Rangers saw their title hopes fade further after a goalless draw with Dunfermline at East End Park.

Despite good chances falling to Jorg Albertz and Kenny Miller, the Ibrox side could not break down a stubborn Pars defence.

The home side also came close on a number of occasions and Rangers goalkeeper Stefan Klos, returning from injury, made an impact when he blocked late efforts from Youssef Rossi and Scott Thomson.

But travelling supporters had to wait a while to see the German keeper in action because a power failure in the main stand meant kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes.

When the game eventually began Dunfermline instantly pushed forward and a one-two between Lee Bullen and Stevie Crawford on four minutes looked promising but Scott Wilson cleared the danger.

Barry Ferguson had a decent chance for Rangers after seven minutes but a vigilant Dunfermline defence ensured his header was cleared.

Ronald de Boer released Arthur Numan down the left after 12 minutes but the Dutchman's cross failed to connect with Miller who was waiting in the box.

After 18 minutes Dunfermline defender Rossi became the first player to be cautioned for a harsh tackle on Miller.

A few minutes later Lorenzo Amoruso sent a long ball to the young striker on the edge of the 18-yard box but goalkeeper Marco Ruitenbeek beat Miller to the ball.

After 26 minutes Albertz fired a trademark free-kick from 25 yards and was denied only by a superb save by Ruitenbeek.

Rangers were enjoying most of the possession but were finding it difficult to break down a stubborn Dunfermline defence.

It was the home side who looked like scoring five minutes before the break when Chris McGroarty broke clear but he was pulled down by Tony Vidmar, who was booked for the foul.

Seven minutes after the restart Rangers had a good chance to open the scoring.

Albertz found Miller who exchanged a neat one-two with Michael Mols before bursting into the six-yard box but the Ibrox striker fumbled over the ball and the danger was cleared for a corner.

On 55 minutes Ferguson produced a rare shot on target when he smashed an effort at goal from 25 yards only for Ruitenbeek to push the ball past the post.

Ten minutes later Albertz had another go from outside the 18-yard box but he was off target.

Two minutes later de Boer should have grabbed the opener when he pounced on a long cross from Amoruso but fired straight at the keeper.

Rossi had the chance to put Dunfermline ahead with 15 minutes to go.

The Moroccan's free-kick sliced through the Rangers defence only to be blocked by Klos.

With just 10 minutes to go Dunfermline had a great chance to take the three points.

Crawford released David Moss who had only the goalkeeper to beat but sent the ball wide.

The Dunfermline goalkeeper produced a great save to deny Albertz four minutes later when the German struck a powerful shot towards goal.

A couple of minutes later it was Klos who came to Rangers' rescue when he dived to block a Scott Thomson shot.

Miller became the third player to be booked when he picked up a yellow card in injury time.