The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Frustration as Pars lose vital ground
The patchy form which has been displayed by Dunfermline in recent weeks continued as the Pars succumbed to a home defeat at the hands of a resurgent Inverness side, surrendering, as a result, second place in the Championship to Fife rivals Raith Rovers.
Defender Aaron Comrie’s frustration at the result was evident as he analysed the performance.
“We got what we deserved from the game,” said the 34-year-old.
“There was no real edge to our play which is unlike us but we need to find that edge quickly as we have a lot of important games coming up.
“It’s hard to put our finger on it but I don’t think we kept the ball well enough and we didn’t pick up enough second balls.
“It’s a sore one as it was a good chance to improve our league position at an important time in the season.
“Whatever it is we need, we have to find it quickly or we’re going to start dropping down the league.”
Comrie was reluctant to blame the recent Covid-19 scare at East End Park for what was an uncharacteristically lethargic display.
“I don’t want to make excuses,” he said. “I’m not sure whether it was down to Covid. This was an important game and a good chance to build on last week’s performance and we didn’t manage to do that.”
Comrie was the main reason Dunfermline reached the interval on level terms, the full-back bravely throwing his body in front of a powerfully struck goalbound shot from Caley midfielder Dan Mackay early on.
The Pars started the game with a rather cautious formation, Craig Wighton operating in a lone striking role which suggested that manager Stevie Crawford was looking for a significant attacking contribution from his midfielders, but the visitors’ goal was rarely threatened during the first half.
After the break, Dunfermline finally managed to generate some attacking momentum with Caley keeper Mark Ridgers being forced into making excellent saves from Steven Whittaker and Crystal Palace loanee Scott Banks, who was being watched from the stand by Palace legend and Selhurst Park Academy director Mark Bright.
Just as the Pars appeared to be gaining a foothold, however, Inverness scored the only goal of the game with nine minutes remaining, Scott Allardice releasing David Carson who sent a sweetly struck angular shot past Owain Fon Williams.
Dunfermline now look to recover their winning form when they face Greenock Morton in a Scottish Cup tie at Cappielow tomorrow night.