SO often a side who have just dispensed with their manager bounce back to grab a win, and that was how it turned out for new caretaker boss James Grady at Cappielow.

As the wee fellow himself said afterwards, it might not have been the prettiest game, but the points were the only thing that mattered.

A week in which the training had been geared towards sharpness and passing may not have produced any great return on the pitch, but the victory produced a huge amount of gratification on and off the field.

After Brian Graham struck with 11 minutes left on the clock, there was a huge surge in confidence.

So far James Grady and Allan McManus are temporarily in charge and they are, properly, fielding questions on whether or not that might become permanent with a professional attitude of 'let's wait and see'.

They know that the only thing that matters is results. If they are to force themselves into the reckoning it will be because whatever time they have in charge brings with it a noticeable improvement.

The club have had an influx of applications for the post, but there is no need to rush. Grady and McManus at least deserve the opportunity to impress. After all, the most successful manager in Morton's recent history, Benny Rooney, arrived at Cappielow as a player-coach with no experience of management.

Benny put in a welcome appearance again at Cappielow on Saturday as a guest of supporters who are running a dinner in November to mark the 30th aniversary of Ton topping the Premier League when he was in charge. He was clearly as delighted to be there as the fans were to see him.

While the names of possible successors to Davie Irons are bandied about, Grady and McManus will go quietly about their business.

With Ryan McGuffie ruled out on the eve of the game, change was made to the original selection. But the clues were there as to Grady's thoughts, especially in the second half when Jim McAlister switched to the right side of the midfield four, Carlo Monti coming in on the left and Allan Jenkins moving inside from his wide right berth. There was a more natural balance to the team.

Yet the first half was predictably nervy and little decent football was on view. Peter Weatherson thumped a free kick narrowly wide from an angle on the left, then a Brian Graham effort in the box was blocked.

Without really playing any creative football, Morton still produced what half chances there were, Alex Walker firing a low drive from range which Robertson saved then Jim McAlister sending a drive from the left inches past the far post.

Airdrie occasionally passed the ball about well enough, but there was no threat in the final third of the pitch, Lagana blasting well over after McLaughlin set him up just before the interval. Airdrie reappeared with Lovering on for Donnelly, Storey moving inside from left back to accomodate the newcomer.

McLaughlin shot a couple of feet over before Baird got too fine a touch with his head at the back post.

Monti then came on for Paartalu and gradually Morton began to come more into the play. Jim McAlister moved from left midfield to right, Jenkins came inside and Monti played wide left.

It seems incredible that in virtually his entire career McAlister has rarely, if ever, been played on his natural side of the pitch and it will be interesting to see how he adapts if the formation continues.

Lovering was booked for halving McAlister as the half progressed with both sides lacking any real penetration.

A goal began to look increasingly unlikely, and when it came it was greetd with a considerable roar. Jim McAlister took possession on the right flank, cut in and squared across the six-yard box. Brian Graham showed good control to beat one defender and make space for himself before slipping the ball into the net as he fell.

He was then booked for over-celebrating, but that was a complete irrelevance.

Suddenly Morton were vibrant. The gloom of recent weeks was expunged in that one moment and if anyone was going to score again it was the home side.

Stevie Masterton came on for Graham with a minute to go, a worthy round of applause accompanying the youngster as he made his way off, then David MacGregor was booked for time-wasting as the match entered added-on time.

The final whistle was accompanied by a great cheer.

Now it's just the wee matter of a trip south next Saturday to meet the new league leaders Queen of the South at Dumfries.

That might have seemed daunting a week ago. Now Morton will travel with a renewed sense of belief.

MORTON (4-4-2): Stewart 7; Finlayson 6, Greacen 7, McManus 7 Walker 7 (MacGregor 77 3); Jenkins 7, Paartalu 6 (Monti 58 6), MacFarlane 7, McAlister 7; Graham 8 (Masterton 89 2), Weatherson 7.

Subs not used - Grady, McWilliams. Bookings: Graham 79, MacGregor 90.

Airdrie (4-4-2): Robertson; McCann, Donnelly (Lovering 46), Smyth, Storey; Smith (Watt 80), McDonald, McLaughlin, Lagana (O'Carroll 68); Baird, Keegan.

Subs not used - Nixon, Hollis.

Bookings: Lovering 74, Robertson 87.

Referee: S. Reilly 6.

Attendance: 2,104.