U20s v Partick Thistle
Tuesday, 15th Mar 2016SPFL Development League: James Thomas (15) 1-0; James Thomas (55) 2-0; Neil McLaughlin (57) 2-1; James Thomas (80) 3-1; James Thomas (84) 4-1
- - Listen to Coach John Potter give his post match thoughts
DUNFERMLINE 4 PARTICK THISTLE 1
Four first team squad players plus keeper David Hutton were fielded in this home Development League match against Partick Thistle played on the Astro at Spartans, Ainslie Park ground on Tuesday afternoon.
First threat came from a long kick out by Hutton that nearly allowed James Thomas in. Then a fourth minute free kick that had earned Lynch an early yellow card for his tackle on Paul Joseph Crossan midway in Thistle half was headed wide right by Shaun Rooney.
Crossan won a corner on stand side but Conner Duthie struck it too far and it went out for a goal kick. Back at the other end Rooney got his head to a high ball into the Pars box and Thistle were awarded a ninth corner that Shaun Byrne headed away.
In 12 minutes a good ball through from Evan Horne was just too strong for Thomas. Thistle forced a couple of corners in quick succession that ended up with Hutton holding on to an attempt. The Pars were then to go ahead when THOMAS slotted the ball away after a flick on from Duthie. Fifteen minutes gone, 1-0.
A Byrne shot from edge of box next went wide after Thomas robbed defender in area and cut ball back. In 18th minute there was another opportunity for the Pars but after good work Horne's shot was blocked and cleared.
Byrne, Duthie and Crossan combined to create a good chance for Horne and then on 25 minutes Thistle got a chance after a misplaced pass by Rooney, but from 12 yards Dominic Docherty sends ball wide of Hutton goal. David Wilson flashed a cross through the Pars box just in front of Andy McCarthy.
Back at the other end Cammy McClair did the same, his cross evaded everyone too. A McClair pass set up Horne but the keeper gathered his low cross. Pars keeper Hutton then had to hold a 25 yarder from McCarthy.
Edin Lynch denied Thomas after good work by Crossan and the Pars won a corner on stand side but Rooney could not get his head on Duthie's cross. Rooney then cleared away a dangerous ball at the other end. An added time free kick to Dunfermline about 30 yards out was taken by Horne but blocked by the Jags wall.
Half time: Dunfermline 1 Partick Thistle 0
Five minutes into the second half and Thomas had a fine opportunity after good cross in by Crossan, but James was unable to control ball. Next minute Jordan Leyden tried a shot from a tight angle that Hutton saved when a squared ball might have produced better for the visitors.
A Thistle corner followed but that was dealt with by the defence.
In 55 minutes taking advantage of defensive slackness, Horne provided a fine pass through for THOMAS and he slotted the ball low into the left side of the net 2-0
The two goal lead lasted only two minutes, McLaughlin hitting a good effort from the edge of the box to beat Hutton. 2-1
McClair tried a shot from the edge of the box and then it was his good cross that evaded everyone. Williamson was unlucky from ball in from Duthie and in 66 minutes Crossan put in a cross, Williamson headed it back but defence cleared before Thomas could shoot.
As the match entered its final quarter Byrne picked out Crossan but his shot went high over Cullen's goal. Williamson embarked on one of his trademark runs in 73 minutes but James Penrice challenges for the ball. Duthie shot over after Crossan won the ball on the left and sent over an inviting cross.
Thomas hit the right goalpost prior to scoring the Pars third goal in 81 minutes. Wiliamson cut back for Horne to shoot and the ball went in off THOMAS. 3-1
Partick responded with a dangerous cross in from left that was cleared by Martin and then Williamson. The Pars added a fourth six minutes from time. The ball was lofted in from the right and Crossan seemed to dummy ball as it bounced, THOMAS ran behind to slot through net from six yards!
As the 90 minutes ended Leyden was shown yellow for a trip on Byrne midway into the Thistle half. Thomas took the free kick and lobbed it in but neither Rooney or Martin could take advantage. Thomas had one final shot in added time but was blocked.
With David Hutton and Shaun Byrne the only over age players in the squad, this was a great result for the 20s to make it two wins in a week!
SUBS NOT USED: Reece Duncan, Johnny Galloway, Brandon Luke, Scott Sutherland, Cammy Gill (GK)
SCORERS: Thomas (15, 55, 80, 84)
YELLOW CARD: Martin (92)
PARTICK THISTLE: Conor Cullen, Matthew McInally (Ian Stokes 79), James Penrice, Scot Whiteside, Edin Lynch, David Wilson, Mark Lamont, Jordan Leyden, Neil McLaughlin (Higgins 64), Dominic Docherty, Andy McCarthy (James Stokes 72)
SUBS NOT USED: Kieran Bell
SCORERS: McLaughlin (57)
YELLOW CARD: Lynch (4), Wilson (45), Leyden (90)
REFEREE: Duncan Williams
WEATHER: 6C Damp and drizzly
ATTENDANCE
NEXT MATCH: SPFL Development League (away) Tuesday 22nd March 2016, kick off 7.00pm at New Douglas Park
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