SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

AYR UTD 0 DUNFERMLINE 0

DUNFERMLINE haven’t lost on their last 10 visits to Somerset Park and a share of the spoils always looked on the cards here.

It was an emotional occasion as admission was cut to only £5 in tribute to former Ayr chairman Donald Cameron who died recently.

Ayr almost made a flying start. A 30-yard shot from Brian Gilmour was tipped over by Sean Murdoch. From Gilmour’s resulting corner, Conrad Balatoni sent in a header which was saved.

Pars hit back with a good run from Michael Paton but his low effort was blocked by the feet of Greg Fleming.

The visitors lost John Herron to injury after 17 minutes with Rhys McCabe taking his place.

Alan Forrest’s point-blank header was well saved by Murdoch.

Pars were forced into a second change after 34 minutes with Farid El Alagui taking the place of Clark.

Ayr had penalty claims denied when Adams went down after a push by Andy Geggan.

The Fifers should have taken the lead two minutes before the interval when Gavin Reilly went through with only Fleming to beat but the keeper blocked his effort.

El Alagui had an overhead kick pushed away by Fleming at the start of the second-half while Ayr responded with another 30 yarder from Gilmour which Murdoch touched on to the post.

Cardle had the ball in the net for Pars after 63 minutes but it was disallowed for a foul by El Alagui on Balatoni.

El Alagui needed lengthy treatment after colliding with Fleming who came to punch clear a free-kick. But the striker recovered to hook the ball just over soon after.

Ayr couldn’t make the breakthrough and had to settle for a point on a day when they felt their endeavour deserved more.