MORTON toppled Renfrewshire rivals St Mirren as the Greenock outfit continued their preparations for the inaugural SWF Championship.

Colin McEachnie’s side, who drew 2-2 with the Saints in the first match of pre-season, started brightly, forcing a string of strong saves from the opposition goalkeeper in the opening five minutes.

Attacker Sandra Craig’s driven effort from the edge of the area opened the scoring in the 11th minute, but her goal was cancelled out three minutes later following a defensive miscommunication from the Ton rearguard.

The home side upped the ante, firing in three goals in the space of two minutes to give Morton a commanding 4-1 lead at the break.

Despite St Mirren reducing the deficit early in the second half, a Caitlin McKee penalty and another goal from Sandra Craig were enough to confirm a 6-2 victory for McEachnie’s side.

Speaking after the game, the Ton manager praised the hard work of his players.

He said: "We’re obviously happy to get the win at this stage of pre-season.

"It was massive for the players. That’s two very good performances in a row and the players are starting to reap the rewards of all their hard work.”

Morton also overran Gleniffer Thistle 14-1 at Parklea.

Gleniffer, who finished bottom of the SWF Championship South last season, struggled to contain the quick attacking play of the hosts, who found themselves leading 6-1 at the interval, thanks to goals from Jacqui Seagrave, a double from Sandra Craig and a first-half hat-trick from skipper Rachael McConnachie.

Second-half goals from Sandra Craig, Caitlin McKee, Rachael McConnachie, Jacqui Seagrave, Taylor Cumberbatch and Gracie Cairney sealed the win, with 14-year-old Cairney scoring her first goal for the senior squad.

Manager McEachnie took a measured approach in describing the game.

He said: “We got a start we could only dream of.

"The intensity dropped a bit after the early goals but it was good to see a complete performance overall.”

Morton Women begin their SWF Championship campaign at home to Ayr United on Sunday at Parklea with a 3pm kick-off.