Dundee United stretched their unbeaten run to 10 games after a goalless draw with Morton at rain-lashed Cappielow.
The Tangerines returned to the scene of their last defeat, in the Betfred Cup on September 20, and left with what could prove to be a very valuable point.
Importantly, this result against the division’s other in-form team keeps the momentum going for their next game – the crunch clash against Championship leaders Hibs at Tannadice on December 2.
The Tangerines’ starting line-up bore more resemblance to the one that kicked off the league game against Dunfermline than the much-changed selection for last Saturday’s Irn-Bru Cup tie against the Pars.
Only Tope Obadeyi dropped out from that league encounter, with the wideman replaced by Blair Spittal – a starter at East End Park.
United were on the front foot early, with Charlie Telfer’s 20-yard strike going just over the bar.
However, they struggled to impose themselves on the match until midway through the first half when United’s Scott Fraser sent a 25-yard shot wide.
Having seen the hosts enjoy the better of the play up to that point, the Tangerines began to create chances.
Blair Spittal sent a header wide then the same player cut the home defence open only for Simon Murray to drive the ball low at advancing keeper Derek Gaston when he should have tried a chip.
On 38 minutes, United’s Tony Andreu had shot saved by Gaston then, up at the other end, Morton dangerman Jai Quitongo blasted the ball across the face of the visitors’ goal.
After the restart, the home team’s pressure almost paid off when Jamie Lindsay found space in front of goal but he fired straight at Tannadice goalie Cammy Bell.
The rain was lashing down now but that didn’t seem to bother Quitongo, who was causing United real problems.
On 61 minutes, though, Fraser fired just over after a great run by Murray then it was Fraser again just two minutes later, the midfielder producing a great save out of Gaston with a volley from close range.
The Tangerines, who had brought on Lewis Toshney for Frank van der Struijk, were trying to strike on the break and Andreu had another shot that flew wide on 69 minutes.
Nick van der Velden replaced Murray on 71 minutes as the visitors tried to change their luck up front.
A sweeping move on 76 minutes almost did open Morton up, with Fraser finding Telfer, who in turn played in Andreu. The Frenchman stabbed the ball goalwards on the stretch but Gaston stuck an arm out to save.
The hosts hit back with a Mark Russell piledriver that keeper Bell gathered at the second attempt then, on 79 minutes, Spittal somehow sent the ball flying over when in a great position.
Cammy Smith came off the bench for United with six minutes to go, replacing Andreu.
The Tangerines were still going for it and Fraser cut in from the right then his left-foot strike stung the hands of goalie Gaston then Jamie Robson almost sneaked a shot in from a tight angle.
.However, that was that and now United can turn their attention to the Hibees.
Attendance: 2,578.
Greenock Morton: Gaston, Lamie, O’Ware, Gunning, Doyle, Oliver, Forbes, Lindsay, Russell, Murdoch (Tidser 80), Quitongo (Oyenuga 74). Subs not used: McNeil, Nesbitt, McAleer, Strapp.
Dundee United: Bell, Durnan, Spittal, Murray (Van der Velden 71), Fraser, Telfer, Edjenguele, Flood, Andreu (C. Smith 84), Van der Struijk (Toshney 62), Robson. Subs not used: Zwick, Dillon, Donaldson, Obadeyi.
Referee: Crawford Allan.
