Morton fail to build on Ayr draw after Livingston defeat

The 2-1 defeat in West Lothian in the SPFL Trust Trophy quarter-finals was a sore one for the hardy few Ton fans who made the journey through to the Home of The Set Fare Arena, as strikes from Reece McAlear and Stevie May took Livingston through to the last four, with Austin Samuels' first goal in a Morton jersey no more than a late consolation.

It will have been disappointing for the Cappielow boss as well, who insisted that his side's battling qualities were on full show against Ayr United, following Friday night's 1-1 draw at Cappielow.

Here's three things we learned from Tuesday night's defeat in Livingston.

Quarter-final hoodoo continues

Dougie Imrie has had three cracks at the quarter-finals of the SPFL Trust Trophy. This is the first that his side have crashed out in 90 minutes under his watch.

Any consolation that the Ton gaffer can take from that run of results is that the Cappielow men have been sent packing by the holders and eventual runners-up, winners and now favourites to win the competition.

Imrie was disappointed to see his side crash out against his former employers (Image: Gary Bradley)

Last night's loss, though, was a bit galling. Despite having opportunities to go in front inside the first half, the manner of the goals conceded was poor.

In the final third David Martindale's side seemed to be a second faster and ultimately, more confident as they clinically disposed of the Cappielow side.

Both goals saw combinations involving players taking no more than two touches before the ball flew into the back of the net where as Ton looked reluctant to make a decision at times.

It's something that Imrie will need his side to improve on - but Austin Samuels' strike may prove to be a slight ray of positivity.

Samuels makes his mark

It's hard not to feel sorry for Austin Samuels. The former Aberdeen and Wolves kid hadn't been able to kick a ball in anger after a tormenting year at Inverness Caley Thistle, before ending a year long exile from the game by joining Morton in October.

The Englishman signed a short term contract at Sinclair Street in a bid to prove his worth and in his first few games his frustrations were clear to see as he looked to get up to speed as quickly as possible.

Austin Samuels was delighted to open his Morton account (Image: Gary Bradley)

But to see him produce a finish of such quality, consolation or not, against the Lions was pleasing to see. And hopefully it's a sliding doors moment for the former Wolves man who looks to now build up a head of steam in a Morton jersey.

He guided a Jordan Davies cross into the top right corner with a beautiful snapshot deep into injury time and his goal gives Imrie food for thought heading into Saturday's six pointer with Raith Rovers, as Filip Stuparevic now sits on five games without a goal.

Food for thought

Dougie Imrie admitted post match that he's been left with a lot to think about heading into Saturday's clash against Raith Rovers and that he may have to start making some big decisions after recent performances.

With bodies slowly coming back into the fold - competition for places is beginning to take a grip on the squad once more. After a few weeks of below par performances from certain members of the squad - they could well now be looking over their shoulders.

Imrie's subs made an impact off the bench (Image: Gary Bradley)

Michael Garrity was replaced at half-time by the Ton chief in Tuesday night's defeat after struggling to make an impact against Daniel Finlayson, whilst Owen Moffat and Arron Lyall again failed to complete the full 90-minutes.

The contributions of Nathan Shaw and the already mentioned Samuels could well force Imrie's thinking into a bit of a reshuffle at a time when his side need to get back to winning ways - and fast.