Jefferies blames worries as defending sinks Dunfermline

THE First Division produced differing emotions on Scotland’s west and east coasts on Saturday as title chasing Morton and Partick Thistle were involved in exciting, wins whereas Dunfermline prepared for their financial doomsday by losing 4-3 to visitors Dumbarton.

The Pars face a 5pm deadline today to avoid a winding-up order being served by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and with the Steering Group set up by director and former manager Jim Leishman opting to back away, Saturday’s defeat may only be a slight irritation compared to what may follow.

It looks like the people of Dunfermline are preparing for the inevitable as only 3,409 fans turned out to see a game that began well for the Fifers when Ryan Wallace produced a fine finish four minutes from the break.

Andrew Barrowman doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half with a drive from the edge of the box and Dumbarton got a foothold just two minutes later when former Par Steven McDougall converted a Paul McGinn cross.

Barrowman had Dunfermline 3-1 ahead on 56 minutes with a close-range finish, before Chris Turner gave the Sons fresh hope with a 25-yard rocket shot and they drew level on 65 minutes when Scott Agnew netted with a low drive.

McDougall rubbed salt into his former club’s wounds six minutes from time when he converted a Mark Gilhaney pass.

Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies reckons that off-the-field events could be affecting his players as he said: “We looked like we had the game won twice, but Dumbarton got chances due to our shoddy defending. Every mistake we are making is getting punished and perhaps the financial stuff is taking its toll.

“We were talking on Friday about the club maybe not being here in a few days’ time so it could be preying on the players’ minds as they made bad mistakes that gave Dumbarton hope.”

Jefferies added: “We have a game to play on Wednesday and we will prepare for that, but we do not know what the final outcome will be for the club.”

Morton had to come from two goals down to keep hold of top spot by seeing off Cowdenbeath 4-2 at Cappielow.

Craig Moore gave the Fifers an early lead and Jamie Stevenson followed up after his penalty had been saved by Derek Gaston to make it two just before the break. A galvanised Greenock side gained hope when Peter MacDonald netted a spot-kick on 51 minutes and he headed a leveller just three minutes later before Scott Taggart cracked home a drive from 25 yards to push Morton ahead.

Martin Hardie sealed the win with a late header and manager Allan Moore said: “That shows the character we have.”

Partick celebrated Friday’s news that Alan Archibald has been handed the managerial reins on a permanent basis by thumping Livingston 6-1 at Firhill to remain two points behind Morton.

The Jags had six different goalscorers, with Aaron Muirhead netting a penalty and Steven Craig, James Craigen and Steven Lawless netting in the first half.

Paul Watson pulled a goal back before Chris Erskine and Kris Doolan completed the scoring. Archibald said: “Goal difference could be important so I am delighted.”

Hamilton got the better of hosts Falkirk for the first time since both clubs were in the SPL with a 2-0 success.

Jonathan Routledge edged the Accies in front after 15 minutes and Louis Longridge made it two 11 minutes later after a mistake by stand-in Bairns goalkeeper Graham Bowman.

Raith Rovers came from behind to send Airdrie closer to the drop with a 2-1 success in freezing Lanarkshire. Jamie Bain gave the Diamonds an early lead, but Greig Spence’s solo effort in the first half and substitute Grant Anderson’s low drive in the second sealed the win.