Dunfermline 1 - 0 Arbroath

Published on Friday 23 July 2010 23:56

HAVING watched their favourites ship 13 goals in three games prior to their midweek victory over Aberdeen, Dunfermline fans needed a positive performance and result from this strangely low-key Alba Challenge Cup outing.

In the end, they got the result but not the performance manager Jim McIntyre would have been seeking as they eventually settled the tie with a solitary Andy Kirk strike.

A sprightly and impressive Arbroath outfit were well marshalled on the pitch by new player-manager Paul Sheerin, who pulled off a major coup in the build-up to the match by signing freed St Johnstone winger Gavin Swankie for a third spell with his hometown team.

The winning goal came when David Graham's incisive through ball made the opening for Andy Kirk to slot in.

Dunfermline: Smith; Woods, Dowie, Keddie, McCann; Willis (Cardle 60), Bell (Phinn 82), Mason, Graham; Clarke, Kirk (McDougall 75). Subs not used: Allison, Higgins.

Arbroath: Hill; Shields, Malcolm, Griffin, McAnespie; Dimilta, McCulloch, Falkingham, Gibson (Swankie 50), Sheerin; McGowan (Scott 55 (Nimmo 67)). Subs not used: Burns, Rattray. Referee: B. Madden.

Attendance: 976.