I said beforehand I'd take a draw, however we were on top for most of the game and should have won. The passing was a joy to behold, chances were created but not taken and, worst of all, we missed a penalty. Dunfermline came more into things in the second half but if they had somehow managed to win it would have been a travesty. Even the fact they got a point is a bit of a robbery.
Saints went with the same side that destroyed Morton in last week's Renfrewshire Cup Final. That meant debuts for Steven Thompson, Gary Teale, Nigel Hasselbaink and Jeroen Tesselaar, with Graeme Smith missing out due to injury. Dunfermline fielded former Saints Gary mason, John Potter and Paul Gallacher - some of whom would play a key role in proceedings.
David Graham lashed an early effort wide for Dunfermline but after that we were well in control. There was some superb passing from the likes of Jim Goodwin, Teale and Paul McGowan and it was the latter who tried his luck first, although he took an extra touch before testing Gallacher with a shot that was beaten away. Thompson headed off target from the corner.
Another corner saw Darren McGregor just fail to get a touch at the back post before Hasselbaink just volleyed a half chance over after good play from Tesselaar. Next time he got it on target, but his weak shot was straight at Gallacher.
Dunfermline finally woke up and Craig Samson did well to tip a Martin Hardie free-kick over the bar. From the corner, Hasselbaink broke and was fouled, drawing a free-kick. When Teale played it in, Potter had his arms all over Thompson and referee Steve O'Reilly pointed for a penalty. Good to see Potter at his best as always - although the booking was rather harsh. More frustrating was the fact Thompson was too casual with his spot kick and Gallacher kept it out to ensure the sides went in level at half time.
Saints had dominated the first half and it seemed unlikely that would continue after the break - but to an extent it did. Teale shot wide from close range before Thompson volleyed over after being surprised the ball reached him. Hasselbaink's pace was causing all sorts of problems and a rugby tackle from Austin McCann unsurprisingly saw him booked.
Dunfermline finally woke up and began threatening - Samson saving well from Andy Barrowman (although the whistle had already gone for a foul) before Hardie sent a free-kick just inches over. At the other end, McGowan again took an extra touch before shooting off target and Hasselbaink brought another decent save from Gallacher. The Dutchman earned himself a booking for a late tackle but almost had the last laugh in stoppage time when he just failed to get a touch on a hopeful punt into the box.
So, a goalless draw against the newly promoted team. It might not seem like much to get excited about, but we were on top for most of the 90 minutes and passed the ball about well. All that was lacking was a finishing touch. Most of the new signings look good - although McGowan and Teale faded as things went on - and there is plenty to be positive about. The only real concern - aside from the missed penalty - is the surprising lack of subs.
Follow Mirren Mad on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mirren-Mad/177833938918587
Follow Mirren Mad on Twitter @mirren_mad or http://www.twitter.com/mirren_mad