Injuries add to pain of defeat for Dunfermline
Published 3 Oct 2012 15:00
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A thumping 41-17 defeat was compounded by injuries to three forwards as Dunfermline went down to Ardrossan Academicals.
Although the West Fife side kicked off with a strong wind behind them it was Ardrossan who quickly won a penalty on halfway.
They drove into the Dunfermline 22 where a penalty was conceded in front of the posts which was converted.
The West Fife forwards struggled to cope with the big home pack and untidy play in the midfield saw Accies steal the ball. With the defence caught short the home side raced over to increase their lead.
Dunfermline were forced to replace prop Ged Queen with a neck injury as Accies dominated possession and crossed again for another try.
The McKane Park side were stung into responding and won a line out on 15 metres which resulted in a quick tap penalty but the promising move broke down as the last pass didn't go to hand.
Accies were then penalised for failing to release in a tackle and Gregor McNeish converted from fully 40 metres.
Facing the wind in the second half Dunfermline were repeatedly pinned back by tactical kicking and a spilled ball allowed wing forward Kean to drive over wide on the right.
Lock Jon Hamblin had to be replaced due to injury, further weakening the pack, as Dunfermline struggled to retain possession and with it any continuity.
Accies won a scrum on half way and moved the ball wide for full back Hunter to cross.
Dunfermline were stirred into action and good lineout possession saw the ball moved to Swankie who danced over close to the posts. The referee then awarded the try as a penalty try for a late tackle. McNeish converted.
Accies continued to dominate play and winger McKechnie showed good speed to score on the right.
Dunfermline launched a spirited attack with Eadie and Stewart to the fore but Accies cleared the danger. The play moved to the opposite end and Dunfermline's defence was split by Littlejohn who ran in under the posts.
As Eadie left the field injured the Dunfermline pack again had to be shuffled. Undaunted the forwards drove their way deep into Accies half forcing a penalty. McNeish quickly chipped through and gathered to cross for the final try.
This Saturday's sees a home fixture against Greenock Wanderers, kick-off 3pm at McKane Park.
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