U19s v Motherwell

Calum Smith scorer as Pars take point from Motherwell

MOTHERWELL 1 DUNFERMLINE 1

Dunfermline travelled to Motherwell on Tuesday afternoon on SPL U19 league business but both clubs could be excused if they had an eye on Sunday`s SFA Youth Cup Third Round meeting between the clubs at East End Park. The match ended 1-1 but Hamish French hopes to have Clark Kay and Alan McDonough back so that a full strength team can tackle the cup tie.

The match between `Well 7th and Pars 9th started quite even but the Lanarkshire outfit latched on to a long ball to exploit the visiting defence. Darren SMITH scored the tenth minute opener from a tight angle. After that Dunfermline relied on their keeper Greg Paterson and their defence to keep Motherwell out.

Nevertheless Nick Phinn had a shot deflected wide.  Sean Muhsin made a good break down the left to deliver a cross that was headed past for a corner and then in 32 minutes Calum Smith set up Phinn for a shot that slipped narrowly past the post.

Kris Maxwell and Smith linked up for an opening that the latter failed to get sufficient power on but the equaliser came in the third minute of the second half.  Patrick Halpin provided SMITH with a chance that he converted with the assistance of a slight deflection.

The best chance for a  winner came the Pars way two minutes later.  Smith flicked on a long throw from Gary Leighton that landed nicely for Phinn but his volley went over the bar.

After that the home side pressed with a succession of free kicks from wide areas but a combination of good defending and good handling by 17 year old Paterson retained a point for the Fifers.