Partick reflections
Author: J Barber Date: Sunday, 6th Oct 2002Another fine attacking display from Dunfermline with a few goals to boot as well! What more could you ask for. A tricky game on paper turned out to be a comfortable afternoons work for the Pars as they get a break for the International weekend.
From the fantastic viewpoint of one of the new "greenhouses" at the front of the main stand, here are my thoughts on how the Pars performed on Saturday:
Ruitenbeek: Had little to do. Never looked like losing a goal from open play, only beaten by yet another penalty! 7/10
McPherson: Recalled to the right flank, seemed detached from the play for long spells. Put in a reasonably hard shift and will no doubt improve with more games behind him. 6/10
Nicholls: Surprise selection at the back, played some lovely passes forward and looked pretty comfortable against the weak Partick attack. 7/10
Skerla: Absolute stroll for the big man. Oozed class from the off and controlled the back line superbly. 9/10
Thomson: Covered nearly all the park! Scored a cracking opener and showed his danger up front. Again, never troubled at the back. 8/10
Kilgannon: Frustrating day at times, but got behind the Partick defence on many occasions. The Pars were a bit more direct yesterday, often leaving the wide man isolated. 6/10
Dempsey: Tenacious as ever, prompting plenty of fine moves forward. Took a terrible challenge on his ankle which was very badly swollen. Left on crutches and will no doubt need an x-ray. 7/10
Mason: Slowly getting back to form but again looked as if he was lacking on confidence at times. Needs to dominate the centre of the park more. 6/10
Nicholson: Played a stormer in the 2nd half. Scored his first of the season and will be relieved to have done that at last. At the heart of most of Dunfermline`s attacks. 7/10
Crawford: Playing with such confidence just now, deserved his two goals. Has to start for Scotland next week with the form he is in. Such an important man for Dunfermline, he should be wrapped in cotton wool in between matches! 9/10
Bullen: Target of many a long ball at times, he was unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Dropped back in the second half as Petrie came on, showing his Mr Versatile tag once again! 8/10
Subs used:
McGroarty: had another run out replacing Nicholls. Never had many opportunites to show his skills off. 6/10
Dair: Replaced the crocked Dempsey. Helped steady the ship as Dunfermline re-shuffled the pack. 6/10
Petrie: Played 15 minutes as striker and came close to scoring. Testimonial night ahead for him, a goal would have been the icing on the cake! 6/10
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