Craigen breathes life into Pars’ play-off bid

DUNFERMLINE

Craigen 6

INVERNESS CT

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James Craigen scored Dunfermline’s first goal in four games and the playmaker’s free-kick was enough to breathe fresh life into the Pars’ Championship playoff hopes following a sevengame winless run.

The former Partick Thistle and Falkirk midfielder curled a well-placed setpiece around the wall after just five minutes.

The victory moves the Fife side, who have a game in hand, within four points of fourth-placed Morton, whom they host on Saturday.

The first half was an edgy affair between teams who looked low in confidence.

The second period livened up, with Caley Thistle forward Aaron Doran having a shot saved by Lee Robinson before Craigen had a firsttime effort pushed behind by Mark Ridgers.

The Inverness keeper did not cover himself in glory when he twice misjudged crosses but the former Hearts trainee pulled off an impressive save to keep out a ferocious Kallum Higginbotham drive.

Inverness’ misery was complete when assistant manager Brian Rice was dismissed from the dugout by referee Kevin Clancy.