Mehmet to the rescue as Pars go fifth

DENIZ MEHMET saved a late penalty as Dunfermline boosted their chances of making the promotion play-offs with a

1-0 win over Morton.

Miles Welch-Hayes scored the only goal to move the Pars into fifth place, following up their impressive victory over leaders Dundee United last Friday.

James McPake’s side hit the front in the 55th minute, with Livingston loanee WelchHayes heading in Kane Ritchie-Hosler’s cross from a short corner.

Chris Kane hit the post as the Pars looked to extend their lead but Robbie Muirhead and Robbie Crawford both went close as Ton started to threaten.

The home side were then handed a golden chance to equalise in the 83rd minute after Ewan Otoo brought down Jai Quitongo, but keeper Mehmet was able to turn Muirhead’s spot-kick on to the post.

The Pars are now just a point behind fourth-placed Airdrieonians, who have two games in hand, while Morton drop to sixth after a fifth league game without a win.

Elsewhere, Queen’s Park leapfrogged Ayr United into seventh with a 2-1 success at Somerset Park.

Ruari Paton headed the visitors in front from Louis Longridge’s delivery after 19 minutes of a one-sided first half, with Cillian Sheridan adding a second just before the hour mark.

Jack Sanders gave the Honest Men late hope, but Queen’s held on for a deserved victory to move a point above their opponents in the table, and four clear of Inverness in the relegation play-off place.

Partick continue to strengthen their position in third, thanks to Aidan Fitzpatrick’s early goal against bottom side Arbroath.

Fitzpatrick struck after just 15 minutes but the Lichties couldn’t find a response as they fell nine points adrift of Caley, albeit with a game in hand.