U19s v Rangers

The Under 19s played a closed doors friendly against Rangers at Murray Park on Friday afternoon. Maxwell (left) and Phinn were on target in 2-2 draw.

RANGERS 2 DUNFERMLINE 2

The Under 19s played a closed doors friendly against Rangers at Murray Park on Friday afternoon. Without a match since the SFA Youth Cup tie at Aberdeen back on 10th December, the match was arranged to keep the under 19s match fit until their league season resumes on 3rd February.

Rangers fielded a strong team including a number of trialists and it was the home side who started stronger. Pars keeper had to pull off two good saves to deny the Gers and keep his side in the game. When Nick Phinn assumed control in midfield and then Scott McBride taking on the right back things began to look better for Hamish French's team.

Kris Maxwell was one on one with the Rangers keeper but sent his shot past the post. A Dunfermline goal did duly arrive however just ten minutes from half time when McBride powered his way up the left and executed a perfect pass that MAXWELL sidefooted home from 8 yards.

Rangers struck back with an equaliser five minutes into the second half in the follow up to a corner. Although the ball was cleared a shot was returned through a ruck of players and despite Paterson saving the ball broke to an opponent to net.

The pressure was turned up on the Pars and Paterson found himself dealing with some more shots on target, albeit mainly from distance. On 65 minutes Maxwell held the ball up well for PHINN to produce a good supporting run and net from 16 yards.

The match began to look a little scrappy with the sides struggling on the heavy pitch but Rangers persevered and got their equaliser from a last minute corner. Paterson fisted clear but the Rangers sub caught the ball on a half volley and the fine strike flew into the top corner.

Another fixture is being sought for Friday 26th January.

DUNFERMLINE: Greg Paterson; Gary Leighton, Neil Fenwick, Sandy Nairn; Sean Muhsin, Derek Howie, Nick Phinn, Scott McBride (Charlie Bradshaw 55), Calum Smith, Kris Maxwell (Gary McLauchlan 75)
SUBS NOT USED: Darren Stewart (GK)
SCORERS: Maxwell (35), Phinn (60)