ST MIRREN manager Jack Ross branded his players' performance against Morton as 'unacceptable'.

The Saints suffered their first competitive defeat in the Renfrewshire Derby in 17 years as Ton ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at Cappielow.

The Paisley men's bitter rivals were in total control throughout the tie and the manner of Saints' surrender alarmed Ross who admitted the display was way below his expectation.

He said: "The bottom line is it is not acceptable as a performance. Results sometimes don't go your way in football for a variety of reasons but the performance level is nowhere near good enough.

"I'm someone who defends my players constantly, but they have to understand that it is not acceptable because if they think that we will continue to be in the position we are in."

It was Ross' third game in charge of the Saints and third defeat after losses to Dundee United and Hibs.

The former Alloa manager insists his players failed to deliver the basics required of them and apologised to the St Mirren fans for the defeat.

He said: "First half was so very poor, second half was slightly better. That is nothing to do with systems or tactics it's just about an energy to want to do the basic parts of the game.

"We can talk about it as much as we like but when they cross the line they have to recognise that these are the things that give you a platform to win games, we didn't do that at all.

"I apologise to those who were in attendance because I know how much that result hurts them, it's my responsibility as much as the players because we are in it together.

"The bottom line is it isn't good enough."