Dunfermline City were almost at full strength for the visit of Stirling Wanderers on Saturday.  Two late call offs however put skippers Neil Flemings game plan all up on the air as unfortunately Donald Kinnear and James Spreng had to pull out.

City started well and should have been one up in 5 minutes when Miller was released 1on1 with the keeper. The keeper stood tall and made a good block.

Stirling were looking good playing the ball out from the back – and Santi was causing problems as he continually found a lot of space to manoeuvre the ball about. City’s backline and midfield however were on form in the first half and there were not many advances over the City 25.

City were attacking well and created a few openings. 

City broke the deadlock when Creag Campbell who roved up and down the right wing all day – produced a great pass to Edwards in the D – and Edwards then in turn passed the ball onwards to Miller who had the simple task of pushing home from the penalty spot.

City double their league through a bit of luck when Alan Green on the left hand side of the D tried to cross/shoot from the edge – the ball was deflected goal wards by a defender and crossed the line to put City 2 up.

City had a few more chances – and almost had a penalty when a shot was accidentally kicked off the line by a Stirling defender – a short corner was awarded instead – which was the right decision given the circumstances involved.

Campbell and Edwards then combined well again to give Alan Green the chance to score – in a very similar move to City’s first goal – Al made no mistake with his finish.
3.0 And coasting.

Stirling however started to provide more of an attacking threat and managed to reduce the lead just before the break. City thought the goal was controversial as the attacker was backing into the defender swung round and reverse sticked the ball home. 

City could have been further ahead in this first half - but Miller was having an off day in front of goal with his feet being used more often than the stick much to the frustration of others.

City 3. Stirling 1 HT.

Second half Wanderers started to dominate the play. 

Wanderers thought they had pulled one back when Santi finished from a short corner. Unfortunately for Stirling the goal was chopped off as the first attempt was a fresh air one – putting off the defenders with the second beating the keeper. 

City had a couple of short corners in the second half but no real shots on goal to note. Stirling although they never had many shots on goal had more of the ball.

Stirling with 5 minutes to go pulled a second goal back – a free hit was hit wide left and a speculative ball into the D was brilliantly diverted towards goal – taking Brown in goal by surprise as it sneaked in the near post.

City then hung on as Stirling applied the pressure – and were thankful when the full time whistle finally arrived.

City 3 Stirling Wanderers 2.  

The first half performance was excellent but the second half didn’t have the same intensity. Credit goes to Stirling for making this a very tough game with City just edging it in the end.

MOM goes to Ben Buttercase who did a power of work in the midfield - with a special mention to Edwards with his two assists and Al Green with his 2 goals.  Even better news was that this was a game with no cards!!! for probably the first/second time this season - long may that continue.

Next up Carnegie 4's at home where hopefully City can put out another strong lineup.