U20s v Kilmarnock

U20s kick off their league campaign with a home win

MATCH PICTURES
The Under 20s kicked off their league campaign with a 3-1 win at home to Kilmarnock.  With the fixtures being announced at short notice this fixture was originally scheduled for Rugby Park but was switched by mutual agreement.

New signing Craig DARGO was fielded as the Pars over age player and made a quick impact scoring in 12th minute.  The Pars had three corners and the visitors had sent a good chance wide before Dunfermline went ahead.  The goal came about after impressive play from Shaun Byrne on the left and his cut back was despatched by the striker to make it 1-0.

Dargo had another couple of attempts and there were numerous corners but the Fifers took until the final minute of the half before they deservedly increased their lead. A long ball from Kerr Young picked out Dargo and his cross was stuck away in the bottom left by Paul WILLIS.

Half Time: Dunfermline 2 KIlmarnock 0

The second half started brightly for the Pars but Killie might might have done better in 53 minutes but shot wide. Then after a short taken rare Kilmarnock corner, Byrne broke and crossed for Alex Whittle. Whittle, Dargo, Kane and Byrne all got involved but won only another corner. Kerr Young headed this one wide when the delivery came in.

Kilmarnock were coming more into the game and got their reward in 67 minutes with a Craig SLATER goal that was teed up by sub Mark Thomson.  Five minutes later Dunfermline restored their two goal cushion when Willis and Dargo combined for Willis to shoot but keeper Anssi Jaakkola saved only to see Allan SMITH net the rebound.

Ryan Goodfellow saved from David McNeil when through on the keeper. This was one of the keeper`s few saves of the night and the game ended with further Fifers pressure.  Smith and Willis put in shots but overall it was a good showing from the Pars who emerged worthy winners.

Coach John Potter was pleased with the positive play from his team. "Kilmarnock came strongly into it in the second half and got a goal. They were on top but our defenders stuck to their task and saw it through. Kilmarnock were a threat at all times.The third goal gave us a wee lift and we could have won by one ot two more after that."

Stand outs for Potts were the players who dropped down to help the younger team members - "Chris Kane, Shaun Byrne and Paul Willis were excellent."