Dundee 1 - 1 Raith Rovers:

THIS was the result neither team really wanted as Dundee and Raith Rovers fought out a largely insipid draw.

Dundee, who have the forlorn task of pretending there is a Division One title race by chasing champions-elect Ross County, appeared set to dominate after Carl Finnigan’s early goal.

But Raith, still second-bottom of the table and haunted by relegation, showed the required level of desire and application to get back into the contest through Damian Casalinuovo.

John McGlynn’s team were the more lively in the second period but it could never be described as a classic and a share of the bounty – which does nothing to affect both of their aspirations – was the fairest outcome.

Raith arrived at Dens desperate to secure the points they need to assure survival but within six minutes their plans went awry.

Gary Irvine placed a perfect cross into the area for Finnigan, allowing the on-loan St Johnstone striker to glance a header past goalkeeper David McGurn from ten yards.

Raith got themselves back into the contest right on half-time, with former Dundee United player Casalinuovo the scorer.

Jason Thomson fired a shot into the area and it was blocked by a defender but the Argentine was first to react, squeezing a shot in at the near post before goalkeeper Rab Douglas could get there.

That perked the Fifers up and they started the second half with much more verve. Indeed, their fans thought they had forged ahead on 49 minutes with a Casalinuovo spin and shot but the ball ran into the side netting.

Dundee substitute Mark Fotheringham coaxed a save out of goalkeeper David McGurn with 16 minutes left but neither team could find a winning goal.