DUNFERMLINE salvaged a point after falling behind twice against Airdrie in a scrappy match at East End Park.

The Pars' winless run continued as the home side failed to deliver, with dire defending and pedestrian pace costing them two soft goals.

Both sides got off to a hesitant start, spending the first 10 minutes passing and punting the ball about – though Dunfermline might just have been dazzled by Airdrie's hot flourescent pink kit.

However, on 10 minutes a sudden burst forward by Airdrie saw the visitors gifted an easy goal after Dunfermline's back four failed to clear the danger.

Jamie Bain's cross found James Lister, who coolly slotted into the bottom left of the net despite Ryan Scully stretching to save. Airdrie 1-0.

Sadly, instead of being spurred into action, both teams relapsed into uninspired play, before Gregor Buchanan got Dunfermline's first real look in on 23 minutes, heading Ross Millen's cross over the bar.

Flow was interrupted when Jim Paterson hobbled off, to be replaced by Andy Stirling, but the Pars quickly adapted and then had two good attempts in as many minutes.

Allan Smith took the ball to the right post before tripping after being thwarted by two defenders, and Shaun Byrne then put in a dazzling effort, scrambling to get past his marker only to send it past Andrew McNeil and the post.

Those attempts seemed to fire Dunfermline, and there was a bit more urgency as they tried to press for an equaliser before half-time, and were duly rewarded.

Allan Smith was tripped by Scott Stewart right inside the edge of the box, and Ross Millen stepped up for the spot-kick to make it 1-1 on 33 minutes.

With both teams level, it was all to play for before half-time – but Airdrie gaffer Gary Bollan appeared unhappy with the penalty and was sent to the stands.

It was deja vu as the second half started, from the slow, unimaginative play with the ball punted about aimlessly, down to Airdrie's second goal.

Although Dunfermline were enjoying a good deal more possession, it was all for naught. Airdrie won a corner on 56 minutes, and Liam Watt's cross found Bryan Gilfillan, who headed past the goalmouth gaggle into the back of the net. Airdrie 2-1.

The goal buoyed Airdrie, as Watt and Lister both came close in the next five minutes, only to send their shots wide.

Dunfermline then brought on Ryan Wallace for Allan Smith on 60 minutes, and, in an attempt to boost firepower, also subbed the sub, with Michael Moffat coming on for Stirling 10 minutes later.

It paid off – on 74 minutes, Moffat broke forward to thump it past McNeil to make it 2-2.

The last 15 minutes were probably the most entertaining of the game, with both teams desperately pressing for their third goal.

Despite struggling to string passes together, Dunfermline carved out chances: Andy Barrowman headed wide, Ryan Wallace's shot was saved in the centre, and Lewis Martin shot at McNeil from five yards.

Dunfermline had a last-gasp effort through Moffat, who headed it over the bar just seconds before the final whistle.​