U19s v Motherwell

Calum Smith is one of eleven young Pars who will find out soon whether they will be at East End Park next season.

DUNFERMLINE 0 MOTHERWELL 0

Motherwell were the opponents for Dunfermline`s last match of the U19s season played at the Fleet Ground Rosyth on Friday afternoon. It turned out to be a goalless draw and despite the visitors having two strong penalty appeals, one in either half, it would have been rough justice had either team lost.

No goals but plenty of chances. Pars keeper Darren Stewart was called into serious action in eight minutes saving a shot from just outside the box. Then Clark Kay floated over a Dunfermline free kick that was headed behind at the far post for a corner.

Motherwell made good use of the wind advantage to force a few corners but the home defence did well against a much bigger and physical team. Kris Maxwell created the Pars next chance whipping the ball over from the right that looked destined for Nick Phinn but a Motherwell defender made a timely headed interception.

On 25 minutes Gary Leighton, Derek Howie and Calum Smith worked another good move down the right but Maxwell shot from just outside the box was blocked before it could trouble the keeper. Motherwell were ahead on territorial advantage as the break neared and Stewart had to pull off a fine save to turn a good shot from 16 yards over his crossbar.

Hamish French`s youngsters did better in the second 45. There was an early chance when a Kay clearance from central defence sent Maxwell up the right channel. He took a touch forward before releasing a shot that escaped narrowly past the post.

Next Derek Howie fed a ball to Sean Muhsin on the left and he provided a good cross that Smith just failed to meet. Motherwell kept Stewart alert capitalising on a 56th minute free kick against Muhsin that allowed them a pop at goal from a dangerous position.

Alan McDonough tested Martin with another good attempt but as they pushed for a winner the Pars were almost punished just five minutes from time. Catching Dunfermline on the break the Lanarkshire team sent up a long through ball and Stewart had to race out of his box to kick clear ahead of the opposition striker. The Fifers finish the season then in 11th position, ten points above Kilmarnock.

This could be the last appearance for a number of these young Dunfermline players and their colleagues since Muhsin, McDonough, Smith, Fenwick, Muir, Halpin, Howie, Kay, Stewart, Howie and Paterson are all out of contract come the end of this month although the last three would all be young enough to play in the Under 19s next season. Offers will be made next week to those who Dunfermline would like to retain.

The only match that they might yet feature in is the Fife Cup Final but since opponents East Fife are in the play offs for a Division Two place and the Pars have got other things uppermost in their minds, a date for that fixture might be hard to find.