U20s v Hamilton Accies

Clydesdale Bank U20 League; Ross Millen (16) pen.1-0; Dargo (17) 2-0; Devlin (52) 2-1; Dargo (70) 3-1; Drummond (79) 4-1.

MATCH PICTURES
It was a younger less experienced Pars team that faced Hamilton on Monday night with only John Potter, Craig Dargo, Shaun Byrne, Michal Hrivnak and Alex Whittle of who might be described as first team squad.

The visitors attacked from the start and James Martin turned in a good effort in eight minutes that Michal Hrivnak did really well to hold. Two minutes later a Martin cross from the left was directed on target by Craig Johnston but was deflected over the bar.

From the Pars first threatening move a penalty was won. Alex Whittle got dumped on the left side of the penalty box and Ross MILLEN stepped up to beat the keeper to his left despite him going the right way.1-0.

Within a minute it was 2-0 after a penetrating run by Ross Drummond that fed DARGO the chance and he stuck the ball home with accuracy.

Hamilton then resumed their control of the match and the Pars defence had to work hard to keep them out. Michael Devlin had an attempt deflected wide for a corner on the right on 25 minutes before Millen was concussed in putting the ball behind.  Kerr Young came on in his place and the visitors continued to press the Pars goal but with no result.

Half Time: Dunfermline 2 Hamilton Accies 0

Johnston forced Hrivnak into a fine save on 51 minutes but one minute later Hamilton scored from a Devlin shot that went in off the foot of the right goalpost. 2-1

Johnston sent a 61st minute effort low but wide right. Dunfermline made few sorties into the Hamlton box but Young was forward to send a neat ball in front of goal for Dargo to shoot but that was blocked. Sub Scott Gray and then Ross Drummond supplied crosses that raised hopes and Finn Graham popped a shot that edged just wide.

The momentum was maintained and the Pars increased their lead in 70 minutes. Byrne did well to beat his man in midfield and he broke to then pick out DARGO to his left and the striker slotted it past Jordan Allan for 3-1.

There was yet another stinging shot from Johnston that Hrivnak stopped and then gathered. Dunfermline were defending really well and scored another when Finn Graham broke down the right and delivered a perfect ball for DRUMMOND to stab home from six yards.

Hamilton tested the Pars defences again but the game ended with Dunfermline attacking.  Byrne breaking away down the right to play a one two off Dargo inside him and then set up Gray but he was fouled and the last free kick was sent straight to the keeper.  A good result for the Fifers, the scoreline possibly flattered and Hamilton will go home wondering how they managed to lose by such a margin in a game in which they had periods in which they had plenty of possession and control.