The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
No blame game after Kane miss
Chris Kane apologised for his 89th-minute miss in the 0-0 home draw with Queen’s Park says Dunfermline boss James McPake.
The on-loan St Johnstone striker had the chance to seal the Pars’ place in the Championship for next season when the ball dropped for him at the back post.
Victory could also have kept slim hopes of nicking into the promotion playoffs alive thanks to Airdrieonians losing 4-0 at Partick Thistle.
However, his header went over the bar and the East End Park side had to settle for just one point.
McPake, though, insists Kane has nothing to apologise for.
“Kano is in there devastated,” the Dunfermline boss revealed at full-time.
“It’s one of those, though, if there’s someone challenging with him it might be easier as daft as that sounds.
“He’s apologised but he doesn’t need to apologise to anybody at this football club for anything. Since he’s come in he’s been outstanding.
“The way he holds the ball up and brings others into play… He’s hurting but he’s experienced and he’ll pick himself up.
“Knowing Kano, he’ll be back on the scoresheet next week.”
The point keeps Dunfermline six points ahead of opponents Queen’s Park, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, with six points to play for.
The Pars’ goal difference is also eight goals better than the Spiders.
However, McPake is taking nothing for granted with two weekends of football still to play.
“No, until it is mathematically impossible to be caught then we have to think that way,” he said.
“Disappointing again because the score at Maryhill meant if we got the win and our goal difference we’re looking at a different thing again.
“No, we have two very important games.
“Inverness are another team coming here desperate for three points next week. We need to be ready for that. This could be an important point, though, particularly after how disappointed we were last week.
“(Queen’s Park goalkeeper) Calum Ferrie had three or four spectacular saves during the game. I know Calum well, I had him at Dundee and he was excellent.
“That’s why he’s in Team of the Year. If it wasn’t for him today…
“Deniz (Mehmet) had a great save second half from (Stuart) McKinstry in the second half but other than that I don’t think they threatened too much.
“There was edginess there, we know that, but it could be an important point.”
Late in the game, Queen’s Park felt Chris Hamilton should have seen red for a last-man challenge on McKinstry. Referee Colin Steven, though, said defensive cover was there and stuck to a yellow card.
McPake agreed with that decision but felt his side should have been given a penalty early in the second half.
“I thought the cover was there. I haven’t seen it back,” the Dunfermline boss said when asked about the possible red card.
“But I do think we should have had a penalty for the challenge on Malachi Fagan-Walcott.”