Morton star ends drought to sicken Pars
GARY oLIVER last night notched his first goal in 10 months to deal a blow to Dunfermline’s title dream.
The former Hearts kid hadn’t found the net since bagging a brace against Ayr in January.
But the Morton striker made a mockery of that drought with a clinical finish to cancel out Andy Ryan’s opener for the Pars.
The stalemate saw Dunfermline blow a chance to move to within two points of Csaba Laszlo’s table-topping Dundee United.
Morton may have just one win in their last seven Championship games but Jim Duffy could be proud of a battling display only derailed by one first-half moment of defensive madness.
The Cappielow boss said: “We’ve had a couple of closeddoor games Gary scored in and no matter what sort of game it is strikers love that. It maybe just reminded him of his ability.
“He has been so important in terms of his link-up play and you could see that again.
“But the goal will give him a real boost and hopefully the confidence to kick on from there. He contributes so much to our team – chasing lost causes, putting defences under pressure. Goals are a bonus and hopefully there are a few more to come.”
Having been postponed for 10 days due to a host of international call-ups, fans had to wait an extra 10 minutes for the first whistle.
Kick-off was moved back to accommodate supporters locked out of the Norrie McCathie Stand due to issues with the electronic entry system.
The home fans did at least see their favourites wrestle control of the early stages as Nicky Clark stung the palms of Derek Gaston with a free-kick from 20 yards.
Not to be outdone, Pars keeper Sean Murdoch parried a fizzing drive from Mark Russell after the wideman found a pocket of space.
And the Pars punished some comically bad defending in 22 minutes as Russell cut out a through ball from Fraser Aird only to batter his clearance into the face of Gary Harkins. Aird pounced, feeding Ryan to slot home from close range.
Morton didn’t wilt though and instead levelled before the break, Oliver firing Michael Doyle’s fine cross home at the second time of asking after Lee Ashcroft blocked.
Oliver had the ball in the net on the cusp of half-time but Ton’s celebrations were cut short by assistant ref Kylie Cockburn’s flag.
Controversy then erupted after the break when Dunfermline thought they’d won a penalty for handball only for ref Stephen Finnie to rule Ryan Williamson’s delivery had been blocked outside.
Morton nearly nicked three points when an unmarked Luca Gasparotto dragged an effort wide while Michael Paton’s curled drive inched past down the other end.
Pars boss Allan Johnston said: “We were comfortable but lost a poor goal. I’m disappointed to only draw.”