'Ton's early lively start gave no indication of how narrow their victory would be. Jason Walker's shot 25 seconds was turned aside for a corner by trialist goalkeeper, Mark Peat. Walker then created a chance for Derek Lilley, but the striker just failed to connect with the low cross.
After 12 minutes, Peter Weatherson unleashed a tremendous drive from 30 yards; the ball soared away from Peat but smashed against the underside of the bar, hit the 'keeper's back and was scrambled away by the relieved Loons' defence.
Only some desperate defending by the visitors' rearguard kept the scoreline blank as, for fully two minutes Morton bombarded Forfar's goal with a series of attacks, but the home side's rhythm was interrupted when Alex Walker was taken off with possible knee ligament damage.
Weatherson headed over from Andy McLaren's corner, but Forfar stole forward and nearly took the lead when Martin Cameron broke clear of the home back line, rounded David McGurn and rolled the ball goalwards. Stewart Greacen saved the day, clearing from the line at full stretch.
Peat had another good save from a Lilley header and an even better one from a vicious Weatherson drive, but Chris Millar fired over from a good position as the home supporters became uneasy.
A bizarre own goal decided the outcome. Weatherson's cross saw Greacen challenged by Eddie Forrest, and the unfortunate defender deflected the ball beyond the gallant Peat from six yards.
Cameron's late shot made the crossbar quiver to sum up Forfar's unlucky afternoon.