Raith Rovers’ new signing Fraser Mullen was delighted to complete his first competitive match since August in a goalless draw with Morton.
Mullen was signed from Hibs on Friday and slotted straight into the right-back position to provide cover for suspended Raith skipper Jason Thomson.
And the 20-year-old produced a solid performance to help Rovers earn their first clean sheet in the league since October 29.
Mullen said: “I started to tire towards the end, but it was good to get back. I haven’t played a first-team game since August, and have only played two or three under-20 games since then, so it’s been a long time.
“It’s been a frustrating few months not being involved because once you get that taste of first-team football you just want to keep playing.
“The gaffer has offered me that chance at Raith and I’m thankful to him for that. It’s a good opportunity for me and I’m looking to do well when I play.”
Rovers welcomed Grant Anderson back into the starting line-up after injury as manager Grant Murray changed tactics to play five in midfield.
Morton, who had lost their previous eight competitive fixtures, handed a debut to former Scotland striker Gary O’Connor, but it was another new face at Cappielow who almost opened the scoring in the 14th minute.
A mix-up in the Raith defence presented ex-Dundee United midfielder David Robertson with time to pick his spot from close range, but Ross Laidlaw made a fantastic block.
Raith almost got the opener four minutes later as Calum Elliot drove the ball across goal but Dougie Hill was unable to connect.
Ross Callachan saw an effort ruled out for offside, while O’Connor suffered the same fate at the other end, as the game switched from end-to-end.
Rovers best chance of the match arrived in the 40th minute as Anderson’s cross was met by the head of Elliot six yards out, but Morton keeper Nicolas Caraux showed great reflexes to tip the effort over the bar.
Morton dominated in the second half as Rovers got men behind the ball, but it took a superb double save from Laidlaw to preserve the visitors’ clean sheet on the hour mark.
The big keeper parried a powerful effort from Barry McKay and, as Rovers struggled to clear the rebound, Laidlaw made another stunning stop to prevent Dougie Imrie hooking the loose ball home.
Joe Cardle was Rovers’ liveliest attacking player and in the 70th minute he showed great chest control to bring down a Mullen cross, but his shot on the turn flashed inches wide of the post.
Rovers spent most of the second half defending their goal but finished strongly and substitute Lewis Vaughan went close with a shot from the edge of the box that was deflected into the near post side-netting.
Cardle also had the ball in the net in injury time as Rovers broke forward with a three-on-one situation, but to his dismay, he was flagged offside as he swept home Vaughan’s square ball.
Rovers boss Murray was pleased with his team’s defending, although he was disappointed that chances to win were not taken.
“I felt we created a lot of chances, especially in the first half, but sometimes taking a point down here is a good result,” he said.
“We had lost eight goals in our last three games, so it’s a massive plus to keep a clean sheet,” he added.