Published: Monday, 8th March, 2010 2:00pm

Chances squandered

MIDFIELD BATTLE: Morton's Michael Tidser battles for the ball with Ayr's Steve Bowey.

Ayr United 2 Morton 0

(Roberts 26, McManus 48 pen)

THERE was a strong feeling that Morton manager James Grady may well have had his mind made up about the Cappielow careers of some of his players after this sore defeat at Somerset Park on what was a lovely, spring-like afternoon.

It was a loss which lifted Ayr to within two points of the Greenock club and, if they manage to beat Partick Thistle at the same venue on Wednesday night, they will go above Morton into third bottom place.

For Grady it was the manner of the defeat which grated most. Having dominated most of the first half, and created a succession of chances, Morton fell behind to the hosts' first and only attempt on goal.

That was bad enough, but a penalty conceded early in the second half proved to be a blow from which the visitors never recovered.

What happened then was what grieved the Morton boss most. All the fight seemed to drain from his team, Ayr were given a corresponding lift, and suddenly it was a totally different game.

Against Dunfermline in their previous defeat, Grady had complained that his team had been bullied. This time their spirit seemed crushed. Goals change games all right, and the second at Somerset on Saturday proved a fatal blow to the body Morton.

Yet it had been the travelling support who had most to enjoy in the opening 25 minutes. With youngsters Michael Tidser and Donovan Simmonds introduced to the starting line-up, it was the visitors who settled first.

Tidser attempted an ambitious strike from 35 yards in nine minutes which ended up brushing the roof of the net then, two minutes later, Peter Weatherson's turn and drive resulted in the ball hitting the left post, a bemused Samson collecting it on the rebound.

Ayr looked well off the pace and, in a three-minute spell, Morton fashioned three excellent opportunities. Weatherson and Simmonds linked well, the latter's flick releasing Weatherson clean through in the inside-right channel. One-on-one, few would bet against Weatherson hitting the net, but his shot struck Samson and a great chance was lost.

Two minutes later Simmonds outpaced the home central defence only to blaze his effort wide of the goal.

A minute further on, Jim McAlister went past his man on the left, passed inside to Simmonds, who turned his marker perfectly only to see his shot blocked by the goalkeeper. From the rebound Allan Jenkins had a drive which also was diverted.

If Morton were well on top, there was always that nagging feeling that they might pay dearly for such extravagance. And, completely against the run of play, Ayr did just that in 26 minutes. Roberts collected a McManus flick, steadied himself and chipped Colin Stewart from 25 yards with a perfect finish.

That swept the feet from underneath the visitors. Four minutes later Dominic Shimmin did precisely that to Roberts with a fierce challenge from behind, just on halfway. It was clearly a sore one, and Robertson eventually hirpled off to receive a couple of stitches to his hip, Shimmin receiving a merited yellow card.

Roberts did return after eight minutes, but had to depart for good in 41 minutes, Danny McKay replacing him. Masterton's shot from Simmonds' cross was blocked, then Jenkins' drive was deflected for a corner just before the interval.

If Morton were hoping for a quick reply after the break, their hopes were shattered three minutes into the half. Lafferty's pass to Bowey sent the little midfielder clear through, Shimmin having little alternative but to send him tumbling. It was a clear penalty and McManus did the necessary from the spot to put Ayr two ahead.

It may have been a crazy reflection of the play, but it was a blow which visibly deflated Morton and, at the same time, galvanised the hosts.

Stewart Greacen was booked in 58 minutes and, three minutes later, Morton might have fallen further behind when a Stewart miskick was picked up 45 yards out by Bowey and his attempted lob flew just wide of the right post.

McKay whipped a finish narrowly wide of the target after coming inside Greacen and Ayr showed all the confidence that comes with a two-goal cushion.

Morton threw on Kevin Finlayson for Jenkins and, in 71 minutes, a McAlister snap shot was struck too straight at Samson.

Morton desperately needed a reply and, in 73 minutes, Brian Graham came on for Alan Reid, Morton switching to three at the back. With his first touch Graham almost put in Simmonds, but the Ayr defence cut out the danger. Morton were pressing again and a 30-yard Masterton effort was tipped over the crossbar by Samson.

Ayr, however, gradually played out time, Morton's frustration showing when Greacen lunged into a needless challenge just inside the Ayr half, resulting in that second booking and his dismissal. It summed up Morton's afternoon.

For Ayr, who have picked up seven points in their last three games, there is now a real sense that survival can be achieved.

MORTON (4-4-2): Stewart 6; McGuffie 7, Greacen 5, Shimmin 7, Reid 5 (Graham 73 2); Masterton 5, Tidser 8, Jenkins 5 (Finlayson 64 2), McAlister 6; Simmonds 6, Weatherson 6 (MacGregor 84 2).

Bookings: Shimmin 30, Greacen 58, 84.

Orderings-off: Greacen, two yellows.

Subs not used - Paartalu, Cuthbert.

AYR UNITED (4-4-2): Samson; Mitchell, Campbell , Aitken, Lafferty; Keenan (Connelly 79), McGowan, Bowey, Borris; Roberts (McKay 41), McManus (Mendes 82).

Subs not used - Woodburn, Grindlay.

Bookings: Bowey 44, McGowan 78.

Referee: Steven Nicholls.

Attendance: 2,145.