Duffy: Players deserve enormous credit for derby win

Delighted manager Jim Duffy hailed a top-class performance after his Morton team recorded an emphatic 4-1 win over St Mirren in Saturday’s Renfrewshire derby.

When it was put to the Ton boss that it was a great start to the home season, he said:

“Yeah, it’s a fantastic opening fixture for us. These games are always very difficult and very competitive, and you just really want to try and get a positive result.

“To win 4-1, a comprehensive victory, is a bit sweeter, and the players deserve an enormous amount of credit for that.

“I felt going in 1-1 at half-time was harsh on us, but we managed to settle down in the second half, and the penalty and red card was obviously instrumental in the game.

“But I have seen many, many games where that doesn’t affect the outcome quite the same – so for us to capitalise on the space and take advantage of the extra man was really pleasing.

“Overall, it was a top-class performance from the team. You don’t get too many days like that, so we’ll enjoy it and hopefully the fans did as well.”

Michael Tidser converted two pressure penalties to twice give the Ton the lead, and Duffy highlighted the midfielder’s assuredness from the spot, adding:

“Michael is our penalty taker and that’s what you want: someone who’s confident. You can never guarantee, but the thing I like about Michael taking penalties is that he knows exactly what he’s going to do.

“There’s no indecision and no messing about. He’s got that real conviction. If the keeper makes a good save – fine.

“He’s got that strong mentality and that’s also important when taking penalties, particularly in games like a derby. ”

The Ton boss has set his side out in a 4-3-3 formation in the majority of matches so far this season but decided a 4-4-2 system would be more suited against St Mirren. He explained:

“It was pretty much a 4-4-2. We’ve looked at things, and some areas were good, the midfield three in particular were working really well and were getting on the ball.

“We were creating an awful lot of chances and had a lot of shots in every single game bar the Motherwell game, but we haven’t really looked to link the play between strikers.

“There were no real partnerships, so we changed it today with Bob McHugh and Jai Quitongo up front in a two, and that worked really well. They were both a real threat right through the game.”

Image: David Bell