U20s v Kilmarnock

SP

MATCH PICTURES
Chris Kane was available for this match since his one U20 match suspension didn't start until 5th November. Luke Johnston was selected at right back and the strike force would be Allan Smith with Faissal El Bakhtaoui sitting in just behind him.

Kilmarnock kicked off towards the McCathie Stand but it was Dunfermline who came close to opening the scoring when a Scott Mercer corner from the left was glanced narrowly wide right by Lewis Martin on two minutes.

It was Mercer however who provided the chance that led to the Pars going one up in nine minutes. Merce cut in from the left and tucked the ball across the six yard box. The ball travelled to Luke JOHNSTON at the far side possibly taking him by surprise as it was a bit of a backheeled flick that sent the ball past Antonio Reguero. 1-0

Ten minutes passed until Ryan Williamson made a really good chance for himself. Playing wide right he took on and turned his man before sending a left footed shot towards the far side of the goal but Reguero managed to claw the ball away.

The home side had a good spell in which they kept Kilmarnock well away from their young goalkeeper. They had good possession and distinct territorial advantage without managing to make anything of it.

It was just ten minutes from the break before Cammy Gill was put to the test and it was a severe one at that. Dean Hawkshaw sent the ball into the Pars box from the right touchline and Aaron Splaine rose to loop a header to the far post but Gill flew across goal and did just enough to keep it out.

Play was disrupted by an injury to El Bakhtaoui and while down to ten men Kilmarnock scored the equaliser. The ball was played down the left and Jude WINCHESTER finished well to make it 1-1 in 44th minute.

Scott Gray then came on for the injured El Bakhtaoui but Kilkmarnock struck again within a minute.  This time it was a cracking shot from SPLAINE 25 yards out that sneaked in just under the bar. 1-2 

It was a cruel end to a half that the Fifers dominated for long periods but the visitors took their chances and changed ends ahead.

Half time: Dunfermline 1 Kilmarnock 2

Finn Graham became the second Pars sub of the night, coming on before the restart to take over Lewis Spence's midfield role. A 55th minute free kick set up Mercer to float the ball in from the left to the far post and despite Gray netting the referee had already blown. A penalty was awarded and Allan SMITH took the setpiece netting to the right and giving Reguero no chance 2-2. 

Gill stopped a Robbie Muirhead effort from 18 yards before the Pars took the ball away and earned a corner on the left. Mercer's cross came down off the crossbar and there was a scramble that Killie won as Kane and Johnston tried to squeeze in a shot.

Momentum continued with the Pars particularly down the left with Ross Drummond being very involved. A good delivery from that side picked out Smith in the area in front of goal but his shot was deflected away.

Then disaster, a powerful shot at Gill could not be held and Greg Kiltie reacted first to stick the ball away. 2-3

Two minutes later a Mercer corner from the right was well connected by O'Kane but his header was blocked and then Johnston's drive from close in was miraculously saved by Reguero. In 79 minutes Drummond's shot was deflected behind off the left post and from the corner Gray sent the ball narrowly high.

Next a superb pacey run up the left by Mercer terminated with a cut back to McMillan on the edge of the Kilmarnock box but he failed to get a good connection and Reguero gathered.

Mercer had a good shot in 90th minute that Reguero did relly well to turn behind for a corner. So the Rugby Park side saw out the closing minutes to clinch the three points they barely deserved. Antonio Reguero really earned his corn in this match.

John Potter: Reaction to 3-2 home defeat to Kilmarnock U20s

DUNFERMLINE: Cammy Gill; Luke Johnston, Lewis Martin, Declan O'Kane (c), Ross Drummond; Ryan Williamson, Lewis Spence (Finn Graham HT), Chris Kane, Scott Mercer; Allan Smith, Faissal El Bakhtaoui (Scott Gray 44)
SUBS NOT USED: Gavin McMillan, Jordan Orru, Scott Russell, SCORERS: Johnston (9), Smith (57 pen.)

KILMARNOCK: Antonio Reguero; Dean Hawkshaw, Rory McKeown, Craig Slater, Lee Ashcroft, David Syme, Aaron Splaine, Andrew Hainey (Devlin MacKay 65), Robbie Muirhead, Jude Winchester (Lewis Clark 92), Greg Kiltie
SUBS NOT USED:  Dylan Pooler, Greg Taylor.
SCORERS: Winchester (44), Splaine (45), Kiltie (70).

REFEREE: Scott Millar
WEATHER: Fine 4C
MATCH PICTURES

NEXT MATCH: (away) SPFL U20 League v Hamilton Accies
Tuesday 12th November 2013, kick off 7.00pm