Published: Monday, 18th August, 2008 10:30
Saints blown away by three-goal Pars
By Laura Cummings
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St Johnstone 0 Dunfermline 3
THE PARS outclassed one of the league’s strongest contenders for SPL status on Saturday breezing their way to a stunning victory against the Saints at McDiarmid Park.
Despite only making one starting change from the previous Saturday’s win over Queen of the South – Calum Woods taking the place of the injured Scott Thomson – Dunfermline were leaps and bounds ahead of the lacklustre side that were played off the park in the first 45 by Gordon Chisholm’s team the week before.
McIntyre’s men looked hungry for goals and were first to almost every ball, a positive sign that this season’s SPL campaign already looks to be far more fruitful than last season’s attempt.
The away side started well with Kevin Harper having a couple of decent chances inside the first few minutes but a recurring hamstring injury meant the striker had to be replaced by Iain Williamson after only 21 minutes of play.
Nevertheless, that substitution was to pay off with the youngster opening the scoring in the 42nd minute.
Nicky Phinn played a fine ball to Williamson from the right but his initial shot was blocked by Kevin James. Williamson reached for the ball for a second time, slicing it with his left foot with the ball hitting off the bottom of the right post before trickling into the net.
The Pars went in at half-time worthy of their one goal lead with goalie Paul Gallacher having little to do in the first-half.
Dunfermline kicked off the second-half with the same determined manner to the first 45 with Williamson again causing the Saints’ defence problems, getting on the end of Alex Burke’s cross but Kevin Rutkiewicz cleared off the line to deny the youngster a double.
Saints hitman Collin Samuel was introduced at half-time and was the main threat from the home side, the forward getting on the end of a Dan Smith corner in the 50th minute which he sent narrowly over the bar.
Andy Kirk’s skilful run on the left wing and square pass across the face of goal saw Phinn scramble the ball with both feet into the net for goal number two after 55 minutes.
Despite the Saints dominating for part of the second-half with efforts from Liam Craig and Samuel, a magnificent volley from Pars new boy Graham Bayne in the 88th minute silenced the home crowd and sent them on their way.
A slip up by Rutkiewicz allowed Bayne to volley the ball from 25 yards over the head of Euan McLean and into the net for a spectacular finish.
It was the striker’s debut competitive goal for the Pars and a stunning one at that.
If Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, the Pars fans can look forward to a season of entertaining football ahead.
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