Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

City’s inevitable relegation from the Championship was confirmed mathematically yesterday afternoon as ex-City striker John Baird put Darren Dods' side to the sword.

Dods rung the changes from the disappointing midweek defeat to Dunfermline with no fewer than five players coming into the side. Skipper Paul McLean and Jordan Sinclair returned to the starting 11 following their respective injuries with Sean Crighton, Callumn Morrison and Isaac Layne also coming into the fold.

City keeper Graeme Smith was called into action twice early on. On 5 minutes Gary Oliver made a bursting run through the City defence but his effort from a difficult angle was parried wide. Two minutes later, ‘Buzz’ made a superb save down low to deny a powerful header from Gary Fraser.

The visitors really should have opened the scoring with 13 minutes on the clock. Jordan Sinclair whipped in an inviting corner for the unmarked McLean but he could only glance his header wide with the goal at his mercy.

That was a real let off for Morton and City continued to push forward in search of the opener - Sinclair had a curling effort from range saved comfortably by Gaston and shortly after, Liam Watt sliced an effort wide of the target.

At the other end, a cross from the right was only cleared as far as Scott Tiffoney but his powerful effort was well over the bar.

The home side were starting to exert some pressure on the City defence – a cut back from the right was met by John Baird but Smith was equal to the on-loan Inverness strikers effort. Two minutes later, Michael Tidser found himself in acres of space on the edge of the box but Smith got down well to block his effort and the ball was cleared to safety.

Almost immediately up at the other end, City conjured up the last effort of note in the first half when Gaston did well to deny Watt. Callumn Morrison took advantage of some slack defending to collect the rebound and tee up Watt again however he couldn’t keep his shot down.

The sides went in level at the break which was a real positive for a City side that has been conceding a high number of early goals of late. Unfortunately for City, it didn’t take too long for the Ton to break the deadlock after the restart.

Four minutes into the second half, a corner from Gary Fraser was headed home by JOHN BAIRD for his first goal in a Morton jersey.

City retaliated and could have easily drawn themselves level when Sinclair’s cross was bundled just wide of the post by Euan Smith. Two minutes later, Tiffoney cut the ball back for Baird who produced a good save from Smith.

Shortly after the hour mark, Callumn Morrison came inside from the wing but he didn’t get enough on his shot and the ball was easily gathered by Gaston. Substitute Dylan Mackin, who had replaced Sinclair just minutes prior, was next to have a go but his low shot was straight at the keeper.

The home side put the game beyond doubt as they doubled their advantage after 72 minutes. Scott Tiffoney advanced with the ball before feeding the ball through for JOHN BAIRD who confidently clipped the ball past the on-rushing Smith into the net.

With five minutes remaining, the impressive Graeme Smith picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Patrick O’Neil. 'Paddy' was immediately called into action when he denied McHugh following a long ball in behind the City defence. However, there was to be no further chances for either side as Morton ran out comfortable winners.

The result consigned City to League One football next season whilst the Ton jump above Dundee United and into 3rd place.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Dundee United 1 Dunfermline Athletic 1

A point apiece at Tannadice.

Queen of the South 3 Livingston 3

Last minute equaliser earns the Doonhamers a share of the spoils.