U19s v Ballyclare Comrades

Saturday, 28th Jul 2007

Goals from Willis and Hunter give Pars win over Ballyclare in Derry and clinches third place in Foyle Shield.

DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC 2
BALLYCLARE COMRADES 0

Victory in final match placed the  Pars third in Foyle Cup Shield. Their Northern Ireland opponents played the first half down the slope and with a strengthening wind behind them but despite that rarely troubled Pars keeper Craig Bauld in the first half.  Their best chance coming midway through the 35 minute half when a long range effort hit the bar and went over.

The young Dunfermline side had several good chances in the first half.  A cross from Paul Willis`s 12th minute run down the right created an opportunity for Ryan Thomson at the near post but the goalie, who was to be greatly involved, saved it.

Willis and Thomson again caused problems for the Comrades when at the near post the latter got a header on a free kick but the keeper blocked.  Enjoying most of the play the Fifers hit the crossbar in 28 minutes with Derek Howie`s left footed effort from the edge of the box.

Four minutes from the turn around Thomson dispossessed a defender on half way and sprinted in on goal.  Under pressure from a defender tracking him back his shot was saved by the advancing keeper.

The second half began really well with more Dunfermline chances.  Ryan Thomson forced a double save out of the keeper as his attempt was saved and spun up. The final touch from striker`s head grazed the post. Wilis shot narrowly wide and Kris Maxwell hit thre post at a Scott McBride corner.

It was no surprise, and almost a relief, when the Pars did eventually find the net in 47 minutes. A McBride shot from the left was parried by the keeper and Paul WILLIS netted from close in.

Ballyclare made it difficult for themselves having a man sent off when a bad tackle on Mxwell resulted in a melee and the Irish centre half was shown red. A 62nd minute goal from substitute Jason HUNTER came from a Thomson pass and a fine finish, looping the ball over the keeper`s head into the far corner.

After the final match of their four day programme that saw them win two and lose two, Coach Hamish French reflected:-

 "We have not had the results that we had hoped for, we should easily have been playing for the Cup.  It has been good experience and great for the young players to integrate with the second year boys.  It was important that they should get to know one another because that is going to be the make up of our Under 19 team this season."

BALLYCLARE COMRADES:
SUBS NOT USED:

DUNFERMLINE: Craig Bauld; Garry Leighton, John McCulloch (Stuart Dearden 55), Steven Lynch, Sandy Nairn; Paul Willis, Derek Howie (John Paul McLellan 64), Gary McLachlan, Scott McBride; Kris Maxwell (Jason Hunter 60), Ryan Thomson
SUBS NOT USED: Scott Weddel, Greg Paterson (GK)
SCORERS: Willis (47), Hunter (62)

REFEREE:
WEATHER:
ATTENDANCE

NEXT MATCH: Monday 30th July 7.00pm kick off in Fife U19 Cup v Burntisland Shipyard at Peffermill, Edinburgh

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