Manager Post Morton
Saturday, 27th Feb 201027/02/10: JM- "We are a passing, moving team and that's when we are at our best. Every credit to the players, we got back to doing that and that's what got us back in the game."
Jim McIntyre was delighted with his team's win at Cappielow but that was after watching a fruitless first half where yet again despite having the bulk of the possession, his team didn't have the final product that would have sent them in at the break with an advantage:-
"We got into some really good positions and never capitalised. Their keeper had a great save from the corner (when Calum Woods met it with a powerful on target header).
"Morton made a change to try and get themselves back in the game and they started the brighter in the second half. We started to pass the ball again, made a change and got two up top. We brought another wide man on to try and win the game.
"I thought Gary Mason was great today, breaking up a lot of play and he did a lot of unseen work that fellow professionals and manager will appreciate.
"Steven Bell for me was our Man of the Match. He was excellent, he was everywhere and led by example. I am delighted for them because we haven't won since the Thistle game although that is only two league games without a win but for all your good play at times it is imperative to win football matches."
The 77th minute winner from Gary Mason was entirely a result of Steven Bell's perseverance to catch a ball that looked as though it was going out:-
"He never gave up but there were eleven players like that today chasing lost causes. They were hurting as much as we were after last week's poor performance against Ayr and they were keen to make amends.
"The final ball was better today, it could be even better though. Getting an extra player up top helped Kirkie as well. Maybe playing one up front like that with two wide boys, then you are asking your two central midfielders to try and burst into the box but that is not always possible depending upon where the play has built up. Sometimes you can be one light in the box."
Asked if he was concerned at 1-0 down that his team might not rally?
"I was concerned when we had a five minute spell where we kept hitting it long from the back and when you are playing with people like Gibson, Cardle, Phinn and Graham that's no use. We are a passing, moving team and that's when we are at our best. Every credit to the players, we got back to doing that and that's what got us back in the game."
Gary Mason was one of three changes in the Pars starting line up
Macca made three changes in his starting eleven for this match and the press were interested to find out if he had dropped himself:-
"I was on the bench only as an emergency last week. It was clear for everybody to see who was at that game that I was nowhere near it and wasn't ready. It was an emergency, I tried something that didn't work but I will get back to trying to get a few reserve games in and build some fitness up. I will be concentrating more on the managing than I will on the playing, that's the way I see it."
The Manager confirmed that Neil McGregor had been withdrawn at half time because of a bang he took in the middle of the first half:
"He managed to continue to half time but he felt he was stiffening up. Fair play to Chris Higgins, he came in and was excellent and did really well."
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