MORTON complete the first quarter of the season tomorrow with question marks hanging over the strength of their promotion bid credentials.

Up until a fortnight ago they were looking in good shape after disposing comfortably of Dunfermline, the only other full-time team in the division, with a very impressive performance at Cappielow.

It seemed that Jim Duffy and his team were heading in the right direction, notwithstanding some well-founded concerns about a lack of experience in the squad and a couple of disappointing away defeats.

Any hopes that the post-Pars feelgood factor would remain in place — and encourage some lapsed fans back to the fold — were dashed all too quickly.

Ton have instead been rocked by two badly damaging defeats — with both of them occurring on the road.

With eight games played the Greenock men’s record is one of stark contrasts, three home wins mirrored by four away losses.

If they were to continue to lose matches at this rate, regardless of the venue, then it would obviously blow a massive hole in their chances between now and next May.

They will have to get their act together quickly but anyone who’s watched them over the last couple of weeks may worry that this might be easier said than done.

If frustration was the overriding emotion after lowly Stenhousemuir saw them off at Ochilview, then a feeling of deep unease would best describe the vibe after Saturday’s events at Glebe Park in Brechin.

This was absolutely abysmal stuff from a Morton side who could consider themselves fortunate not to have been on the wrong end of a real spanking.

Despite having a week to heed the lessons of Stenhousemuir, where they started sloppily and eventually paid the price, they were again on the back foot right from the off.

The biggest concern was the way they defended, or didn’t defend to be more precise.

They conceded a cheap penalty, lost a dreadful second goal and were in danger of being exposed practically every time Ray McKinnon’s men — a half decent but not outstanding side — moved forward into their half.

It’s all very well saying that defending is a team responsibility which involves everyone from the frontline going backwards.

But individually and collectively the rearguard has not been good enough.

The most alarming thing about this is the fact that the group has no shortage of time to work on set-up and organisation, so there should be no excuses.

Not for them two midweek public park training sessions after a day’s work — these full-time players have all week long to prepare and get themselves ready for matchday.

If they cannot prove themselves and get it right soon then things could be taken out of their hands — it may well be that tough decisions have to be taken and changes made.

This may sound harsh but the blunt reality is that — for all sorts of reasons — Morton desperately need to get out of this division at the first attempt, they simply do not have the luxury of time to get things right.

While the main problem lies with the back four and its inability to deal with basic situations and concession of goals, it’s also true that the midfield could do more to shield and shore things up — this area of the park has lacked solidity and at times looked way too porous.

It would therefore be no surprise if Duffy and his assistant Craig McPherson are considering a change of formation, and the introduction of a more pragmatic approach, as well as switches in personnel. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how they line up in the coming weeks, particularly away from home.

Injuries are likely to dictate at least part of the manager’s selection process tomorrow as Stirling Albion come calling.

Both Lee Kilday and Sean Crighton picked up injuries last weekend and the captain is definitely out as a result, with Stefan Milojevic and Michael Miller coming into contention for a starting spot against Greig McDonald’s men.

The Binos have not made the best of starts to the campaign, with a solitary win to their name.

Last week’s defeat at home to Dunfermline left them languishing second bottom of League One but Morton’s recent difficulties suggest that they will have to perform at the top of their game if they are to pick up the points.

It’s important that Morton can recover from the bodyblows they have taken over the last fortnight and post a badly needed three points.

They will not want to end the first round of fixtures on a downer. While the away form has been poor, they can take the positives of their so-far immaculate home record — and aim to capitalise on the trepidation that may put into the hearts and minds of tomorrow’s opponents.

Supporters are reminded that tomorrow’s game has a 1pm kick off due to the Scotland v Georgia international match taking place at Ibrox later in the day.

TEAM LATEST SKIPPER Sean Crighton is out after tweaking his medial ligament at Glebe Park last weekend. The centre-half is looking at two weeks on the sidelines.

Fellow defender Lee Kilday was subbed after 28 minutes of that 3-1 defeat against Brechin after suffering a badly bruised toe.

There was no fracture as first feared, but the right-back is a doubt for tomorrow’s match, as are Jamie McCluskey (Achilles) and Michael Miller (adductor).

On the positive front, Stefan McCluskey is available for selection again after recovering from a virus. The forward played an hour of Morton Under-20s’ 3-1 win over Annan on Tuesday night.

TRAVEL NOTES THE Albert Hotel Morton Supporters’ bus for tomorrow’s Scottish League One match against Stirling Albion at Cappielow will leave the hotel at 12.30pm.

Prices are £3 for adults return and £2 for concessions return. There’s no need to pre-book, all welcome.

The club are also take bookings for the Gourock Tartan Army bus to Ibrox for the Scotland v Georgia European Championship qualifier.

The bus will leave the hotel at 3pm and pick-ups are available across from the Celtic club (3.10pm), Cappielow (3.15pm) and the Coronation Park (3.25pm).

To book a seat call or text Jim on 07983 600945.