MORTON boss Jim McInally refuses to accept his team has clinched promotion - despite seeing his side go 12 points clear at the top of the table.

McInally's men pipped nearest Second Division title rivals Stirling Albion 2-1 at Cappielow at the weekend in front of a bumper crowd of over 3000.

Goals from on-loan Celt Paul McGowan and winger Jim McAlister ensured they picked up all three points in the top-of-the-table clash.

But, having endured promotion nightmares in the last two seasons, ex-Dundee United ace McInally remains cautious.

Last season the Ton finished second but failed to go up after falling foul of the controversial new play-off system.

And Mac said: "Of course, beating Stirling Albion was a great result, but I am not going to say we have won the title at this early stage.

"We're 12 points clear and that is a great position to be in, but this is a tough league which I don't think always gets the credit it deserves.

"Having said that, I know how hungry the boys are to win promotion and I can't fault them for their work ethic and desire."

Mac singled out McGowan for special praise after the Hoops kid put them on the road to victory with a close-range strike in 19 minutes.

He said: "Paul has given us an added dimension going forward this season. He is not really an out-and-out striker, he sits in the hole between the front two."

Stirling boss Allan Moore admits it will take a Morton collapse for his team to pip them to first place.

He said: "Morton are in a very strong position and we will have to look at the play-offs to win promotion. It will take a miracle to stop them. However, I'd fancy our chances in the play-offs."