JIM Duffy hailed Jai Quitongo for his influential performance against Queen of the South in Morton’s 2-1 win on Saturday afternoon — but identified Derek Gaston as Ton’s true match-winner.

Quitongo bagged an assist and a goal in another impressive outing for the youngster – and his gaffer was delighted with his input. 

But while Duffy praised Quitongo, he picked out Gats for special praise after a string of crucial stops to keep his side in front.

Duffy said: “That was a terrific result for us.  We were excellent for 25 minutes of the first half and scored two outstanding goals.

“We then lost a quick reply, which is never ideal.

“They came out all guns blazing in the second half but Derek Gaston has made two phenomenal saves. 

"Ultimately that allowed us to get all three points.

“Jai Quitongo will get the plaudits and rightfully so and I can be quite tough on goalkeepers but Gats deserves as much credit as the goalscorers and goal makers.”

Duffy was delighted to leave Palmerston Park with the three points, though, and likened the 90 minutes to a basketball game — because it was played end-to-end. 

But he was pleased with his players for being able to take advantage of their chances on the attack.

He added: “The first half was almost like a basketball game because Queen of the South had five minutes then we had five minutes. 

“But in our spells we scored and that gave us the platform to win the game. 

“In the second half we just had to defend and not make any silly mistakes and thankfully Gats was at the top of his game with two magnificent saves.

“We should’ve capitalised a couple of times in the second half on the counter but we’ve defended great. 

“To come down here and come away with the three points is an outstanding win for us.”