IT’S been a long time since so many smiling faces filtered out of Cappielow on to Sinclair Street as last Saturday afternoon.

Morton fans were celebrating their team’s victory over promotion rivals Dunfermline but it was not just the result which delighted the faithful.

The performance was what had everyone — to borrow a now-infamous term — purring with approval.

If this was Ton’s biggest test of the season so far then they rose to it in fine style, running themselves into the ground and playing some excellent football.

They set their stall out right from the start of the match, pressing right in the visitors’ faces and putting them firmly on the back foot.

They should have been ahead in the first couple of minutes when a surge down the right from Lee Kilday created an opening for Andy Barrowman to blaze over.

But the Fifers would not make it to half-time with their goal intact, thanks to a stunning opportunist strike from Declan McManus.

The Scotland Under-21 man showed how dangerous he can be when he capitalised on a bit of defensive hesitancy and punished it severely by smashing a spectacular shot beyond Ryan Scully.

The margin of victory could have been much more emphatic, with several clear cut second half chances spurned, but in the end it did not matter.

Even when Jim Jefferies’ outfit equalised through Ross Millen’s penalty, the feeling was that Morton would still collect the points so long as they could take one of the opportunities they were creating, and so it proved.

The winning goal, when it arrived, was well crafted and superbly taken — with Barrowman clipping over a perfect cross for the on-rushing Conor Pepper to bullet home an unstoppable header.

The three points hoisted the Greenock men above the Pars and into second place in the table but the really important thing, as far as the home fans were concerned, was that their side showed they have nothing to fear from the bookies’ favourites for the title.

They let that be known too, loudly taunting the 400-odd subdued away supporters as some badly-needed atmosphere finally returned to the Cowshed.

Now that Morton have a set a standard for themselves, the challenge is to try their best to maintain it.

The sheer intensity and quality they displayed will not be easy to match every week, of course, such is the hugely competitive nature of the division. But if Morton can at least find a level of consistency and go on a good run then they will put themselves bang in contention for the prize they are ultimately after — the title and an immediate return to the Championship.

Manager Jim Duffy has rightly stressed the fact that the same three points are up for grabs in every game and will no doubt remind his players of the potential pitfalls which await tomorrow.

It’s all very well being right up for taking on fellow full-timers who are sitting top of the league, but another type of mental challenge looms at Ochilview tomorrow.

Stenhousemuir may be struggling near the foot of the table but they cannot be treated lightly, and Morton must avoid any complacency.

Having secured a really good victory last weekend, they would be kicking themselves if they failed to follow up when strongly fancied against so-called lesser opposition.

This group of players does not appear to be the its to let their guard down though — it’s early days but there are encouraging signs about their mindset, attitude and graft. The difference between the squad of 2013-14 and the current crop is very stark indeed and was demonstrated by the work-rate the players put in last Saturday.

It’s maybe unfair to pinpoint individuals following such a strong team performance but goalscorers McManus and Pepper and Robbie Crawford epitomised the energy which flowed throughout the team.

Aberdeen loanee McManus badgered the life out the Dunfermline defence, running them ragged at times, while the two aforementioned midfielders were perpetual motion and never gave their opposite numbers a minute’s peace.

They displayed plenty of quality to go with it as well, ably backed up by the likes of Joe McKee, Barrowman and defenders Ricki Lamie — thoroughly excellent at left back — and Thomas O’Ware.

In short, Ton did not have a failure in their ranks.

It is clear that the return of injured players has not only given them good options in attack but has also had the spin-off of strengthening the defence, with emergency striker O’Ware being restored to centre back. In addition, the arrival of on-loan Ranger Crawford has added a bit of quality and running power which has clearly improved them in midfield.

There is still a case that the group remains short of another experienced campaigner who would be able to help the young players handle the peaks and troughs that the next seven months will inevitably bring.

But for now Morton must take huge confidence from posting their best performance of the season to date, while being mindful of the need to keep their feet on the ground.

In the context of tomorrow’s fixture, that means giving Stenny every respect, approaching the game in the correct manner and starting it in the right fashion.

If they can manage all of that, it should pave the way for a second successive win.

TEAM LATEST STEFAN McCluskey is expected to be Morton’s only real doubt for tomorrow’s trip to Stenhousemuir.

The forward scored for the Under-20s on Tuesday but was laid low by a virus yesterday and will be monitored with the match at Ochilview in mind.

Serbian defender Stefan Milojevic has recovered from a knee problem and will be available for selection again after a two-week absence.

TRAVEL LATEST THE Albert Hotel Morton Supporters are taking bookings for the bus to Ochilview Park for tomorrow’s Scottish League One game against Stenhousemuir.

The bus will leave the hotel at 1.15pm. The club are also taking bookings for next week’s League One match away to Brechin City.

All are welcome with pick-ups available en-route.

To book a seat on any of these buses call or text Jim on 07983 600945.

THE Lighthouse Morton Travel Club bus to Stenhousemuir will leave at 1.15pm from the Lighthouse Bar.

Any visitors wishing to travel and who want to book a seat can do so by phoning or texting David on 07719 548046.