DUNFERMLINE ATH 1 Benedictus (41)

INVERNESS CT 1 Pepple (75)

The Dunfermline supporters breathed a collective sigh of relief as their team finally secured the point which ensures their Championship status.

But for Inverness the tension continues as the draw at East End Park has left them in the play-off spot, a point below Queen’s Park with just one match remaining.

“The players are deflated as we knew we had to win today,” reflected Caley manager Duncan Ferguson afterwards. “It could end up to be a valuable point for us in the long run but its out of our hands now.

“We need to go out and win our last game on Friday night to give ourselves a wee chance.”

In the second minute when a moment of uncertainty in the Dunfermline defence left Inverness striker Billy McKay with a clear run on goal, only to be clinically upended by Kyle Benedictus who was booked.

Dunfermline’s Chris Kane and Owen Moffat tested Caley keeper Mark Ridgers, while at the other end a superb glancing header from Sean McAllister was met with an athletic save from Deniz Mehmet.

Despite his early booking and the consequent risks to which he was exposed, Benedictus was keen to become involved in the action in all areas of the pitch.

And the defender’s ability in the attacking third was demonstrated four minutes from the interval when he rose above the static Inverness defence to meet a Paul Allan cross and head powerfully beyond the helpless Ridgers.

The visitors should have drawn level shortly after the restart when they were awarded a penalty for a handball offence by Owen Moffat, but McKay saw his poorly struck spot kick saved by Mehmet.

But they did equalise through Aribim Pepple 15 minutes from time, the on-loan Luton striker beating Mehmet from a tight angle to secure what could prove to be a valuable point.

“I’m happy that we’ve guaranteed Championship football next season,” said Pars boss James McPake. “But I was disappointed that we had to hang on for a point at home to do so.”