Dunfermline 1-2 Ross County: Veteran nous gives visitors deserved edge

Published on Saturday 21 February 2009 18:46

Dunfermline 1 Bayne 60 Ross County 2 Brewster 45; Higgins 67

THE prospect of a Scottish Cup quarter-final meeting with former manager Jimmy Calderwood's Aberdeen had Dunfermline fans queuing up for tickets before this match. A missed opportunity against Ross County suggests there is likely to be little excitement in the league, however.

There was another reminder of that more celebrated Calderwood era on the pitch as the 42-year-old Craig Brewster made his first appearance for the visitors and stole the show – and helped plunder the points.

The wily veteran is aware he no longer has the "legs" to carry him around the pitch these days but his tactical nous and overall nuisance factor in the danger area shows no sign of tiring.

The former Hibs and Dundee United striker won his first challenge with Scott Wilson and earned a free-kick in the next aerial duel with the same player.

When the ball fell to him only seconds before the interval there was only ever likely to be one outcome as he marked his playing comeback, following his sacking as manager by Inverness, by knocking in from eight yards.

Graham Bayne's header from a Graeme Holmes free-kick gave the Fifers parity on the hour but that was to last only six minutes as Sean Higgins bundled in Richie Hart's cross from close range to seal a deserved win.

Dunfermline substitute Andy Kirk struck the crossbar with a curling free-kick but it was to be another afternoon of frustration for the Pars.