Dundee Utd 0
Dunfermline 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Manager, Jim McLean elected to use Darren Jackson and Duncan Ferguson as the two strikers. With Dave Bowman suspended, Alex Cleland came into the side in midfield and Andy McLaren held his place in the side after coming on as a second half substitute against Celtic the previous week. Victor Ferreyra and Ray McKinnon, who came off during last week's game, were both on the bench, whilst Dave Narey, recovered from his chest infection, was a straight replacement for Brian Welsh. Although Dunfermline were entrenched at the foot of the table we knew beforehand this would not be an easy match. The Fifers, after all, had only conceded 5 goals in their 6 previous outings. A patient build up would be required to try and prise open the Pars defence and in the early stages that approach was certainly in evidence.

The first scoring opportunity came in the 8th minute when Dave Narey fired in a twenty yarder, but it was straight at Rhodes. Dunfermline's play defied their lowly league position and they really ought to have gone ahead in the 12th minute. Former tangerine favourite, Hamish French, ran on to a through ball in the box and nicked the ball past Guide van de Kamp wide on the right, only to loft the ball over the empty net with no less than two Pars forwards waiting in the middle! We were making little headway playing into a stiff breeze until John Clark hit a free kick which was deflected just past. Then a great solo run by Andy McLaren following an intelligent throw out by Guido van de Kamp set up a great chance, but there was no taker when Andy crossed into the middle. Guide Van de Kamp held a Cunnington shot as Dunfermline continued to counter-attack. On the stroke of half-time Freddy van der Hoorn hit a blistering shot which rebounded from Rhodes chest, such was the velocity of his drive.

Tragedy struck five minutes into the second period. Billy McKinlay dummied the ball and Cunnington accidentally caught him and the crack which echoed round the ground left few in doubt that the United midfielder had broken his leg. Victor Ferreyra was Billy's replacement and he went into attack whilst Darren Jackson stepped back into midfield as we set about trying to breakdown the Pars stubborn and resolute defence. Freddy van der Hoorn saw a low angular shot deflected narrowly past the far post and corner followed comer, but no success. Only two fine one-handed saves by Rhodes kept out a curling Andy McLaren shot and a header from John Clark, but Dunfermline continued to get men behind the ball and frustrate us. When we did find a chink Rhodes once more was a barrier we couldn't breach. With around ten minutes remaining, he palmed an Alex Cleland shot round the post for a corner and even when we did manage to beat him, Rab Shannon was on the line to clear Victor Ferreyra's overhead kick! Consequently, from our stance the match ended in a disappointing goalless draw and was our fourth consecutive share of the spoils.