Dunfermline Athletic 2
Dundee 0
League (Premier League)

Match Report

Over the summer, Premier League newcomers Dundee have been hearing how difficult life could be among the big boys.

Two minutes either side of the interval cruelly brought home the harsh reality that faces them.

Dunfermline had the bulk of the pressure first half, but Dundee keeper Douglas brought off confidence-inspiring saves.

Then, in injury time, Derek Ferguson slotted a superb pass in front of Shaw, who raced forward to clip the perfect cut-back across goal.

With the Dundee defence on the turn, Andy Smith challenged Irvine for the ball, which was deflected into the net.

It looked as if the Dundee defender might have got the last touch but, to no-one's surprise, big Andy was claiming it as his.

It was Pars who went in for the half-time pep talk with their tails up.

Within a minute of the restart, they went further ahead.

A Ferguson cross from the right saw Douglas challenged in the air and unable to hold the ball. Shaw won the race to hook it home from no more than a yard.

Jim McInally took exception to the goal and was booked for dissent.

Almost from the restart following the goal, a flare-up between Johnston and Coyne saw the Dunfermline man sent off for his second booking and a yellow card for the Dark Blue.

Further yellow cards were displayed to Shields and Falconer. soon

Ten-man Pars came under a fair bit of pressure, however, the best try of the latter stages was carved out by Dunfermline.

After a superb run, French's 20-yard drive was parried and held by Douglas.

For Dundee it has to be about concentration in defence and firepower up front easier said than done.

Douglas had some good saves, while Miller and McInally showed their experience.

Match report written by The Sunday Post