Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

Following another comprehensive defeat against Dunfermline Athletic yesterday evening, City’s relegation from the Championship will be confirmed should they fail to win against Morton at Cappielow on Saturday.

Pars striker Nicky Clark took full advantage of some questionable defending to net two quickfire goals early on before completing his hat-trick nine minutes into the second half to round off another disappointing evening for Darren Dods’ side.

Regular number one Graeme Smith returned between the sticks at the expense of Paddy O’Neil whilst Euan Smith and James Dale came into the side for Sean Crighton and Craig Storie respectively following Saturday’s defeat against Dumbarton at Glebe Park.

City started the game relatively well – after just 3 minutes Euan Smith had a header flicked away from goal and shortly after, Dylan Mackin just failed to get enough on his shot on the turn which was saved comfortably by Robinson.

As is customary in recent months, City found themselves behind early doors as the Pars opened the scoring after 9 minutes. Declan McManus threaded the ball through for NICKY CLARK who dispatched the ball into the far corner of the net.

The visitors then doubled their advantage barely 13 seconds after the restart courtesy of some poor defending. A lack of communication between Euan Smith and Gary Fusco allowed NICKY CLARK in on goal, he held off the challenge of Fusco before confidently clipping the ball past Smith in the City goal.

Allan Johnston’s side could smell blood and three minutes later a stinging drive from full back Lewis Martin was parried by Smith into the path of Declan McManus who blazed the rebound over the bar. Shortly after, Smith was called into action again when he saved well from Clark’s effort to deny him a seven minute hat-trick.

Midway through the first half, City started to come into the game. Kalvin Orsi was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when his effort was cleared off the line following a corner. Five minutes later Lee Robinson produced a superb save to keep out Willie Dyer’s powerful dipping volley from range.

Callum Tapping was next to try his luck from distance – he collected a fine pass from Dyer before unleashing a shot from 25 yards which was saved comfortably by Robinson.

As half time approached, the visitors created a couple of glorious opportunities. Firstly, McManus played an inch perfect ball in for Clark who blazed over the bar from just 5 yards. McManus himself came even closer when a knock down in the box fell kindly for him but his flicked effort cannoned off the crossbar.

Nine minutes into the second half, NICKY CLARK completed a deserved hat-trick when he latched on to a ball lofted over the City defence and with his left foot, volleyed first time into the far corner.

A foul by Callum Tapping 25 yards from goal gave the Pars another opportunity however Graeme Smith did well to turn James Craigen’s effort round the post for a corner.

The visitors continued to push forward to extend their advantage – full back Ryan Williamson played in substitute Daniel Armstrong however the ex-Wolves youngster screwed his effort wide of the target.

City struggled to create any real openings in the second period but did have a couple of chances late on. Finn Graham made a superb run, beating three players in the process however his final effort went just past the far post. A few minutes from time, Orsi headed the ball down for Tapping but he dragged his effort wide.

This proved to be the last action of the game as the Pars returned to Fife with all three points after a comfortable victory. As mentioned earlier in the report, City travel to Cappielow to face Morton on Saturday knowing that anything less than a win will confirm relegation back to League One.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Dundee United 2 Queen of the South 3

The Doonhamers boost their hopes of a promotion playoff spot with a fine win at Tannadice.