Dunfermline gained a point away to Inverness but fell further behind in the race to avoid relegation from the Scottish Premier League.

Pars goalkeeper Chris Smith saved well from Steve Williams as Caley Thistle edged a disappointing first half.

Kyle Hutton and Martin Hardie both fired straight at Inverness goalkeeper Ryan Esson as chances came and went.

But neither side could break the deadlock as the Pars fell five points behind second-bottom Hibernian.

Hibs' 2-1 win away to Aberdeen means the Pars must now beat the Edinburgh side at Easter Road on Monday to keep alive their hopes of avoiding the drop.

Full-backs Austin McCann and Jordan McMillan returned from illness and injury respectively for Dunfermline, but it was at the expense of influential illness-hit Hardie, who dropped to the bench along with Paddy Boyle.

Inverness were without influential Jonny Hayes through suspension, with Nick Ross and Kenny Gillet coming in for the winer and Owain Tudur Jones.

But the home side still had trickery out wide from Aaron Doran, whose fine run and ball across the goalmouth was inches away from finding the toe of Billy McKay.

David Graham fired straight at Esson from 25 yards.

However, Smith was the busier goalkeeper and his diving save prevented a Williams header finding the net from a Doran corner before holding a McKay drive from 20 yards.

Inverness claims for a penalty were denied when Doran went down under McCann's challenge just inside the box after the left-back had misjudged a long ball.

Dunfermline worked their way into the game without producing the urgency required from a side sitting bottom of the table with only three games remaining.

Hutton had the visitors' best chance of the half, but the on-loan Rangers midfielder volleyed straight at Esson from 12 yards.

A McMillan cross skimmed off the head of Gillet and just over his own crossbar, but Caley Thistle had the last chance of the first half, with Smith holding a long-range effort from Ross.

The home side had the first chance of the second half when Graeme Shinnie mis-hit in front of goal.

Shinnie missed another chance after Caley Thistle caught the Pars on the break but sent his drive just wide.

Doran sent an effort wide after a bit of pinball inside the Dunfermline penalty box.

The Pars were struggling to create chances until an Alex Keddie header landed on the roof of the net from a Joe Cardle free-kick after 75 minutes.

Hardie's introduction as a substitute had given Dunfermline some extra momentum, but the midfielder squandered the best chance of the match when he fired straight at Esson.

Lineup, Bookings (3) & Substitutions (6)

Inverness CT

  • 01 Esson
  • 03 Tokely
  • 19 Shinnie (Shinnie - 70' )
  • 22 Gillet
  • 24 Williams
  • 26 Meekings
  • 08 Tansey
  • 11 Ross (Sutherland - 70' )
  • 09 Foran Booked
  • 21 McKay (Tade - 88' )
  • 23 Doran

Substitutes

  • 12 Tuffey
  • 16 Golobart
  • 02 Piermayr
  • 04 Tudur-Jones
  • 10 Shinnie
  • 15 Tade
  • 18 Sutherland

Dunfermline

  • 20 Smith
  • 03 McCann
  • 06 Keddie Booked
  • 15 Dowie
  • 26 McMillan Booked
  • 02 Kerr
  • 04 Mason (Hardie - 66' )
  • 07 Cardle
  • 24 Hutton
  • 10 Kirk (Barrowman - 84' )
  • 11 Graham (Buchanan - 84' )

Substitutes

  • 27 Fernandez
  • 13 Boyle
  • 08 Hardie
  • 22 Willis
  • 23 Thomson
  • 09 Barrowman
  • 19 Buchanan
Ref: O'Reilly
Att: 3,036

Match Stats

Shots

10 5

On target

5 3

Corners

4 4

Fouls

16 16

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:12 Full time

Full Time The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.

90:00 +2:57

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

90:00 +2:40

Defending throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

90:00 +2:09

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Andrew Shinnie (Inverness CT) to short, resulting in open play.

90:00 +1:34

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

90:00 +0:40

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

90:00 +0:36

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

89:17

Foul by Andrew Barrowman (Dunfermline) on Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) from left channel, passed. Shot by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

88:47

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

87:18

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline). Attacking throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

87:18 Substitution

Substitution Inverness CT substitution: Billy McKay replaced by Gregory Tade (tactical).

