MORTON players have found themselves in the midst of a basement dog fight after failing to inspire in an abysmal defeat to relegation play-off candidates Ayr United.

Two second-half strikes from the lively Cammy Smith capitalised on errors made by a poor Ton side who dug themselves deeper into the mire as their winless run stretched to nine weeks and 10 games with only five points separating themselves and basement side Alloa Athletic.

In their biggest game of the season, Anton McElhone stuck with the same starting 11 that took points off both Hearts and Dundee consecutively and was left searching for ideas as they slumped to a third home defeat in four games.

See today's Tele for full report and reaction to Saturday's defeat.

Pictures by Alex Craig.