By David Buick
Dunfermline and Hearts clashed in a 0-0 Scottish Championship draw at East End Park as both teams looked to bounce back from a tough run of results.
The Pars were fresh off a derby horror show on Tuesday night that saw them defeated 5-1 by Raith Rovers whilst the visitors were looking for a response after their defeat to Queen of the South last weekend.
Dunfermline started the game well and had numerous chances in the first half, most notably for Scott Banks, who couldn’t convert after being played through on goal. Kevin O’Hara and Josh Edwards also had big chances for the Pars but didn’t find the finishing touch in a good first half.
Hearts came out in the second half looking a lot more threatening, Liam Boyce and Peter Haring both coming close. However, despite the pressure from Hearts, it was the Pars who came closest to sealing the three points.
Vytas Gaspuitis hit the bar with a header early in the second 45 and then Euan Murray at the death had a header brilliantly saved by Craig Gordon, who was once again the hero for Hearts. Here are three things we learned.
Gordon the saviour again for Hearts
When Gordon signed for Hearts last summer, everyone knew that it would prove to be a good signing. However, many could have imagined just how busy he would end up being between the sticks for the Jambos this season.
Fresh off the back of a clean sheet for Scotland midweek, including a wonderful first half save against Faroe Islands, Gordon was at his best again for Hearts at East End Park. Right at the death, Gordon pulled off a wonderful save from Murray header to earn the point for his side as once again he bailed out those in front of him in maroon.
Improved Pars come close
Dunfermline have found themselves in a really poor run of form recently, with the results at Dens and Stark’s Park in the last week looking to really damage their top four credentials. Stevie Crawford needed a reaction from his team who’s bad run was bordering on free-fall, and a reaction is exactly what he got.
Obviously, three points was the thing Dunfermline needed most from this game, but in truth they couldn’t have come much closer to earning a win. They created numerous chances throughout the game.
First start for Gaspuitis
The announcement of Gaspuitis shocked Dunfermline fans in February. A somewhat unknown quantity, there has certainly been excitement to see what the Lithuanian international can bring to East End Park. Making his first start for the Pars up against probably the best striker in the league in Boyce was a tough task.
Gaspuitis put in a very solid performance as he restricted Boyce to very little throughout the game. He also dealt well with the imposing figure of Armand Gnanduillet who came off the bench to try and find a winner for Hearts.
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