No debut joy for Crawford as Clark goal seals victory

SUBSTITUTE Nicky Clark struck late against his former club to give Dundee United a 1-0 win and ruin Stevie Crawford’s first match as Dunfermline manager.

The win moves United into joint second with Ayr United, who have a game in hand.

Stewart Murdoch forced an early save from Lee Robinson with a tame header and Paul McMullan tried his luck from distance but neither side created much of substance in a barren first half.

James Vincent and Myles Hippolyte both missed chances for Dunfermline before the break but Clark finally settled it when he headed home at the near post from newcomer Aidan Nesbitt’s cross with just nine minutes left.

Ayr United slipped up 1-0 at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who moved into the top five.

Aaron Doran should have put Inverness in front when he had a clear opening but shot against the post from only six yards.

Jordan White missed a clear chance for Inverness just before half time when he rushed his shot wide with the goal at his mercy. White finally broke the deadlock after 64 minutes with a header into the far corner.

Doran should have sealed it when he was through on goal and shot wide, but White’s goal proved sufficient.

Alloa Athletic made it six matches without defeat, coming from behind to beat Morton 2-1.

Dario Zanatta had a chance for the home team inside the first minute but Ryan Scully managed to get across his goal to save.

Scully had to prove himself moments later when the ball broke to Alan Trouten in the area but again he was equal to the task. But Morton came back and Chris Millar put them in front with a shot from just outside the area.

Reghan Tumilty almost made it 2-0 in the opening minute of the second half but Neil Parry saved well.

Alloa were level midway through the second half when Trouten was pulled down by Scully and he stepped up to fire home the equaliser from the penalty spot.

The home side won it through a bizarre own-goal from Kerr Waddell, who sliced the ball into his net after a goalmouth scramble.

“I don’t think anyone can say we didn’t deserve to win that game,” said Alloa manager Jim Goodwin, “We were camped in their half in the second half.

“It’s a fantastic result and the players deserve all the credit.”

Morton manager Jonatan Johansson said: “This is a poor result for us. Our passing was sloppy and we gave away a bad goal, then a terrible goal to lose the match.”