87:13

Shot by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar.

86:17

Defending throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

85:35

Attacking throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

84:50

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

83:34 Substitution

Substitution Dunfermline substitution: David Graham replaced by Liam Buchanan (tactical).

83:34 Substitution

Substitution Dunfermline substitution: Andy Kirk replaced by Andrew Barrowman (tactical).

83:20

Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

82:18

Foul by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) on Martin Hardie (Dunfermline). Free kick taken right-footed by Martin Hardie (Dunfermline) from left channel (30 yards), over the bar.

81:49

Foul by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) on Austin McCann (Dunfermline). Free kick taken left-footed by Chris Smith (Dunfermline) from own half, resulting in open play.

81:22

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

81:12

Shot by Andrew Shinnie (Inverness CT) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed right.

80:59

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

80:36

Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

79:55

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) to centre, resulting in ball out of play.

79:12

Shot by Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

78:33

Foul by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT) on Andy Dowie (Dunfermline). Free kick taken left-footed by Chris Smith (Dunfermline) from own half, resulting in open play.

78:15

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

77:09

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

76:52

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

76:20

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

75:18

Foul by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) on Martin Hardie (Dunfermline). Free kick taken right-footed by Mark Kerr (Dunfermline) from right channel, resulting in open play.

75:03

Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

73:47

Foul by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) on Austin McCann (Dunfermline). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) from left wing, header by Andy Dowie (Dunfermline) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), over the bar.

73:47 Booking

Booking Richie Foran (Inverness CT) booked for unsporting behaviour.

72:59

Foul by Alex Keddie (Dunfermline) on Billy McKay (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT) from right wing, resulting in open play.

72:26 Booking

Booking Alex Keddie (Dunfermline) booked for unsporting behaviour.

72:11

Defending throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

71:30

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

71:15

Defending throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

69:50 Substitution

Substitution Inverness CT substitution: Graeme Shinnie replaced by Andrew Shinnie (tactical).

69:50 Substitution

Substitution Inverness CT substitution: Nick Ross replaced by Shane Sutherland (tactical).

69:30

Foul by Martin Hardie (Dunfermline) on Greg Tansey (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

69:15

Defending throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

68:22

Attacking throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

67:20

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

66:52

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) to far post, resulting in open play.

66:46

Attacking throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

65:56 Substitution

Substitution Dunfermline substitution: Gary Mason replaced by Martin Hardie (tactical).

65:47

Foul by Gary Mason (Dunfermline) on Nick Ross (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT) from right channel, resulting in open play.

65:09

Foul by Austin McCann (Dunfermline) on Aaron Doran (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

63:48

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

63:48 Booking

Booking Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline) booked for unsporting behaviour.

63:40

Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT) caught offside. Free kick taken left-footed by Chris Smith (Dunfermline) from own half, resulting in open play.

62:58

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

62:29

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline). Defending throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

60:23

Foul by David Graham (Dunfermline) on Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) from left wing, resulting in open play.

59:50

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

59:25

Defending throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

58:48

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

58:09

Defending throw-in by Alex Keddie (Dunfermline).

57:42

Defending throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

57:19

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

56:39

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

56:24

Shot by Nick Ross (Inverness CT) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.

55:19

Foul by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT) on David Graham (Dunfermline). Free kick crossed right-footed by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) from right wing, clearance by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

55:02

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

54:33

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

53:54

Foul by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) on David Graham (Dunfermline). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Dowie (Dunfermline) from own half, passed.

53:19

Attacking throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

52:39

Foul by Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline) on Greg Tansey (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Ross Tokely (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

52:28

Defending throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

52:03

Defending throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

51:08

Foul by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) on Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline). Free kick crossed right-footed by Gary Mason (Dunfermline) from right channel, save (caught) by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

50:40

Foul by Ross Tokely (Inverness CT) on Andy Kirk (Dunfermline). Free kick taken right-footed by Austin McCann (Dunfermline) from own half, resulting in open play.

