Dunfermline 1 United 3 - 30/09/17

United put on a great display to win 3-1 against table toppers Dunfermline. Fyvie and McDonald had the Terrors two up at the break. Fyvie extended the lead further with a wonderful effort with Smith pulling one back for the hosts with thirteen minutes left.

By Gareth Scott

United were dealt a blow prior to kick off when Stewart Murdoch pulled out of the starting line up due to sickness. With Lewis Toshney also ruled out there was a recall for Willo Flood who started the game at full back. That was the only change for United from the team that started the win against Morton last weekend. 

First Half

United threatened early on when McMullan did well on the left but his teasing cross picked out McDonald who had strayed into an offside position. There was plenty of nice play in the middle of the park from both sides but it took until the 20 minute mark for either side to create a decent opening. Hopkirk broke down the left for the hosts and his cross was only half cleared by Edjenguele and the ball fell to Higginbotham who sliced his shot wide of target. Seven minutes later Fyvie was dispossessed at the edge of his own box by McManus but fortunately for the United midfielder the Pars forward shot straight at Lewis. The home side were looking slightly the better side but with 34 minutes on the clock United took the lead. A very quick break down the left saw Robson fire in a cross which was parried by Murdoch. The ball landed at Fyvie who brilliantly controlled the ball and drilled it into the net. Eight minutes later United extended their lead further. Ashcroft fouled McDonald and from Keatings free kick the ball hit Edjenguele and broke to McDonald who scored from very close range. On the stroke of half time United should have made it three. Again they broke forward with pace and Keatings found McMullan who had his effort saved by Murdoch. The ball came back to King who failed to connect properly but somehow the ball bounced over the keeper and came back off the crossbar. 

Second Half 

Five minutes into the second period United had another good move. Fyvie won the ball on the half way line and played a great ball to King who in turn sent a powerful cross into the six yard box that was well defended by the home side. The resulting corner from Keatings found the head of Edjenguele who set up McMullan but he hooked the ball over. Just before the hour mark United did add a third. McDonald played the ball out to Flood who sent in a low cross to the box, the ball broke out and Fyvie smashed a tremendous right foot shot into the top corner of the net. Minutes later Fyvie was again involved when his long range pass brilliantly picked out McMullan who attempted to round the keeper but the Pars keeper did well to flick the ball away from the feet of the United man. United were really impressing now and Robson was next to go close when he powered into the box but his shot was saved by Murdoch. The home side then broke forward and a shot from Smith was deflected wide for a corner. With 77 minutes on the clock Dunfermline pulled one back. McManus crossed from the left and the ball flicked off the head of a United defender and landed perfectly on the head of substitute Smith who made no mistake from six yards out. There were some nervy moments towards the end for United but the defence stood firm and secured a brilliant three points. 

Summing Up - An excellent result and performance from United which blows the Championship race wide open. After going ahead there was only one winner with United looking threatening going forward and in the end this was a brilliant and well deserved three points for Ray McKinnon's men.  

Man of the match - a masterclass from Fraser Fyvie in the middle of the park and his two goals rounded off a great performance. 

Dunfermline: Murdoch, Williamson, Talbot, Morris, Ashcroft, McManus (Ryan 81), Higginbotham, Wedderburn, Clark, Shiels (Splaine 65), Hopkirk (Smith 46) 

Subs: Gill, Martin, Aird, Lochead 

United: Lewis, Durnan, McMullan, McDonald (N'Koyi 90), King, Edjenguele, Flood, Robson, Keatings (Stanton 76), Briels, Fyvie 

Subs : Fraser, Allardice, Mehmet, Smith, Davidson  

Referee : Don Robertson 

Attendance: 7585