Dunfermline 1, St Mirren 1
THE PROSPECT of two divisions separating Dunfermline and St Mirren next season has more merit than the two of them remaining rivals.
It will be a difficult task for the Fifers to fight their way back to the top flight through the play-offs but it certainly looks an easier one than Saints’ challenge to remain in the Championship.
Of course, all connected with the Paisley side will cry that a point at East End Park is to be admired but other than good fortune and a willingness to work hard there was little evidence that St Mirren will finish anywhere other than bottom.
In time, loan signings Craig Storie and Rory Loy may make an impact and Jack Ross is hoping for further recruitment this week having also brought in Norwegian defender Pal Fjelde.
However, the inherent problems remain – susceptibility at the back and no threat up front.
Centre-back Gary MacKenzie, the central character of the draw at East End Park, remains defiant that Saints can somehow climb above Ayr United and Dumbarton in the 15 remaining matches.
MacKenzie conceded a 36th-minute penalty that was converted by Kallum Higginbotham but equalised with a towering header from Stevie Mallan’s corner a minute into the second half
He said: “It’s a good point away from home after going a goal behind. It was a test of character after last week when we were really poor so I think in the second half we showed we’ve got a bit about us.
“We took the game to them, got a goal and it could have gone either way.
“Obviously having given away the penalty you want to redeem yourself but everybody has to chip in with goals from every area of the park.
“We came out second half and had a proper go, I don’t think anyone left anything in the tank. We gave everything we could pushing for the win but we’ll take the point, it’s not a bad result.
“The manager has freshened up the squad, brought in some decent players and there’s still loads of games to go.
“There are encouraging signs that we are there to fight and when asked questions we can stand up and answer them.”
Higginbotham was equally defiant but for contrasting reasons. He feels Allan Johnston’s squad is already Premiership quality even if he knows it was a huge opportunity missed to get closer to fourth-placed Falkirk.
He said: “We should have won the game so that’s frustrating but if we play as well as we can, I still believe we will be the play-offs come the end of the season.
“This squad is capable of playing in the Premiership. It’s not just the starting XI. Look at the quality on the bench too. If we are in the play-offs, then we will have a fantastic chance.
“If we can just keep going about our business, and come up on the blindside, hopefully we will be where we want to be come May.”
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