Morton proved to be another surprise package by reaching the promotion play-offs with ease. The season started badly with only one win in their opening seven fixtures, but after that they only suffered one defeat in 14 games to propel themselves into the title race. Although they never found a genuine replacement for departed striker, Denny Johnstone, Morton had the knack of grinding out wins with goals coming from every area of the field. Ross Forbes’ set-piece deliveries onto the head of Tom O’Ware were often the source of goals. Jose Quitongo promised much in the early part of the season, but he succumbed to a knee injury and was sidelined for the rest of the campaign. If Morton lacked one vital component for a title-winning team, it was a regular scorer.
Morton were particularly strong at home and were set to be undefeated at Cappielow until the latter stages of the season. A 1-0 win at promotion rivals, Falkirk, set Morton up for a dramatic final quarter of fixtures. Crucially, they still had to play the leaders, Hibs, twice. Both games with Hibs produced draws, but Morton seemed happy they had held Hibs rather than disappointed they had failed to take advantage of the situation. The evidence was there suggesting Morton were tired. This proved to be the case as Morton faded badly towards the end of the season. They limped into the play-offs without a win in nine fixtures and lost both legs to Dundee United. After promising so much in the middle of the season, Morton had failed to deliver. If Morton had secured the services of a genuine striker, then the story could have been different.
