Dunfermline put an end to a lucky year for Morton

DUNFERMLINE Athletic know how to spring an anniversary surprise.

On a day when Morton were on the brink of celebrating a calendar year unbeaten at home, Nat Wedderburn netted the only goal as Dunfermline won 1-0 at Cappielow.

That they took all three points was as much down to their goalkeeper Sean Murdoch as anyone else as Dunfermline showed their determination not to be dragged into the dogfight beneath them.

But there was no doubt this was a chance missed for Morton, who now head to Easter Road on Wednesday in the knowledge that any damage they can now inflict on Hibs’ title ambitions will be minimal.

Morton’s supporters appreciated the effort put in by the players in an attempt to salvage the situation, but manager Jim Duffy felt his team came up short in all departments.

“Defensively, we weren’t near good enough. In midfield, our creativity was missing and up front we lacked a spark,” he observed.

If Dunfermline will argue they needed the points more, they remain just four points off second-bottom despite the victory.

Queen of the South are still not convinced they are safe despite their hard-earned 1-1 draw at Raith Rovers.

Stephen Dobbie, who scored their goal from a free-kick, admitted he had mixed feelings about the result and performance.

“It was vital that we didn’t get beaten but we really need to start winning games now and picking up more points to make sure we don’t get dragged into the group of teams below us in the table,” the striker pointed out.

Raith had led through a Ryan Hardie strike and defender Jason Thomson admitted it was not a classic.

“It was a good point for us in the end, but we need a win soon,” he stated.