Ray McKinnon endured a nightmare return to Cappielow as a late Bob McHugh goal saw his old team take the points against 10-man Falkirk.

The match itself had been overshadowed by the return of McKinnon who sensationally quit Morton after only three months to become Bairns boss.

McKinnon was treated to a predictably hostile reception from the home fans but claimed the full details of his departure are yet to be revealed.

He said: “The fans are informed by one side of the story but it's football and I'll keep quiet and keep my dignity until the days come that I do explain why.

“I think there'll be a different reaction towards me but that day will come soon. It'll come out in the wash soon and they won't be pointing the finger at me.”

Falkirk produced an encouraging performance in the first half before a disastrous start to the second when goalkeeper Leo Fasan was shown a straight red card for scything down Michael Tidser on the edge of the area.

Andrew Stirling was sacrificed as substitute goalkeeper David Mitchell came on. He produced some smart saves but could do nothing about McHugh’s winner on 76 minutes.

Rory McKeown pinged a diagonal ball to Kerr Waddell who powerfully headed the ball across goal for McHugh to nod home from yards out.

Falkirk rallied late on and applied some pressure but were left to rue an early missed chance when Rangers loanee Zak Rudden, unmarked in the home box, sent Paul Paton’s whipped cross wide.

McKinnon added: “Congratulations to Morton. We worked extremely hard - the guys gave everything.”

Morton boss Jonatan Johansson said: “It’s an important win for the team. I was a little worried about the goal not coming because people think when a team goes down to ten it’s going to be easy.”