Raith Rovers’ winning run came to an end with a goalless Championship draw at Alloa, but full-back Rory McKeown was delighted with another clean sheet.
McKeown made some important clearances as Rovers withstood second half pressure to claim a hard fought point and a third shut-out in four games.
Raith’s defensive record has improved considerably since Christmas, and 21-year-old McKeown admitted that his own performances have picked up.
“I made a few mistakes at the start of the season I’ve looked at a few DVDs and held my hands up,” he said.
“But thankfully I’ve made a few important clearances lately. Hopefully I can keep getting myself in those areas and we get a few more clean sheet bonuses!
“It’s nice having Dougie (Hill) back, who is talking to you all the time, and it helps having a goalkeeper like Dave McGurn behind us.
“We were under a fair bit of pressure but the back four were quite strong again.
“Preferably we would have converted one of our half-chances but it wasn’t to be.
“We’ll take a point here and that’s 10 from 12 so we’re happy enough.”
Raith struggled to find the form that saw them win their previous three games, while Barry Smith’s side’s lack of cutting edge when on top ensured their winless run extended to nine games.
Chances were few and far between in a scrappy first half.
Raith’s best effort arrived after just six minutes as Ross Callachan’s powerful 25-yard strike had Alloa keeper Craig McDowall worried, but he managed to hold on to the ball at the second attempt.
The home side created the best chance of the first half as Liam Buchanan beat the offside trap but his shot went wide.
Rovers got themselves into a great position in the final minute of the half as they out-numbered the home side on the counter attack, but a reluctance to shoot ensured that neither Mark Stewart, Martin Scott or Calum Elliot who had an embarrassing fresh-air swipe were able to convert the chance.
Alloa took control of the game after the break, and on 53 minutes Daryll Meggat went close with a 30-yard effort that had McGurn scrambling as it flew past the post.
Michael Doyle then burst into space down the right wing before letting fly with a powerful strike that McGurn parried, before McKeown headed clear.
Raith responded by putting Christian Nade on for Elliot in the 63rd minute and within 90 seconds the Frenchman almost broke the deadlock as he got a toe to Paul Watson’s knockdown to beat the keeper, but Stephen Simmons was on the line to clear.
On 74 minutes, a block from McKeown at the back post denied Buchanan a certain goal, while the Raith left-back was also well placed to clear a Kyle Benedictus header off the line with five minutes left.
Raith boss Grant Murray said: “I’m disappointed in the end result but we’ve not lost a goal and we’ve not lost the game so there’s plus points.”