Peter Grants Dunfermline took on Billy Dodd's Inverness today in the Scottish Championship, with a cagey affair ending in a stalemate.
[Allardice and Dorrans duel for the ball]
It was a close game, with high flying Inverness Caledonian Thistle struggling against bottom of the table Dunfermline Athletic in Fife, who were much improved from recent weeks.
Expectations were low for the home side and with a turnout of just over 3,100 spectators - including away fans - with the South, Norrie McCathie and East Stands all but empty. The North West Stand had the best atmosphere by far, with both the away and home fans making plenty of noise.
The match itself was extremely tight and the first half was nervy. The Highlanders shaded the opening 45, with Dodds' side forcing an excellent Owain Fon Williams double save - the highlight for the visitors.
[Clear cut chances were few and far between at East End Park today]
Kai Kennedy almost scored a sensational goal after running the length of the pitch with the ball at his feet, entering the box at pace and then.. tripping and falling flat on his face. The Rangers loanee was a stand out for the home team however, he did go down quite easily on a few occasions - drawing the ire of the away support.
Into the second half and Grant's side were much improved, taking hold of the game and coming extremely close to breaking the deadlock.
Inverness had Marc Ridgers to thank on multiple occasions, after he saved a certain goal from a Todorov diving header from close range which looked destined to break the deadlock. Then in the 92nd minute with mere seconds left, Wighton was set through on goal, bursting past all defenders 1-on-1 with the 'Caley' keeper just for his effort to be easily saved by one of the best goalies in the division.
[Wighton's late effort is saved]
Full-Time 0-0 and both sides end the day as they began it, the home side had a much improved performances and had more clear cut chances than their counterparts but couldn't take them which means that they remain winless in the league this season, whilst Inverness remain top of the cinch Championship by a solitary point.
Today's game was the only goalless draw in all top 4 top divisions of Scottish football.
What Did the Managers Have to Say?
Peter Grant: "We've had a tough few weeks with Covid and the results and it's not easy to keep going and keep fighting and they showed the spirit that I know they have."
Billy Dodds: "It was going to be a battle, I knew they would work hard, I thought we were decent first half and they had the best chance second half. There weren't a lot of great chances in the game, I think a draw was a fair result but we had to battle for it."
[Both sides had plenty of fight, but lacked quality in the final third]
What Next?
Dunfermline have a huge game coming up at East End Park next week against fellow early season strugglers Hamilton Accies, in a 10th vs 9th clash. A win for 'Pars' would see them climb out of the automatic relegation zone.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle host Queen of the South next, a win would see them retain top spot with a real chance of creating a gap between themselves and 3rd place as Kilmarnock face Arbroath on Friday evening.
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