The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ryan strikes for Pars as Fifers move point closer to United.
Boss Johnston frustrated as Fifers made to pay for lack of cutting edge
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC 1 MORTON 1
Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston cut a dejected figure last night after his Dunfermline side dropped two points at home against a well-organised Morton outfit.
Andy Ryan bagged his sixth goal for the Pars early in the first half before Jim Duffy’s Ton levelled before half-time through Gary Oliver.
The result leaves Dunfermline four points behind leaders Dundee United but only one off second-placed St Mirren.
The Fifers made the stronger start with Joe Cardle testing Morton goalie Derek Gaston after nine minutes.
A rasping 20-yard free-kick stung Gaston’s hands as he dived acrobatically to palm the ball to safety.
Ten minutes later Gaston could do nothing as Ryan put the Pars ahead, albeit with a slice of good fortune in the build-up.
A Nicky Clark cross appeared to elude everyone in the box only for Mark Russell’s attempted clearance to smack off one of his own team-mates and fall right to the feet of Ryan.
The former Hamilton and Forfar striker was left with nothing to do but slot home from 10 yards.
The hosts then enjoyed a promising spell but lacked a cutting edge with both Kallum Higginbotham and Declan McManus missing chances.
The visitors made them pay for this profligacy after 35 minutes when Gary Oliver poked home after his initial effort was blocked.
The Ton faithful thought they had taken the lead five minutes later when a Gary Harkins free-kick deflected off Oliver into the net but the former Hearts man was given offside.
The home fans were starting to become restless as the Pars’ wastefulness continued into the second half.
The frustration became more evident after the Fife side were denied a clear penalty in the 68th minute.
A Fraser Aird cross was adjudged to have been handled by Russell but much to everyone’s astonishment a free-kick was awarded despite the Morton man appearing to be two yards inside his box.
This could not galvanise the hosts however, with the next best chance falling to the visitors when Robert Thomson’s diving header was saved by Sean Murdoch.
Chasing the goal that would send them second in the table, Michael Paton came close with a curling effort in the final seconds as the Pars settled for a share of the spoils. Attendance – 4,816. Dunfermline – Murdoch, Williamson, Morris, Ashcroft, Talbot, Aird, Shiels, Wedderburn, Cardle (Paton 83), Clark (Smith 90), Ryan. Subs not used: Mvoto, Gill, Splaine, Martin.
Morton – Gaston, Gasparotto, O’Ware, Lamie, Doyle, Murdoch, Harkins (Tiffoney 83), Forbes, Russell, Oliver, McHugh (Thomson 78). Subs not used: Langan, Barr, Doohan, Armour.
Referee: Stephen Finnie.