THE Morton players gathered in a huddle prior to kick off as they focused for what looked like a daunting task against high-flying Queens.

That expression of unity served them well in the early stages with the Greenock side showing positive intent and hunger.

The encouraging start led to a great chance on nine minutes but, following Peter Weatherson's cross, livewire Jim McAlister could not keep his powerful half-volley down and the ball flew over.

The opener arrived just four minutes later, with Weatherson again heavily involved.

His cross was met by Brian Graham, who turned David Lilley before netting from six yards for his second goal in as many games.

The Doonhamers' defence had been solid, with only one goal lost in their previous four home league games.

However, in a match which mirrored Morton's 4-1 win at this ground last November, the visitors frequently made their hosts look vulnerable.

There was a brief scare for Ton when David MacGregor cleared off the line after a Dennis Wyness shot had flown past Colin Stewart.

Stephen McKenna, seeing Stewart off his line, then tried an optimistic lob from 25 yards but the ball sailed harmlessly over.

At the other end, Weatherson pinched the ball from the feet of Lilley and tried a surprise shot that had David Hutton scampering across his line to save.

Morton were enjoying the best of the contest and looked likely to continue their fine form from last season, when they were unbeaten in five games against Queens.

Former Celtic youth midfielder Carlo Monti was revelling in this contest with a few great deliveries into the box causing Hutton serious concern in the windy conditions.

The 19-year-old was the provider when the Cappielow men extended their lead before half-time. His pinpoint corner found the determined Weatherson, who rose above the home defence to bury a header into the net from six yards.

There was no let-up after the break from Morton as they increased the pressure. The only way Bob Harris could halt a dangerous McAlister run on 51 minutes was to concede a free-kick and receive a yellow card for his efforts.

From the resulting kick, Monti brought a fine diving save from Hutton with a clever curling shot that was heading for the bottom corner.

The Cappielow side appeared to be on easy street on the hour after McAlister nodded the ball on for Allan Jenkins, who sneaked between defenders Lilley and Marc McAusland to head home.

There was a late flurry from Queens, with Barry Wilson finishing off from a Stewart Kean cross on 86 minutes before substitute Kean himself drilled home in stoppage time from a Wilson assist.

But anything other than a Morton win would have been a travesty.