MORTON goal hero Lamar Reynolds has revealed why football has been the release he needed during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

And he hopes his Hampden strike on Saturday can begin to repay his new Inverclyde family for the love and support they've shown him over recent months.

Reynolds' first goal in a Morton jersey pulled the visitors level midway through the second half against Queen's Park, setting up Dougie Imrie's men for a vital win - and an eighth successive Championship match unbeaten.

The forward's life was put on hold when his brother died back in October.

The tragedy happened only a few months after Reynolds opted to up sticks and move away from the south of England to join the Cappielow side.

In the months that followed, Reynolds has juggled training full-time with regular journeys back to London to support his grieving family - and with sorting out arrangements for his brother's funeral, which was held in Jamaica last month.

Reynolds' goal sparked a stunning Hampden comeback (Image: Gary Bradley) And the 29-year-old admits that the support he's been shown from the Cappielow community has played a huge part in helping him navigate such a horrible time.

He told the Tele: "It's been tough the last couple of months, but the boys have been very helpful. They've put their arms around me and helped me around.

"I'm just happy I could repay the favour on the pitch against Queen's Park.

"It's been tough losing a family member so close to me.

"I've been away from the pitch for a while, been in and out, back and forth.

"I've had to go and sort out a funeral as well. I was the next child in line after my brother passed.

"I had to be there for my mum and do what I had to do to support her and my family."

Reynolds admits that the goal was a pressure release for him (Image: Gary Bradley) The former Maidstone United man says that the support that's come from within Cappielow has been crucial as he adjusts to living away from his family and support networks.

And he says that being able to leave all of his worries at the side of the pitch has helped him massively as he fights his way towards the front of Imrie's mind.

He added: "The lads, the gaffer and Andy [Millen] have always been there to support me, helping me with anything I've needed. I've been very grateful.

"It's been a nice release, being away from the personal issues that have been going on for the last few months, just focusing on football and having that nice, calm feeling.

"My mind's just been focused on training or playing matches while I'm here, even though I have missed quite a few matches.

"It's been nice to forget about what's going on in your personal life, put everything on hold and just get on with what's going on in front of you.

"Football definitely helps and I'm very lucky with that."

Reynolds says the support shown to him by fans has been incredible (Image: Gary Bradley) Reynolds says he's found a family he never expected to since moving 400 miles away from his home, after some Morton supporters found out about his personal circumstances.

And after finding the net at Hampden, he hopes he can add to his goal tally during the second half of Ton's Championship campaign to repay the love that's been shown to him over recent months.

"The support I've had from the fans over the last few months has really meant a lot," he added. 

READ MORE: Morton break Hampden duck by coming from behind to beat Queen's Park

"I get a lot of cheers when I'm coming on, and I've had a few messages from fans as well, trying to get everyone around me and showing me a bit of support.

"I'm extremely grateful for that. It's a really nice touch from the fans."

"Scoring is a great feeling. Being a forward player I want to score loads of goals.

"It's a shame that the last two months have been a bit disruptive, but the supporters have shown me a lot of respect and support.

"I'm just happy I've got the goal to help us get the win. Hopefully it's just the start of something really special."