Published: Monday, 12th October, 2009 2:00pm

Wood's work helps defeat Ton

MORTON 0 ROSS COUNTY 1

SO CLOSE: Alan McManus's lob comes back off the bar.

IT was always going to take something out of the ordinary to beat Colin Stewart, who produced a five-star display in the Morton goal.

In the end it was just that which separated the two sides.

County, despite the bulk of possession and chances, could find no way past the outstanding keeper until a wicked deflection off the boot of Garry Wood midway through the second half spun under his body.

County got the first real chance in 19 minutes when a slack pass by Morton's Jim McAlister was intercepted by Richard Brittain, but after he raced forward his 20-yard right-foot shot was held at the second attempt by goalkeeper Colin Stewart.

Stewart had to be at his sharpest 60 seconds later when a low, driven cross from the right by Paul Di Giacomo took a wicked deflection off Ton's joint caretaker boss Allan McManus, but the keeper got down to

make a stunning save at his near post.

Morton raced to the other end, but Peter Weatherson's 15-yard shot from the left went just over.

County quickly regained their composure and created the best chance of the game so far in 26 minutes.

Scott Morrison's free-kick from the right found Alex Keddie unmarked in front of goal, but the defender somehow managed to screw his shot wide from eight yards.

On the half-hour mark a superb run by Allan Jenkins set up Brian Graham, but the striker shot over under pressure from Stuart Kettlewell.

One minute later, at the other end, a mistake by Ton skipper Stewart Greacen let Garry Wood through on goal, but Stewart raced out to make a superb block at his feet. Seconds from the interval Brian Graham had another shot on the left-hand side of the area, which spun off Richard Brittain's boot and just wide.

From Carlo Monti's resultant corner from the right, Greacen headed powerfully past goalkeeper Michael McGovern - but referee Chris Boyle controversially adjudged pushing at the back post, much to the anger of the Cappielow players.

Seven minutes after the restart Morton passed up an astonishing chance when Jim McAlister's corner from the left found McManus unmarked.

His lob crashed back off the bar to David McGregor, but incredibly he shot over from 10 yards with the goal gaping.

County got the winner in 68 minutes when Brittain slid the ball forward to Michael Gardyne on the right, his cutback found Martin Scott, and he shot low on target, the ball being deflected under Stewart's body by Wood and into the net.