After a goalless first half in which the Ton enjoyed territorial dominance without really threatening to break the deadlock, the game burst into life.

Unfortunately for Jim Duffy’s men there was an all too familiar feel about events as they conceded shortly after half-time, with another ex-player scoring to add insult to injury.

It was five minutes after the restart when Colin McMenamin followed in and rifled through Grant Adam’s legs after the keeper had parried Sean Dickson’s initial effort.

But the visitors hit back immediately, with Stefan McCluskey gleefully turning home brother Jamie’s cross to bring the Ton level.

A current of confidence surged through this young Morton team, and Stefan McCluskey teed up Thomas O’Ware to fire them into the lead on 59 minutes.

And the younger McCluskey sibling made it one goal and two assists four minutes later by picking out new signing Ross Caldwell with a low cross which he converted for a debut goal.

Returning hitman Peter MacDonald, listed on the bench as a trialist with his registration not set to go through until Monday, was introduced to the action to a hero’s reception from the travelling support.

Meanwhile, Ton continued to turn on the style and only home keeper Greg Fleming prevented them from adding to their lead with a string of fine saves.

Yet they were left clinging on for the win in the closing stages after Sean Crighton was penalised for a perplexing handball inside the box and McMenamin converted the resultant spot-kick.

Any outcome other than an away win would have been a travesty, but Ton held on for the much merited three points which moved them above Forfar Athletic into second spot.

Morton (4-4-2): Adam; Kilday, Crighton, Lamie, Russell; McKee, Miller, O’Ware, J. McCluskey ©; Caldwell (MacDonald [Trialist], 78), S. McCluskey (Ferris, 90).

Subs not used: Milojevic, Pepper, Knight, Orr, McGowan (gk).

Booked: Caldwell (63), Russell (69), Crighton (88).

Stenhousemuir (4-1-4-1): Fleming; Lithgow, Meechan, McMillan ©, Summers; Hodge; Gallacher (Grehan, 61), Faulds, Dickson (Watt, 72), Eddington; McMenamin.

Subs not used: Duncan, Redpath, Fotheringham, Smith (gk).

Attendance: 508 Referee: John McKendrick