East Fife 0-0 Peterhead

Peterhead failed to record an 11th consecutive win as they played out a goalless draw with East Fife in their Division Two play-off final first leg.

But it was the side who finished runners-up to Rangers in Division Three who dominated the first half in Methil.

The Fifers came more into the game thereafter to leave the contest tightly poised before they visit Balmoor.

Peterhead goalkeeper Graeme Smith and opposite number Calum Antell were the heroes of the night.

Andy Rodgers, one of the men playing through the pain for injury-hit Peterhead, volleyed wide from the edge of the box in the 17th minute.

Midway through the half, visiting midfielder Bryan Gilfillan volleyed tamely wide from David Cox's cross.

Top scorer Rory McAllister then had two efforts, but East Fife reached the interval unscathed.

Early in the second half, a corner from Craig Johnstone almost caught out Peterhead goalkeeper Smith.

At the other end, Dean Cowie smashed over as the hour approached, but Collin Samuel called Smith into action twice more as East Fife played their part in a more even 45 minutes.

Antell did well to parry a Rodgers shot to safety before Paul Willis and McAllister spurned headed opportunities from corners for their respective sides in the closing stages.

The Fifers, who were ninth in Division Two, struggled to overcome Berwick Rangers, who were fourth in the bottom tier, before winning their semi-final in extra-time.

However, they will take heart ahead of Sunday's second leg from their 2-1 win at Peterhead in the Challenge Cup back in July.

And the draw in Methil stretched their unbeaten run to six games against the Blue Toon.

East Fife: Antell, Durie, Campbell, White, Johnstone, Muir, Willis, Darren Smith, Robert Barr (Gormley 77), McBride, Wardlaw (Samuel 48). Subs Not Used: Michael Brown, Paul McManus, Sloan.

Booked: McBride, Johnstone.

Peterhead: Graeme Smith, Sharp, Scott Ross, Ross Smith, Noble, Cox, Cowie, Redman, Gilfillan, McAllister, Rodgers (McCann 83). Subs Not Used: Jarvie, McGlinchey, Fitzgerald.

Booked: Redman, Scott Ross.

Att: 826

Ref: John Beaton