Dundee Utd 2
Dunfermline 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

United extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches thanks to Kjell Olofsson's last minute goal. Gary McSwegan for Kjell Olofsson was the only change in the United line-up which had started the Scottish Cup replay with Hearts.

With the swirling wind at their backs, the tangerines almost scored in the very first minute. Gary McSwegan fed a pass down the centre which Robbie Winters ran on to and with only Westwater to beat he shot past the near post. With the advantage of the elements, the Tangerines were well on top.

Westwater did well to fingertip over a sharp first time volley from Erik Pedersen after the ball fell to the Norwegian just outside the box midway through the half. The Pars keeper again came to his sides rescue blocking Robbie Winters' shot on the turn twelve minutes from the break. But five minutes later, Westwater was helpless as United went in front. Andy McLaren's dipping volley speeding into the roof of the net after a Ray McKinnon header was cleared to him by Welsh.

If United dominated the opening period, the same can be said of Dunfermline in the second half when United were on the receiving end. Within ten minutes of the re-start Petrie blasted a shot against the bar and Britton chipped inches over. But on the hour mark, Dunfermline did restore parity, Derek Fleming curling in a 30 yard free-kick. Britton again chipped just over with 15 mintues left, but then United exerted their most concentrated spell of second half pressure but without unduly
troubling Westwater.

However, the last minute of the game brought intensive action and the goal which decided the issue. First, Pressley cleared a Hamish French header off the line and United raced to the other end where Kjell Olofsson tucked away a Jamie Dolan cross to secure three points which extended our lead over Hearts back in fourth place to eight very valuable points.