David Buick
Dunfermline and Dundee played out a 0-0 Scottish Championship draw as both continue their pushes for the promotion play-offs.
The game started at a decent pace with both teams having chances, Jordan McGhee and Craig Wighton both shooting wide for their respective teams. The first half was a pretty even affair with both sides having half-chances but unable to carve a real big opportunity for the opening goal.
Dunfermline drew with Dundee. (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)
In the second half, Dundee were in the ascendancy for the large part. James McPake’s men had numerous chances with Danny Mullen and Paul McMullan both going close. Dunfermline’s backline did stand firm and the Fifers could have found a winner as a Ewan Henderson shot was blocked in the final moments.
A point leaves both sides with work to do in the final three games, although you’d expect that Dundee will be the happier of the two as they find themselves in third spot with the Pars back in fifth. Here are three things we learned.
Dee have to settle for point
Dundee fans will certainly feel like their side should have taken three points in Fife as they spurned numerous opportunities in front of goal. The Dee had been in good scoring form heading into this game and having restricted Dunfermline to very little, it seemed like they had given themselves the perfect platform to go on to seal the win.
Could have won. (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)
A mix of frustrating finishing and decision making in the final third cost McPake’s men who missed the chance to put further pressure on Raith Rovers in second.
Pars continue winless run
It’s been a tough few weeks for Dunfermline. Having started the season very well, since going top in November, things have been harder. A home game against a play-off rival seemed like the perfect chance to turn things around and gain some momentum ahead of the final three games of the season.
However, Dunfermline struggled to gain a real foothold in the game throughout and had it not been for Dundee misfiring, could have found themselves on the end of a defeat.
Improvement need for promotion hopefuls
Whether or not Dundee and Dunfermline finish in the play-offs, one thing is clear, both will need to improve on this showing. The play-offs are a very difficult way to seek promotion, with potentially six games ahead of these teams. They will need to find an extra gear for Premiership football.
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