KEVIN Rutkiewicz reckons a half-time bust-up was the inspiration for Morton's thrilling comeback against Partick Thistle.

The Ton defender and team-mate Michael Tidser exchanged words heading up the tunnel at the end of a first half that saw them go behind their Irn-Bru First Division title rivals.

After sorting out their differences during the interval, Allan Moore's side responded well to falling 2-0 down to the Jags as Peter MacDonald netted a second-half double to keep them in control at the top of the table.

Rutkiewicz said: "I have been in dressing rooms like that before, it wasn't anything vicious or malicious. It was just words and that was it.

"It lasted all of two seconds. The two of us had a wee shouting match and that was it done, then the head honcho came in and said 'sit on your backsides'. We are all there to do the one job. It is as much to get the best out of each other.

"Sometimes you are arguing with people and sometimes you are putting an arm round them.

"It was a massive game and a massive occasion and sometimes that can sap you.

"I thought in the first half we maybe let the day get to us but in the second half we were better.

"It was probably a poor time for Partick to score. If they had scored in the 60th or 70th minute it might have been game over but the fact that we still had plenty of time to win it gave us a real boost to kick on."

While Thistle still have three games in hand over the Ton, it is the Cappielow side who have the advantage in the title race after maintaining their eight-point lead.

Chris Erskine and Steven Craig had looked to have given Thistle a huge promotion boost but Rutkiewicz reckons the points deserved to be shared.

He said: "We were a bit disappointed but in the bigger picture it is a great point.

"We were 2-0 down and the biggest thing was that they didn't catch us up.

"A point is not a disaster for us. Even if we had won, if Partick win every game between now and the end of the season, including beating us at Firhill, then they win the league.

"It wasn't going to be won or lost on Saturday. Certainly, it could have an impact on the atmosphere and the confidence in both teams.

"I think a draw in the end was probably just about right. I don't think either team deserved to win it, I don't think either team can complain too much."