GREENOCK, Scotland (Interstat) — Greenock Morton and Ayr United opened their Scottish Championship campaigns with a 1-1 draw at Cappielow Park on Saturday, a result that defied pregame projections favoring the home side.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 2-1 victory for Morton, with its ELO system giving the hosts a 64.7 percent probability of securing all three points. Instead, both sides settled for a share of the points in a tightly contested match that saw key contributions from substitutes.

The visitors struck first against the run of play in the 25th minute. The opening goal came from Ayr United substitute Anton Dowds, who made an immediate impact after entering the fray. Dowds found the net to give the Honest Men an early advantage, capitalizing on an assist from midfielder Iain Wilson.

Morton’s response before halftime was swift. In the 47th minute, just before the break, forward Arron Lyall leveled the score for the Ton. Lyall’s equalizer was set up by defender Aaron Comrie, whose involvement from the back helped galvanize the home side.

The first half was a physical affair, reflected in three yellow cards issued by the match official. Ayr United’s Kevin Holt was booked in the 29th minute, followed by his teammate Iain Wilson in the 33rd. Morton’s Aaron Comrie, after providing the assist for the equalizer, received a caution in the 50th minute.

The second half failed to produce a winner, with both defenses organizing effectively to limit clear-cut chances. The result leaves both teams with identical records to start their league seasons, each registering a draw without a win or loss. Their overall records across all competitions this season also mirror each other.

The match highlighted the importance of squad depth, with substitutes playing a decisive role. Dowds’ goal for Ayr and Holt’s assist, despite his earlier booking, were pivotal moments for the visiting side. For Morton, the connection between defender Comrie and forward Lyall proved crucial in securing a point.

The draw provides a foundation for both clubs as they begin their respective campaigns in the second tier of Scottish football. The result at Cappielow Park sets an early tone of parity in the Championship, with neither side able to gain an initial advantage over the other in the standings.