The contrasting fortunes of football were thrown into sharp relief in the passageway between the two dressing rooms at the end of this 90 minutes.

That reflected the hopes of these clubs as they went their separate ways.

Morton manager Billy Stark drew comfort from the last months of the season when his side has battled to a comfortable mid-table position.

But with manager Kevin Drinkell already departed from Stirling Albion, his assistant, Ray Stewart, walked around saying his goodbyes as he also departs the relegated club. He said: ''I was offered the job of manager but Kevin is a personal friend and I could not take it.

''I can only praise these players for putting everything they have got into our time at Stirling and I believe it was shown this afternoon, despite the scoreline, that they can play good football.''

Stirling captain Tommy Tait joined in the praise of both Drinkell and Stewart and said: ''I have nothing but respect for them. But no-one here now knows what is in prospect for the future.''

That pessimism was not matched only a few feet away as Greenock manager Stark looked to the future.

Stark has signed a new three-year contract and can now concentrate on building his side. He said: ''I think my players deserve great credit for the past season and particularly for the last 16 games, of which we have lost only two.

''It was a cultural shock for them when a new management team came in here and it takes time to get people to change to the way the new manager sees things.

''But we have ambition and even though we may not have the resources of some other clubs like Hibs, who will be in the league next season, we want to advance from our present position.''

Stark was pleased that his first season in charge at Morton ended with Warren Hawke rising to a Kevin Twaddle corner to capture the three points.

Morton ............. 1

Stirling Albion ... 0