Traditionally on Hogmanay, we invite our closest friends to come and visit as we bid farewell to the old year and toast the new one.

Morton, however, have to make do with the visit of Partick Thistle.

After the weekend’s visit to Somerset Park yielded a perhaps unexpected point at promotion chasing Ayr United, the visit of Partick sees another game in which Ton won’t be favoured by too many bookies to come out the other end of with much more than a bloody nose.

But having now gone six games undefeated in the league, Dougie Imrie’s team will be optimistic they can take points off another of the play-off contenders, having already stifled the Honest Men and Livingston this month.

READ MORE: Imrie issues Morton challenge as he reveals January transfer window hopes

The trip down the coast followed a similar pattern to our previous two visits this term, with Morton competing well in the early stages of the match, before being penned back by Scott Brown’s side in the second half, sitting deeper and deeper as the match progressed and riding their luck as the clock wound down.

The major difference of course was that Morton managed to hold out this time, much to the frustration of the home support, many of whom were critical of Imrie’s tactics against their more affluent opponents.

While it certainly wasn’t pleasing on the eyes of the Morton fans either, there were no complaints from this observer, given the limitations of the current squad.

When you’re in Morton’s precarious position, already in the knowledge that Dunfermline below them collected an unexpected point the previous evening, your priority isn’t to entertain the home support. Take the point, move on and forget Saturday afternoon ever happened.

Morton's draw at Somerset Park on Saturday has boosted confidence in the Cappielow camp ahead of today's clash with Partick Thistle. (Image: Kenny Ramsay) That’s not to say Morton couldn’t have collected all three points on Saturday- Filip Stuparevic’s drive was well blocked by Harry Stone in the first half, and referee Duncan Nicolson was extremely lenient in issuing his cards as big-bad-physical-Ayr kicked and elbowed their way through the first half, collecting only three yellow cards in that 45 minute period.

Nick McAllister was the most fortunate not to see red, as recognised by their manager’s decision to withdraw the right back for the second period.

Today’s visitors Partick will be looking to join Ayr on 35 points with a win at Cappielow, and having recorded seven wins in their last nine league games.

READ MORE: Jack Baird anticipating Hogmanay thriller as Morton prepare to host Partick

And with our old friend Brian Graham notching a double in the weekend’s 2-1 derby win over Queen’s Park, and fast approaching 100 goals for Partick, we can be sure of no favours as Morton look to begin a run of three consecutive home games with a positive result.

With 2024 having been a year of celebration off the park for Morton, finishing off our 150th year by dispatching one of our less endearing rivals would be fitting.