DUNFERMLINE 0 MORTON 0

Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston was a frustrated man after his side dominated possession but could not find a breakthrough at East End Park.

After watching the stalemate, Johnston lamented: “It’s always hard games against Morton and I thought in the first half there was not much between the teams. We played the better football and got in good areas but just that final pass let us down.

“Second half I thought we totally controlled it and should have won the game. We had loads of good chances and we just need to take those chances and be more clinical”

The first half was a frantic affair but lacked any real quality as both teams failed to realise that a long ball game was of no use in the blustery conditions.

In saying that, the hosts could have had the lead 27 seconds in. Declan Mcmanus rolled the ball into strike partner Nicky Clark’s path, but the forward’s effort was at a comfortable height for Ton goalie Derek Gaston who got down well.

The home men continued to dominate but could not turn their possession into any further chances of note as the Greenock men grew into the game.

Frank Ross, in particular, was dangerous down the left-hand side, although his numerous crosses and cut-backs all were cleared. The second half was more of the same as the Pars had the majority of the ball, but time after time found their final pass lacking and the home fans started to get restless.

On the occasions when the right pass was played, a lack of composure in front of goal was to cost as twice the away woodwork was rattled.

Firstly, Tom Beadling smashing the ball off the crossbar, then substitute Daniel Armstrong struck the post from 12 yards out all in a three-minute spell.

The visitors offered next to nothing, particularly in the second half with manager Jim Duffy just happy to leave with a point, stating: “Delighted with the point, it was horrendous conditions for players to play. Swirling wind – the players hate playing in that.

“Dunfermline had the majority of the game but our determination got us a point.”