Dundee 0-0 Dunfermilne

Jan 6 2008 Ewan Smith At Dens Park

ALEX RAE looks set to start the new year in more hot water with the SFA after an incredible blast at the ref in the wake of this entertaining draw. The Dundee boss overcame his current six-match touchline ban by listing himself as a sub yesterday.

But he launched into a furious tirade after claiming whistler John McKendrik had vowed to have the last laugh following a half-time bust-up between the pair.

While Rae knows the game's governing body will take a dim view of his comments he plans to call the Park Garden suits himself to report his disgust at the standard of refereeing.

The Dark Blues boss said: "We had another dodgy performance from the ref and it seems to be every week.

"He didn't influence the game but was calling things wrong. He was missing fouls and free-kicks and I was complaining about it.

"But because I'm a sub I'm not allowed to comment - anything to give him an easy life.

"It's every week and beyond belief. It's not just the referee today, I think in general the standard is pretty low.

"At half-time I quite jokingly said: 'I'm player-manager and I'm trying to get my point across in that capacity.' He replied: 'I'll get the last laugh'."

"I don't tolerate that kind of thing. What is that all about? Is it a competition?

"I don't even know who these guys are accountable to. I have yet to see a referee who doesn't get a game the next week.

"It's just as well I've been sitting in the stand suspended recently because if I said what I really feel I'd be sine die."

Rae's comments came after an enthralling clash that was more about goalmouth action than the decisions of officials.

Both teams went for it and despite creating enough chances to share a goalfest neither could find that crucial winning strike.

Dunfermline were first to have a go in five minutes as Mark Burchill raced into the box but his low drive was straight at Craig Samson.

The home side were far from out of things and it took a terrific stop from Paul Gallacher to parry a 15-yard Scott Robertson drive after clever play by Bob Davidson.

After 16 minutes Kevin McDonald saw his 25-yard strike deflect wide as the Dark Blues stepped it up.

With play raging from end to end Samson was the hero for Dundee in 20 minutes with a double stop to deny Burchill before holding Scott Morrison's header.

Within 60 seconds a last ditch tackle from Calum Woods prevented Davidson pulling the trigger.

From the Gavin Swankie corner Milan Palenik flicked on and Derek Lyle headed goalwards but Jamie Harris blocked well.

Dundee had appeals for a penalty waved away after Stevie Crawford seemed to handle before Gallacher saved again from another long-range drive from McDonald minutes later.

The home side had the final chance of the half as Lyle rose above the Pars back line to nod Eddie Malone's delivery off the bar.

The second period was just as gripping with Jim Hamilton shooting wide when clean through in 48 minutes and Gallacher again denying McDonald from long range to ensure a scoreless draw.

The result leaves Dundee three points behind leaders Hamilton with Pars now 17 adrift of the top.

Pars keeper Gallacher said: "I'm pleased to have another clean sheet but disappointed we never won.

"We came here with a gameplan to get three points and it worked to a degree.

"The main positive we can take is that we have extended our unbeaten run and still believe we can claw it back."

MoM: Gallacher (Pars)