Dundee started brightly and Curier twice missed the target early on before the Pars suffered a blow when Stephen Glass limped off with a groin strain. Sub Steven Bell replaced in the middle of the park. David O'Brien and Eric Paton tested Gallacher then Dunfermline survived a major scare seven minutes from the break as Dundee came close to ending the deadlock four times in an amazing 10-second spell in front of goal. O'Brien's shot was palmed away by Gallacher straight to Bob Davidson who saw his low drive blocked by Scott Wilson. The ball then fell to Dens defender Craig McKeown whose mis-hit shot struck the face of a post, rebounding to Mark Gilhaney who drove high and wide. Then Woods and Malone clashed after a meaty but fair challenge, although arguably Dundee suffered more from the decision as Dunfermline defended like men possessed from that minute on. Soon after the restart Gilhaney's cross was volleyed goalwards by Malone but Curier contrived to divert the ball away from goal with his head rather than towards it. Bell and Andy Kirk were off target for Dunfermline in rare ventures forward. However, Gallacher was the standout, making yet another fine stop from Davidson's rising effort and wisely opting to push the ball wide to safety in wet conditions. Paton then delivered a perfect cross to pick out the unmarked Curier but the striker headed well wide with the goal gaping. The Pars survived one final fright when Gallacher spilled a Malone free-kick but his defenders came to his rescue with a series of blocks that epitomised the spirit they had shown all afternoon. Thats the best we have played for a while, and I liked the look of McKeown who looked to be a very good defender. Next game is Livingston at Dens next Saturday which will prove to be vital.Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, McKeown, O'Brien (McMenamin 82), Pozniak (Cameron 70), Davidson, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Williams, Cowan, Roy.
Booked: McHale.
Att: 4,259
Ref: E Norris
Booked: McHale.
Att: 4,259
Ref: E Norris
