 over the Ton back in August and travelled down to Greenock with a four-point lead over Jim Duffy’s men.

But the Ton started well and took the lead after 15 minutes when teenager Jon Scullion, who was making his first start for the club, fired in a low drive which took a nick on its way into the net.

Top scorer Declan McManus was restored to the starting line-up after missing last weekend’s Scottish Cup tie against Airdrie.

And the Aberdeen loanee turned provider on 62 minutes, creating his side’s second goal through a lethal combination of desire and quality.

First, he put pressure on right-back Michael Dunlop, blocking his attempted clearance and racing after the ball as it broke free.

He then charged clear down the left and found strike partner Andy Barrowman with a precise, low cross.

Ton captain Barrowman arrived right on cue, sliding in to divert the ball past former Scotland goalkeeper Rab Douglas with an intelligent improvised touch.

At the other end, Derek Gaston made two impressive stops to deny Gavin Swankie as Forfar desperately sought a way back into the match.

The hosts never looked in any real danger of surrendering their two-goal advantage but could finally afford to relax when Jim Paterson was sent off for a forearm smash on Jordan Allan on 88 minutes.

Ton’s victory combined with Dunfermline’s draw at Peterhead leaves things incredibly tight at the League One summit.

The Loons remain top of the pile on 22 points, with the Pars and Morton right behind them on 21 and Stevie Aitken’s Stranraer next on 20.

Morton (4-4-2): Gaston; Kilday, Crighton, Milojevic, Russell; O’Ware; Pepper, Crawford (Lamie, 79); Scullion (Allan, 79); Barrowman © (Cairnie, 86), McManus.

Subs not used: J. McCluskey McNeil, Knight, McGowan (gk).

Booked: Kilday (81), Pepper (90+3).

Forfar Athletic (4-1-4-1): Douglas; Dunlop, Malcolm, Dods, Paterson; Husband (Dale, 81); Hilson, Malin (Kader, 61), Smith, Swankie; Templeman (Denholm, 61).

Subs not used: James, Yates, Salmon (gk).

Booked: Husband (67).

Sent off: Paterson (88).

Attendance: 1,244 Referee: Greg Aitken