JOHN Sutton felt it was a ‘deserved win’ for his Morton second string side as they opened their Reserve Cup campaign on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Dundee.

The head of the development squad watched as both sides cancelled each other out, but second half substitute Jack Purdue, pictured, proved the difference for the Ton.

The 18-year-old was introduced just before the hour mark and his two goals proved the difference yesterday at Links Park.

Sutton said: “It was a good result for the boys, they played really well at times. Dundee were very good and they caused us some problems through their good play which we were able to cope with.

“In the second half we were able to impose ourselves on the game a bit more and I felt we were deserved winners on the second half performance.

“They’re all good teams we’re playing and it’s another good result for us. It’s very pleasing, Dundee gave us a very good game.”

Purdue’s first was a rasping shot from 22 yards out, firing his strike past Dundee goalkeeper Sam Jackson to bury the ball into the bottom left corner only a few minutes after coming on. Reece Lyon almost produced a carbon copy strike minutes later, but cracked the post with his effort.

The midfielder forced Jackson into a double save against with 13 minutes to go, but Dundee immediately countered and got an equaliser via Cedwyn Scott, who was able to slot the ball past Danny Farrell.

But parity didn’t last long, as Purdue struck again, with the attacking midfielder controlling Blair Doherty’s pass in the box before stepping past an onrushing defender and slamming the ball home.

Purdue has had to be patient in recent weeks and has made appearances coming off the bench, but Sutton says he’s been unlucky not to start.

He added: “He has been on the bench but Jack’s got absolutely fantastic ability. It’s tough because there’s a lot of competition for places.

“But he catches anyone’s eye with the quality of the two goals and the way he played during his time on the pitch.”

Morton play Queen of the South in the second game of the group stage next Monday at Cappielow, before facing Dunfermline Athletic and Motherwell next month.