50:17

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

49:49

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

49:12

Foul by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline) on Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

48:55

Attacking throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

48:36

Shot by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

47:24

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

46:46

Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

46:19

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

45:40

Attacking throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

45:17

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

45:01

The match restarts for the second half.

45:00 +0:03 Half time

Half Time It is the end of the first-half.

44:42

Defending throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

44:21

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

43:35

Foul by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) on Ross Tokely (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Ross Tokely (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

42:41

Defending throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

41:38

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) to centre, clearance by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

40:52

Defending throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

40:00

Defending throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

39:01

Foul by Nick Ross (Inverness CT) on Mark Kerr (Dunfermline). Free kick taken left-footed by Austin McCann (Dunfermline) from right channel, resulting in open play.

38:38

Defending throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

37:26

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) to centre, clearance by Steve Williams (Inverness CT). Foul by Andy Kirk (Dunfermline) on Aaron Doran (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

36:22

Foul by Nick Ross (Inverness CT) on Mark Kerr (Dunfermline). Free kick crossed right-footed by Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline) from left channel, blocked by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT).

35:34

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

34:19

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

34:08

Shot by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed right.

33:41

Foul by Mark Kerr (Dunfermline) on Greg Tansey (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) from left channel, resulting in open play.

33:18

Shot by Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

32:48

Billy McKay (Inverness CT) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Dowie (Dunfermline) from own half, resulting in open play.

32:05

Attacking throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

31:44

Attacking throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

31:22

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

30:54

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

30:27

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

29:35

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

29:18

Attacking throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

28:52

Attacking throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

28:10

Attacking throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

27:55

Attacking throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

27:45

Defending throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

27:01

Shot by Nick Ross (Inverness CT) left-footed from left channel (30 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

26:39

Defending throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

26:09

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

25:49

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

24:37

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline). Foul by Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline) on Richie Foran (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

24:13

Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

22:52

Andy Kirk (Dunfermline) caught offside. Free kick taken left-footed by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

21:57

Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

20:45

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

19:28

Foul by Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline) on Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

18:48

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

17:50

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

17:27

Defending throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

16:35

Foul by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline) on Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT) from left channel, resulting in open play.

15:51

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

15:21

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

14:46

Foul by Billy McKay (Inverness CT) on Andy Dowie (Dunfermline). Free kick taken left-footed by Chris Smith (Dunfermline) from own half, resulting in open play.

14:23

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

13:41

Defending throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

13:11

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) to centre, clearance by Ross Tokely (Inverness CT).

12:59

Attacking throw-in by Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline).

12:31

Attacking throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

12:07

Billy McKay (Inverness CT) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Dowie (Dunfermline) from own half, resulting in open play.

11:17

Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

10:51

Shot by Billy McKay (Inverness CT) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

9:58

Foul by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT) on Mark Kerr (Dunfermline). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) from right wing, resulting in open play.

9:19

Foul by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) on Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline). Free kick taken left-footed by Alex Keddie (Dunfermline) from own half, resulting in open play.

8:43

Defending throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

8:28

Defending throw-in by Austin McCann (Dunfermline).

7:26

Foul by Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline) on Richie Foran (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) from left wing, resulting in open play.

6:52

Foul by Andy Kirk (Dunfermline) on Ross Tokely (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.

5:54

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) to centre, header by Steve Williams (Inverness CT) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

5:17

Shot by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) right-footed from right channel (30 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).

4:28

Foul by Billy McKay (Inverness CT) on Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) from right wing, resulting in open play.

3:59

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Joe Cardle (Dunfermline) to centre, clearance by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

3:15

Foul by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) on Mark Kerr (Dunfermline). Free kick crossed right-footed by Kyle Hutton (Dunfermline) from right channel, clearance by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

2:50

Goal kick taken long by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

1:57

Shot by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Chris Smith (Dunfermline).

1:04

Attacking throw-in by Kenny Gillet (Inverness CT).

0:21

Defending throw-in by Josh Meekings (Inverness CT).

0:00

The referee starts the match.

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