Oliver on target as Ton make their point
GARY OLIVER can be forgiven for milking the moment last night.
When he rippled the East End Park net last night it was the first time the Morton striker had troubled the scoresheet since a brace against Ayr United in January. Eleven months ago.
His clinical finish may have belied that lean spell but the celebration did not, with relief emanating from every pore as he lapped up the adulation of the travelling fans.
Oliver’s effort cancelled out Andy Ryan’s opener for the Pars, denying the hosts the opportunity to move to within two points of Ladbrokes Championship leaders Dundee United.
Kick-off was delayed by 10 minutes due to issues with the electronic entry system at East End Park, however the home fans were at least treated to a bright start, with Dunfermline breaking the deadlock after 21 minutes.
Mark Russell, attempting to clear his area, only succeeded in battering the ball against Gary Harkins and into the path of Fraser Aird. The Canadian international reacted admirably to the stroke of luck, swiftly slipping a pass to Ryan who slotted home his sixth goal for the club.
Belying a run of one win in six league outings, Morton restored parity. A sweeping move saw Michael Doyle scamper clear on the right flank and, although Oliver’s first effort was blocked by Lee Ashcroft, he fired the equaliser beyond Sean Murdoch at the second time of asking.
Goalmouth action was at a premium in an attritional second half, but controversy erupted when Dunfermline thought they had won a penalty for hand-ball, only for referee Stephen Finnie to indicate Ryan Williamson’s delivery had been blocked outside of the box.
Dunfermline’s final opportunity to escape with a pivotal triumph came and went when Michael Paton curled a drive tantalisingly wide from the edge of the box.