DUFC

UNITED U19s DRAW 3-3 WITH DUNFERMLINE

23rd September 2005

Despite falling behind to a first minute goal, with 25 minutes left and leading 3-1, it looked as though the Youth team were on their way to recording their first win of the season against Dunfermline at a very windy Fleet Grounds, Rosyth this morning.

However, the young Pars quickly struck back to earn a point. And even although David Goodwillie had a great chance to win it in the very last minute, a draw overall was probably a fair result.

Whilst the swirling and blustery wind made things difficult for the players on both sides, it was an exciting contest with the wind a contributory factor in five of the six goals.

That was no truer than of their opener when Phinn crashed home a free-kick in the very first minute.

For almost the whole of the first half, in terms of chances certainly, Dave Bowman's lads had the better of it, and getting the equaliser two minutes from the end was no more than they deserved.

With a typical dash upfield, David Goodwillie drove from the halfway line, sweeping past three defenders before a challenge saw the ball run loose to David Gray who lashed the ball home from 15 yards in stylish manner.

Five minutes into the second half, another searing strike brought the Tannadice teenagers the lead, a free-kick being slipped into the patch of Gregg Burnett who rammed the ball into the far corner from 25-yards.

A third goal after 65 minutes brought the prospect of this first win of the season into view.

Taking a pass from Sean Fleming, David Goodwillie embarked on another penetrating run that again resulted in the ball falling to David Gray whose right foot finish from the edge of the box gave the keeper no chance.

Unfortunately, just five minutes later that lead had evaporated.

Iain Williamson, with a header from close range, pulled one back halfway through the second half and just three minutes later, Derek Howie hit a tremendous third.

That said, although reduced to ten men when Greg Cameron received a second yellow and was sent off five minutes from the end, it was United who almost snatched a last-gasp winner.

Yet another rampaging run by Goodwillie saw him through on goal, round the keeper and just when you'd have put your money on him to win it for his side, he could only hit the side-netting.

However, despite that and taking everything into account, a draw was probably a fair result

Dundee United: Gibson, Burnett, Fleming, Cameron, McMechan, Watson, Gray (McCord 70), Andreoni, Feeney, Goodwillie, McAleenan (Donnelly 70).

Subs not used: Paterson, O'Hara, Russell.