By David Buick
A goal from Hearts loanee Craig Wighton was enough to seal an important three points for Dunfermline at home to Morton, winning 1-0
It was an eventful couple of weeks for both clubs that saw Dunfermline suffer a Covid-19 outbreak and two virus postponements while Morton appointed Gus MacPherson as their new manager.
The new Ton boss. (Photo by Alex Todd / Barcroft Media / Getty Images)
The game was a competitive affair. Morton dominated possession in the first half but it was the Fifers that looked more threatening in the final third. Dunfermline came very close as a Wighton penalty was saved, as well as his rebound.
However, the Hearts loanee bounced back and scored the game’s only goal as he headed a Dom Thomas cross past Aidan McAdams just before half-time. The second half saw an improved Dunfermline performance as the home side managed to seal an important three points. Here are three things we learned.
Bouncing back
The last two weeks have been very difficult for Dunfermline as a virus outbreak caused disruption to fixtures and training. With Raith Rovers dropping points this week, Dunfermline knew that a win would send them back into second place in the Scottish Championship.
Up the table. (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Despite a sluggish start to the game, Dunfermline really grew into the match. Fraser Murray, Dom Thomas, and Scott Banks all looked lively and created numerous chances throughout the game.
Wighton settling in well at Dunfermline
The striker got his third goal in as many games which turned out to be the winner for Dunfermline. Following his pre-contract signing from Hearts, the former Dundee man joined the Pars on loan in February. Wighton started up top on his own with usual starting striker Declan McManus on the bench.
A missed penalty could have set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for the striker, but Wighton bounced back to score the winner. The forward showed very good movement in the box to evade the defenders and his glancing header was well placed to find the back of the net.
Hitting form. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Work to do for MacPherson
Following his surprise appointment during the week, new Morton manager and former Par MacPherson took his team for the first time at East End Park. The Ton had a great result in Inverness midweek but weren’t able to replicate the result in Fife.
The league table after Saturday’s games shows just how tight it is down the bottom of the Championship table with Morton one of five teams who all could be in danger of facing relegation as the season’s conclusion. MacPherson will be spirted by his new side’s performance at East End Park with plenty of positives to take.
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