Killie blow another chance to hit summit

KILMARNOCK manager Derek McInnes was left to lament his team’s failure to grasp yet another chance to climb to the Championship summit following a draw at Dunfermline.

The Rugby Park outfit lacked a cutting edge in Fife and remain second on goal difference behind leaders Arbroath, who also drew yesterday.

In the end, it was a well-earned point after Pars defender Efe Ambrose spurned a gilt-edged chance to grab victory with a late effort that came back off the bar.

However, former Aberdeen boss McInnes was frustrated that his team are still playing catch-up in their quest for the title.

‘We have not lost any ground but it’s another week gone,’ he said.

‘We have missed another opportunity. We have now had three opportunities since I’ve been here to go top of the league and we’ve not managed to take any of them.’

The first half was a dull affair that was bereft of quality and goalmouth action.

Kilmarnock midfielder Fraser Murray at least brought out a save from Jakub Stolarczyk with a free-kick that was beaten away.

There was more urgency after the break as both sides looked for the vital breakthrough.

After Killie substitute Jason Naismith had a shot from distance saved by Stolarczyk in the 68th minute, Ambrose, latching on to Dom Thomas’ free-kick, cracked a volley off the bar from six yards when he should have scored.

‘We had the best chance of the game with Efe hitting the woodwork, so it’s disappointing we never picked up the three points,’ said Dunfermline manager John Hughes, whose team are only one point clear of basement side Queen of the South.

‘We’ve not been beaten and we’re going in the right direction.

‘We just need a wee bit of Lady Luck to go our way.’