Dunfermline City v Monarchs preseason friendly.
After the late call off by Madras, Monarchs, a National League side from Div 3 who are based in Tayside were good enough to travel South early on Saturday morning to provide very tough opposition for City's second pre-season friendly.
Firstly some non game points, attendance was better for setting up the goals but by no means perfect, please try and be there on Saturdays at 9.15 prompt. A plea from our Captain, don't have Graeme chasing you up to pay your match fee, we make being a member cheap as it is so need everyone to contribute their fees and Graeme has better things to do on match day.
First game under our new captain, there is now a system chosen by Neil on how he would like the team to play this season and although this writer missed the team talk, Neil also provided a copy for everyone of how the team will line up and what channels the ball will be moved. No doubt this will take a bit of time and more friendlies to fine tune but Neil has taken on the responsibilities of Captain so please give him your support and give the plans a chance.
As for the game itself, Monarchs are a Nat Div 3 team, at least two levels above City and provided very high quality opposition on a surprisingly warm Saturday morning. City actually warmed up rep-match, something we intend to continue and this did not include random shots at the keeper and a fag. City started with Green (jnr) and Rintoul and full backs to build from the back and a diamond in the middle to support both them and the forwards. This will take time to get acquainted with this set up and Monarchs will be the best team City play all season so it was not without teething problems but Monarchs fast, accurate passing and breaks were hard to contain. monarchs scored twice before half time although the defence held firm against numerous attacks, Brown in goal had some excellent saves and was not at fault for any goals and good to see him healthy. City did make some chances in the first half and worked the Monarchs goalie through miller and Green (snr).
Although City were rotating players as for once we had a squad, it was tiring playing a fit, fast, skilful side monarchs went on to score a further five goals throughout the second half. Consolation came through a short corner conversion by James Spreng with an excellent finish into the keeper's top right corner. City kept playing to their credit to the end and playing against better teams moving the ball around side to side, and through the channels will stand City in better stead for the new season than playing and thumping lower teams. All in all a very creditable performance and something to build on.