ST MIRREN surrendered their 17-year unbeaten record to Morton with a feeble display in a 3-1 defeat at Cappielow on Tuesday night.

Morton deservedly took the spoils in the Renfrewshire Derby for the first time in a competitive game since 1999 after blowing Saints away in the first half as Thomas O’Ware and Ross Forbes struck, Gary Oliver added the third in the second period before Ben Gordon netted for the Buddies late on.

Bill Clinton was the US President when Ton last enjoyed a league win on derby day, his wife Hillary’s run for office looks like it will end in success next week, but the race will be much closer than the one ran in Greenock as Saints were well and truly Trumped.

St Mirren made one change to the side which went down 2-0 to Hibs at Easter Road. Tom Walsh replaced Ryan Hardie as manager Jack Ross reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.

The opening exchanges were frantic as tackles flew in. Forbes had an early effort from range for the hosts while Jai Quitongo’s pace had Ben Gordon toiling on Saints’ right but the chance petered out.

After 14 minutes Saints were made to pay for a laboured start. Gary Irvine fouled Forbes on the right, the midfielder dusted himself down and swung in a telling free kick, O’Ware found himself with a free header from six yards out and he nodded Morton in front.

Saints’ travelling support behind the goal were left to wonder how he was afforded so much space and why Jamie Langfield remained rooted to his line.

The Buddies struggled to get to grips with their hosts and could barely get out of their own half. After 27 minutes Ton heaped more misery on their rivals.

The impressive Quitongo shrugged off the attentions of Gordon, who was being given a torrid time by the striker, to play a lovely backheel for Oliver who found Forbes on his right. The former Partick Thistle player arrowed a first time effort into the corner from just inside the area to cap a fine move.

Saints’ first effort of note came in the 39th minute. Lawrence Shankland headed down a long free kick for David Clarkson, but the striker dragged his left foot shot just wide.

Jack Ross made two changes at half-time to try and turn the blue and white tide. Kyle Magennis and John Sutton replaced Kyle Hutton and Tom Walsh.

Magennis immediately showed the steel in midfield that was sorely lacking from Buddies’ play in the first half. Then from a Stevie Mallan free kick Saints had half a chance to get back into the tie.

The ball broke for Jason Naismith on the edge of the area but the defender’s shot was deflected wide.

The Ton had the ball in the net again on the hour mark. An Aidan Nesbitt cross from the left evaded everyone and bounced into the far corner, but the linesman’s flag was raised, Oliver had jumped for the ball in an offside position to the relief of the Buddies faithful.

That relief wouldn’t last long as Morton confirmed the three points. In the 68th minute Oliver was first to a square ball from Forbes and the former Queen of the South striker rifled the ball into the top corner giving Langfield no chance and pile on the embarrassment for St Mirren.

Saints did pull a goal back in the closing stages. Mallan’s corner was headed in by Gordon but it was scant consolation for the Paisley men.

Greenock Morton: Gaston, Lamie, O’Ware, Oliver, Forbes (Tidser, 84), Lindsay, Nesbitt, Russell, McDonagh, Murdoch, Quitongo (Oyenuga, 79) Subs not used: McNeil, Kilday, Gunning, Doyle, Scullion.

St Mirren: Langfield, Naismith, Baird, Gordon, Irvine, Hutton (Magennis, 45), Mallan, Walsh (Sutton, 45), Clarkson, Morgan, Shankland (Hardie, 63).

Subs not used: Gallagher,Gallagher, McLear, Whyte.

Attendance: 3,378