Morton: Ballantyne missed 'bucket list moment' in Raith win

Filip Stuparevic's first Morton goal got his new side up and running on a momentous day in Inverclyde before Michael Garrity put the gloss on a brilliant second half performance, finishing off the post to put his side 2-0 up and on easy street.

It looked like disaster had struck when Ryan Mullen appeared to break his ankle (Image: alex craig)

Cammy Ballantyne was ready to answer the call of duty with Mullen injured (Image: alex craig)

But there was an anxious wait at the end of a brilliant day after Ryan Mullen was left crumpled in a heap, unchallenged after parrying a cross away.

All of Ton's substitution entries had been used and with Mullen looking like he had done some serious damage to his ankle, Ballantyne was ready to answer the call of duty and step in between the sticks.

After a few moments of worry, Mullen was determined to finish the game and Ballantyne would finish the game outfield, but recalling the incident he told the Tele: "I was denied my bucket list moment there.

"I thought I had it, going in goals in a professional game.

"Ryan had gone down and I think he thought we could make another sub, he's gone down for Gary Woods to come on.

"Then I've got the shout from the dugout and I was happy to oblige.

"He must've seen me running over and thought, I can't risk that I'll continue.

"So it was a case of pulling the goalie shirt and gloves I've just put on, back off. He just couldn't kick the ball.

"I've only ever been in goals down the park with my mates so it would've been a bucket list moment to tick off, but it wasn't to be.

"I was happy to volunteer, because it kept the taller guys like Kirk Broadfoot and Jack Baird in the team to head away the barrage that was about to come.

"Oh well, there's maybe next time."