Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

City welcomed table topping Dunfermline Athletic to Glebe Park yesterday still chasing their first league win of the season, however the players and supporters were under no illusions as to how difficult a task it would be to overcome a Pars side brimming with confidence.

Allan Johnston’s men have got their season off to a flier, with their only defeat thus far in the Championship coming against Morton at Cappielow, a game they had led 2-0 at half time.

Manager Darren Dods was forced into one change from the side that lost at Dumbarton last weekend. Aron Lynas sat out the first game of his two match suspension and he was replaced by Chris O’Neil.

The Pars goal led a charmed life in the opening stages of the game as City were left wondering how they didn’t take the lead after a goalmouth scramble.

With just 3 minutes on the clock, Jordan Sinclair’s low shot from an angle was saved by the feet of Sean Murdoch, the ball fell for Paul McLean who was also denied by the keeper and with the Pars defence unable to clear their lines, Finn Graham had a shot deflected into the air by Nat Wedderburn and Kalvin Orsi could only head over the bar from close range.

After this early scare, the visitors struggled to take control of the game and it wasn’t until midway through the first half when they started to assert their authority.

With 19 minutes on the clock, City had Graeme Smith to thank for keeping the score level. A flighted corner from Kallum Higginbotham was met by Callum Morris and his header produced a great save from ‘Buzz’ down low to his left. The danger wasn’t over however – the ball came back out to Higginbotham and this time his cross was headed goalwards by Declan McManus but again Smith was on hand to block the effort and the subsequent shot from Nat Wedderburn.

Just five minutes later the Pars came close again from another Higginbotham corner. This time Nicky Clark’s powerful header was cleared off the line by James Dale.

Just shy of the half hour mark, Dunfermline were not to be denied as they deservedly broke the deadlock. A corner from the left side was only headed as far as LEE ASHCROFT, the central defender prodded the ball through a ruck of bodies and into the net at the near post, with the ball taking a slight deflection on it’s way through.

City came close to an equaliser five minutes before the break. Kalvin Orsi’s rampaging run through the middle saw him beat Ashcroft and Morris, but his eventual shot was saved by Murdoch.

Just a couple of minutes into the second period, the visitors should have doubled their advantage. Higginbotham was again involved, his cross from the right was met at the back post by Nat Wedderburn, but the big midfielder could only guide his header wide of the goal.

At the other end, City continued to search for an equaliser. The lively Connor McLennan had a shot palmed away whilst Jordan Sinclair had a shot over the bar following a Finn Graham corner. Five minutes later, McLennan had another go but his shot from the edge of the box was straight at Murdoch.

With 56 minutes on the clock, Dunfermline grabbed the crucial second goal. Ryan Williamson, who had an impressive game down the right side for the Pars, delivered an inch perfect cross for the unmarked DECLAN MCMANUS who powered a header past Smith.

The game was put beyond doubt with just under 20 minutes remaining, and it was a goal the City defence will not want to see again. Again the architect was Ryan Williamson - his cross caused confusion between Sean Crighton and Graeme Smith and the ball fell kindly for ex Rangers man NICKY CLARK who bundled the ball into the empty net.

Despite the scoreline, City continued to plug away. On 76 minutes Finn Graham had a shot deflected into the arms of Murdoch and just two minutes later, substitute Ally Love was played through on goal but he could only drag his shot wide of the post.

Seven minutes from time, Nicky Clark came close to doubling his tally for the afternoon when his vicious long range shot cannoned off the top of the crossbar and a few minutes later, Andy Ryan’s glancing header was saved comfortably by Smith.

As the game entered stoppage time, Aaron Splaine headed over from a Talbot cross and at the other end, Callum Morris had to be on hand to head away Jordan Sinclair’s dangerous looking free kick for a corner.

Overall, a thoroughly deserved win for the Pars who look worthy of their lofty position at the top of the league. The games don’t get any easier for City – a trip to face St Mirren beckons next week.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Dumbarton 2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1

Back to back wins for the Sons.

Dundee United 2 Morton 1

The Arabs edge out Morton at Tannadice.

Falkirk 0 Livingston 2

The Bairns continue to struggle.

St Mirren 3 Queen of the South 1

Comfortable home win for the Buddies.