AFTER losing three of their last four League One fixtures, it may feel like a distant memory now.

But it was just five short weeks ago that Morton wiped the floor with pre-season title favourites Dunfermline Athletic.

Their dominance might not have been truly reflected in the 2-1 scoreline, but Jim Duffy’s men were in fine form as they outplayed the Pars at Cappielow.

For 90 minutes, Ton made a mockery of bookmaker’s ante-post odds and laid down a marker for meetings between the second tier’s full-time sides this term.

Just over a month later, Ton are a team in need of inspiration before tomorrow’s head to head at East End Park.

And they need look no further than their last meeting with Jim Jefferies’ men, when they proved they were more than a match for them. They have shown they have nothing to fear.

They are the last side to have beaten the Fife outfit and one of only two clubs, the other being league leaders Forfar Athletic, to manage that feat this term.

The precedent set that day, and particularly the convincing way in which it was achieved, may very well have left the Fife side harbouring deep internal doubts about tomorrow.

To take advantage of that, the Ton must begin the process of healing their own psychological scars — namely a crippling lack of confidence on the road.

It is well documented that the Greenock men have lost four of five matches on their travels so far this term.

Despite winning with a dramatic, injury-time goal at Peterhead, they have lost at Ayr, Forfar, Stenhousemuir and Brechin City.

That last defeat at Glebe Park left manager Duffy questioning how he should set up away from home.

The possibility of re-introducing a more defensive-minded midfielder to shore things up instead of sending out a team heavily weighted towards attack was foremost in his thoughts.

Speaking after the reverse, he contemplated: “We lost all shape and discipline, so the last two games have definitely given us a lot of food for thought.

“We have to have a rethink. We have to have a think about how best we deal with away games, to maybe be a bit more defensive-minded in midfield to give us more protection.” Michael Miller had been used as a screening midfielder in the early part of the season, but his ongoing injury problems mean he will not be available for tomorrow’s fixture.

But with Sean Crighton likely to be available for selection after a two-week lay-off, the Ton boss could be tempted to restore him to the centre of defence.

This would free up Thomas O’Ware to move into midfield, where he has the potential to add some much-needed steel and physical presence.

Duffy has also set out his midfield in a narrow diamond of late, but after identifying a lack of natural width last week he may well return to a more conventional shape tomorrow afternoon.

To that end, Jamie McCluskey’s availability could be key. An Achilles injury saw the wideman relegated to the bench against Stirling and miss out entirely against Ayr last weekend.

As someone with that je ne sais quoi factor, a return to action would be a welcome boost for a Ton side that struggled in the final third against the Honest Men.

Declan McManus is also capable of a moment of magic. After a blistering start to his loan stint, the Aberdeen kid has been off the boil of late, failing to score on his last three outings. In the 20-year-old the Ton have arguably the most talented player in League One and, crucially, someone who struck fear into the Dunfermline defence last time out.

He opened the scoring with a sensational strike and terrorised the centre-half pairing of Ross Millen and Gregor Buchanan.

Whoever plays at the back tomorrow will be apprehensive about facing McManus based on that last showing, and he can prey on that uncertainty.

Ton’s chances of success will likely hinge on a return to form for the precocious striker, particularly when the Pars’ recent record is taken into consideration. Since losing in Greenock on 20 September, they have not conceded in four matches, registering clean sheets against Peterhead, Stirling, Ayr and Forfar.

Jim McInally’s Peterhead and Dick Campbell’s league leading Loons both drew a blank at East End Park, where Dunfermline have yet to concede — or lose — on league duty.

At the other end of the park, they have been less than prolific, failing to find the net against Forfar most recently. But in Michael Moffat, Gozie Ugwu, and Faissal El Bakhtaoui, who has two goals in three appearances since returning from injury, they have individuals capable of posing problems on their day. Moffat hit 25 goals to top the League One scoring charts with Ayr United last term ahead of the likes of Rangers’ Jon Daly.

He is yet to catch fire this term and may fancy his chances of scoring against a fragile defence that has conceded 10 goals in five away games, the joint-highest in the league alongside Stranraer.

So there can be no doubt that Morton have their work cut out for them when they attempt to achieve something no other side has managed this term by winning at East End Park.

But, as one of only two teams to beat the side still rated overwhelming title favourites, they have already shown they are more than capable of upsetting the odds.

The challenge tomorrow is proving that victory was no flash in the pan. If they do, Ton can give their title challenge the kick-start it sorely needs.

TEAM LATEST AFTER two weeks out with a medial ligament problem, centre-half Sean Crighton, pictured, is expected to be part of the matchday squad again.

Utility man Michael Miller is definitely out with plantar fasciitis, while Jamie McCluskey (Achilles) and Stefan McCluskey (calf) have not fully recovered from their recent injuries and remain doubtful.

Playmaker Joe McKee was suffered with a viral complaint last week and missed training on Monday and Tuesday of this week. However, he is likely to be available for selection against the Pars.

TRAVEL NOTES THE Albert Hotel Morton supporters are taking bookings for tomorrow’s bus to East End Park for the Scottish League One clash against Dunfermline. The bus will leave the hotel at 12.45pm.

All are welcome with pick-ups available en-route. To book a seat call or text Jim on 07983 600945.

THE Lighthouse Morton Travel Club bus to Dunfermline will leave from the Lighthouse Bar at 12.15pm.

Any visitors wishing to travel and want to book a seat can phone or text David on 07719 548046.

THE Greenock Morton Supporters’ Club bus to Dunfermline will leave the club at 12.30pm, with pick-ups en-route. Anyone wishing a seat on this bus can call the Morton Supporters’ Club on 888273.