Reserves v Kilmarnock

Jim Hamilton makes scoring return

DUNFERMLINE 2 KILMARNOCK 2

There were welcome returns to competitive action for Darren Young and Jim Hamilton as Dunfermline fielded an unusually strong team against Kilmarnock on Tuesday afternoon.  Scott Thomson also played a full 90 minutes indicating that Manager Stephen Kenny is going to have plenty of selection options for the important matches ahead of him this season.

The first incident of note was a free kick for the home side in nine minutes.  Having won it, Owen Morrison took responsibility for it sending his effort from 22 yards into the arms of Killie keeper Alan Combe. Next Calum Woods had a strong run in on goal but a defender eventually stopped him.

Somewhat against the run of play, Kilmarnock took the lead in 21 minutes when Iain FLANNIGAN dispossed his opponent deep inside his own half to break and drive at goal.  His shot from the edge of the box produced a really good finish into the top corner.

Young`s header six minutes later from a Morrison return at a corner on the right was unlucky to sneak over the crossbar. But Dunfermline got an equaliser on the half hour when more good work from Morrison led to a cross that found Bobby RYAN on the corner of the six yard box and the Irishman netted.

Stephen Glass was unlucky two minutes later when Alan Combe expected a cross from a free kick on the right side.  Instead the on loan Hibee went for the near post and the keeper had to be relieved to see the ball fly narrowly over the bar.

Eight minutes from the break the Pars again lost possession while attacking and a good long ball from Killie picked out Paul Di Giacomo who under pressure squared for Rocco QUINN to score at the back post.  There was controversy just before the interval when Combe was pressurised by Burchill at a pass back and attempted to dribble around the Pars striker only to then pick the ball up. He claimed that it came off Burchy!

The second half was all Dunfermline with plenty of chances but only one taken. Iain Williamson, who had come on at half time in place of Glass forced a fine reflex save out of Combe with virtually his first involvement and then next minute Williamson received the ball from Daquin through Hamilton to despatch at the keeper from 18 yards.

Burchill and Hamilton both troubled Combe after that and Ryan came extremely close from 45 yards when Combe was caught away from his goal.  The equaliser took until the 81st minute to come and then it was Freddie Daquin pushed up in place of Burchill who created the opening. Freddie beat the full back to get to the byeline on the left and he looked like releasing the ball for Nick Phinn to shoot but chose to himself.  The shot was cleared but gave Jim HAMILTON the easiest of finishes.

Dunfermline could have won it at the end from a well struck free kick but Woods attempt ended up with Combe.