Dumbarton v East Fife, 12th December 2009
League Division Two, Strathclyde Homes Stadium
Dumbarton 0 East Fife 3
Match Report: Alan Henderson
Photos: Jim Corstorphine
A PRE-CHRISTMAS CRACKER
What a difference a week makes! This was a thoroughly professional performance; the Fifers sweeping the Sons aside for a vital three points. The team was transformed from the rather nervy individuals of recent weeks to a strong unit that were happy to play a passing game, and content to create openings before pushing forward. Whilst the return of some experience to the side helped, all fourteen who donned the shirts played their full part.
On a very cold and foggy afternoon, the Fifers lined up in a solid 4-4-2 formation. There was an early flurry as Dumbarton gained two quick corners; the Fifers responding with a Muir header over from a Linn corner. Things then settled into an open passing game by both sides on the big pitch; with Murray causing problems down the left. Brown saved low from Chaplain; then could only watch as a great effort from Geggan slammed against the post, and bounced clear.
The Fifers were looking dangerous themselves, and opened the scoring on 37 minutes. Crawford advanced towards the box; played a delightful forward ball wide to Young; who swept it goalwards for McManus to fire home from close range - perhaps a typical goal by Paul, but very welcome nonetheless. The Fifers finished the half well on top - a 20-pass move ending with a Watson shot blocked; then Muir again headed over, this time from an Ovenstone cross.
Paul McManus fires home the opening goal
The good football by the Fifers continued into the second half - Muir having his effort blocked for a corner after a sweeping move up the right on 53 minutes; then came goal number two - and what a cracker! From the resultant corner, the ball bobbled in the box for Smart to somehow smash a spectacular overhead kick into the top corner. If the first goal was typical; the second was undoubtedly unique!
Dumbarton then placed the Fifers under some pressure as they attemped to get back into the game, although the visiting defence coped well. The Fifers survived that flurry, and resumed a passing formula that allowed them to control the pace of the game, and make dangerous breaks. McManus, Young and McCunnie all had chances; with a Crawford scorcher on 75 minutes that Vojacek punched clear being the pick. Muir then broke clear, for a last-gasp tackle to deny him the killer goal.
Into the last few minutes, and the Sons had their final fling, when sub McLaughlin lashed the ball well wide from 12 yards. As the 90th minute approached, another Fife attack finished things off nicely. A good move up the right by Crawford; he released Watson to race along the bye-line; and a cutback to Muir, who fired home from five yards.
Dave Muir gives thanks for a heaven-sent opportunity to net number three!
A team huddle at the final whistle showed the togetherness and determination that had delivered the best sustained performance of the season.
Dumbarton: Vojacek, O'Donohue, Smith, Dunlop, Gordon, McStay [McLaughlin 56], Chisholm, Chaplain, Hunter, Geggan [Craig 62], Murray. Subs not used: Clark, McNiff, White.
East Fife: Brown, Watson, Ovenstone, S Campbell, Smart, McCunnie, Crawford, Muir, McManus [Sludden 87], Young [Fagan 76], Linn [cargill 84]. Subs not used: Kerr, Stobie.
Referee: G Salmond
