Morton 4 - 2 Partick Thistle

Morton 4 - Weatherson (8, 11, 49), McAnespie (47)
Partick Thistle 2 - Storey (74), Twaddle (89)

Att - 3,338

Martin Clark was the inspiration for this victory after Jim McInally revealed that it was his assistant manager who suggested moving Peter Weatherson back up front from where he grabbed a superb hat-trick.

In my opinion Saturday was the first time this season I've looked at our line up and thought it appeared to be well balanced and just about the team I would have played given the opportunity to manage the team. The only change I would have made would have been to swap Jim McAister in the centre with Jamie Stevenson on the left. The changes from Wednesday were: McGurn in goal for the injured Lee Robinson, Harding back in in the centre of defence, McAnespie in at left back for Scott McLaughlin who was in his preferred holding role in midfield. Jay Shields replaced Peter Weatherson at right-back and as aforementioned Weatherson was up front, Iain Russell returned after missing out by being cup-tied. As a pal said, we actually looked like a team for a change.

We took the lead in the 8th minute when Peter Weatherson glanced in a header from a wicked Jamie Stevenson free-kick for the first of his hat-trick. Doubt has been cast over this goal with some sources suggesting this goal was an own goal but in the News Of The World match report Peter is quoted as saying "There's a bit of doubt about the first one from the lads in the dressing room but it touched me before the defender so it's definitely mine!"

The second arrived three minutes later. This time the source was Kevin Finlayson on the right hand side. Finners turned his opponent inside out and wriggled past him to float a cross to Weatherson who was lurking around the penalty spot, the former right-back adjusted his body expertly to lean back and connect with a stunning volley that flew past Hinchcliffe in the Thistle goal. Peter is pictured celebrating this goal.

Morton were well on top in this period but returning keeper Davie McGurn did pull off a few vital stops from Thistle left back Marc Twaddle first a header than a back post volley he somehow saved with his feet. From a personal point of view I thought Lee Robinson was a great signing in the summer but after some of his recent performances and McGurn's showing on Saturday I think David should now be number one for the forseeable future.

Our start to the second half was as equally blistering as the first with goals on 47 and 49 minutes. Apparently Kieran McAnespie floated in a stunning free-kick to make it 3-0. I say apparently because I annoyingly missed this goal and looked up in time to see the ball hit the back of the net. Peter Weatherson arrived at the back post with real strikers timing to slam home a left footed effort that had been missed by at least two Morton players on it's way across the six yard box.

After we went 4-0 up we took our foot off the accelerator and allowed Thistle to score twice. Storey cut on from the right to curl a magnificent left footed effort past McGurn's despairing dive and Twaddle rifled home from close range after some particularly poor Morton defending. This concerning end to the match aside we were well worth the 3 points. It was very encouraging to see the team look so balanced. Players were playing in what appeared to be their natural positions and the return of Scott McLaughlin added a much needed presence in the centre of midfield. Hopefully the team that took the field today is the same one that takes on Clyde in a fortnights time.


Morton (4-4-2):

1. McGurn - 8
2. Weatherson - 9 (14. Graham - 84 mins)
3. McAnespie - 7
4. Harding - 6
5. Greacen - 6
6. Shields - 6
7. Finlayson - 8
8. Stevenson - 7
9. Russell - 6 (12. Templeman - 74 mins)
10. McLaughlin - 7
11. McAlister - 7

Subs Not Used:

15. Gardyne
16. Millar

17. Keenan

Partick Thistle: Partick: Hinchcliffe, Robertson, Harkins, Archibald, Twaddle, Storey, Rowson, Gibson, Murray (McStay 46), Buchanan (Keegan 46), Roberts (Di Giacomo 72). Subs Not Used: McKinlay, Tuffey.

My man of the match: Peter Weatherson

Sponsors man of the match: Peter Weatherson

Matchday Programme (Click to enlarge)

View the goals here: http://ptfc.co.uk/pressbox/video_highlights.asp

Greenock Telegraph match report: http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/article.php?sec=2&id=15938