Dundee Utd 3
Dunfermline 2
League (SPL)

Match Report

In the first minute O’Connor made a raid down the left wing but was well tackled and the danger was cleared. In six minutes McConalogue crossed from the right and it broke to youngster Sean O'Connor in the box who rammed the ball home from six yards to give United the lead for the first time in a league match this season. In 25 minutes goal scorer O’Connor had to be stretchered-off and was immediately replaced by Heaney. A minute later Naveda won a free kick when Rossi fouled him 20 yards from goal. Miller blasted it goalwards but it was well held by Ruitenbeek. Miller then tried his luck from distance but his effort went well wide. The home support erupted in 44 minutes as United went 2-0 up. Heaney beat his man on the left and crossed for Craig Easton to head home. In the 45th minute Dunfermline were reduced in number as Rossi picked up his second yellow card of the match for yet another challenge on Naveda.

United resisted any temptations to tinker with the line-up at the interval and continued with their 4-3-3 formation. In 52 minutes Dunfermline’s McGroarty was yellow carded for upending McConalogue in the middle of the park. The visitors had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in 54 minutes but Skinner hooked his shot wide of the goal. In 60 minutes Easton was sent off for a second bookable offence. A minute later Lee Bullen pulled a goal back for the Pars scoring from close in. In 62 minutes Miller’s turn and shot was well saved. The same player was also booked for his part in a melee on the ground with several Dunfermline players. Disaster struck for United in 65 minutes as David Moss headed home a corner from the left to make the score 2-2. In 88 minutes United went 3-2 up in dramatic fashion. A Fullarton corner was punched away by Moss and the Dunfermline player was sent off for his second yellow card of the match. United were awarded a penalty and Charlie Miller converted to send the home support into raptures of delight. It was backs to the wall stuff for United in the remaining minutes but the held on for a much needed victory.