U19s v Letterkenny Rovers

Howie nets opener in well deserved win in opening match in Foyle Cup Tournament..

DUNFERMLINE 3 LETTERKENNY ROVERS 0

Dunfermline won comfortably in the end but it was a tough game where the Fifers had the bulk of the chances although Letterkenny always looked dangerous,

First chance to score came after seven minutes when Charlie Bradshaw set up Gary McLachlan for a shot but his effort was pulled narrowly wide.  Three minutes later Kris Maxwell pounced on a loose ball and he got in a shot that was saved by the keeper.

Good play by Paul Willis created a chance for Maxwell in 20th minute but again the keeper saved well. While the Pars were getting openings the opposition mounted a series of attacks but Greg Paterson in goal had not a lot to tax him.

Scott McBride's fine move down the left in 26 minutes led to the first goal.  His cross through the penalty box found Derek HOWIE and his well hit shot through the bodies of defenders found the net..

These group games are 35 minutes each way so it was five minutes into the second half, 40 minutes when the Scots increased their advantage.  A Paul Willis corner was only half cleared and when a header sent the ball back into the box Kris MAXWELL was first to react.

Five further minutes and the match was effectively over as a contest.  Willis made a penetrating run that ended with him being brought down in the box.  Scott McBRIDE made no mistake with a well taken spot kick,

In the final 15 minutes Letterkenny mounted a late flurry but still Paterson was not tested.

Next up are local side Institute FC who beat their Republic of Ireland neighbours Letterkenny Rovers 1-0 in the opening group game.

DUNFERMLINE: Greg Paterson; Garry Leighton (Scott Waddell 55), John McCulloch, Stuat Dearden, Sandy Nairn; Paul Willis (Chris Gordon 55), Derek Howie (Ryan Thomson 45), Gary McLachlan, Scott McBride; Charlie Bradshaw (John Paul McLennan 45), Kris Maxwell (Jason Hunter 55)
SUBS NOT USED: Craig Bauld (GK), Steven Lynch
SCORERS: Howie (26), Maxwell (40), McBride (45 pen).

NEXT MATCH: v Institute FC, Wednesday 24th July, kick off 7.00pm at Riverside Stadium, Derry.

There are four groups of three in this tournament and the teams progress to play the other section teams who finish in the same ranked position.