Caley give Pars a helping hand to grab deserved draw
Lawless (pen 79) INVERNESS CT 1 Sutherland (39)
Dunfermline boss John Hughes was fulsome in his praise for his players, who recovered from the loss of a goal to Inverness just before half-time before fighting back to grab the point which has taken them off the bottom off the Championship table.
“They showed great character and spirit out there” said Yogi, “especially in the second half, and I feel we should have won the game in view of the numerous chances we created.
“We took the game to Inverness after half-time and were always on the front foot.
“We had a go as we always want to do and I’m sure that’s what the fans want to see.
“That’s us off the bottom of the table and, while we’re delighted about that, I’m under no illusions, there’s a long way to go.
“I’m really proud of my players for their second-half performance, but we need to be doing that for the full 90 minutes.”
The opportunity of making up ground on league leaders Arbroath was clearly uppermost in the minds of the Inverness players, who started the game with considerably more purpose than Dunfermline.
Robbie Deas provided an early dose of anxiety for the nervous home supporters with a dangerous-looking cross which eluded the static Pars back line before slipping narrowly past Owain Fon Williams’ left post.
Caley were gradually turning up the heat on the fragile-looking Fifers, who were struggling to cope with the powerful front running of towering striker Manny Duku, the Dutchman taking advantage of Lewis Martin’s hesitancy before advancing on goal and releasing a shot which was well saved by Fon Williams.
With half-time approaching, the visitors finally took the lead which their dominance had merited, midfielder Reece Mcalear dispossessing Paul Allan then charging to the bye-line before delivering a perfect cross to the far post where the unmarked Shane Sutherland was on hand to drive a low angular shot in to the net.
Dunfermline’s only meaningful attack of the first half was a tame header from Matthew Todd, which was easily saved by Mark Ridgers in the aftermath of the opener.
However, they showed a considerably higher level of desire after the restart, Ridgers being forced into action to block a close-range effort from interval substitute Kevin O’hara in the 49th minute.
The fired-up Pars levelled from a penalty 10 minutes from time, Steven Lawless making an immaculate job of converting from the spot after David Carson had handled a Dan Pybus cross.
The hosts finished the game strongly, almost snatching victory at the death when Ridgers held on to a powerful header from Coll Donaldson.
“I’m frustrated” reflected Caley boss Billy Dodds. “My team were brilliant in the first half and I thought we totally deserved our lead.
“But fair play to Dunfermline, they battled for everything and had a real go at us.
“They probably think they deserved a point – and I’d agree with that.”