Morton 1 St Mirren 1

Published 2nd Jan 2018

Thomas O'Ware's late header gave Morton a well-deserved point in a 1-1 draw with Ladbrokes Championship leaders St Mirren at a sodden Cappielow.

Winger Lewis Morgan swept in the opener for the Buddies in the 25th minute of a fast-paced Renfrewshire derby.

However, Jim Duffy's side fought back and skipper O'Ware powered home following a corner 10 minutes from time to leave the Greenock side unbeaten in three matches against their local rivals this season.

The result leaves Jack Ross's Buddies unbeaten in five games but now only three points ahead of second-placed Dundee United, who have a game in hand.

The visitors were the more fluid in the early stages of a feisty, open encounter and Morgan followed up his double against Dundee United after Michael Doyle initially did well to head clear an Ian McShane cross under pressure from Danny Mullen.

The 21-year-old Celtic target steered the ball past Derek Gaston for his 13th goal of the season before racing over to celebrate in front of the home fans.

Gaston had the post to thank minutes later when Mullen's close-range drive on the angle beat him before the ball rebounded into his hands.

The Greenock side stepped up the pace before the break and midfielder Michael Tidser fired a Gary Oliver pass over from 12 yards when he ought to have hit the target.

The home side tightened their grip in an increasingly fractious second half and O'Ware rose inside the Saints six-yard box to head in a corner from substitute Scott Tiffoney before the visitors survived more Ton pressure.