Paul Pings The Pars To 3 Points
Date: Wednesday, 9th Aug 2023The opening day of the 2023-2024 SPFL cinch Championship took place last weekend, with Dundee United defeating Arbroath 4-0 at Gayfield on Friday evening to kick-off the second-tier season.
Dunfermline Athletic were involved on the Saturday against familiar foes, Airdrieonians, at KDM Group East End Park, on Flag Day for the Pars.
Rhys McCabe`s men relegated Hamilton Academical to League One as the Diamonds won promotion at the tail end of last term and they visited West Fife looking to get their first victory over James McPake since he took over as manager of the Black & White.
Highlights: Dunfermline Athletic 2-1 Airdrieonians
Craig Watson headed the visitors in front, as he followed-up on a shot which crashed off the bar, midway through the first-half. Harry Sharp, making his Dunfermline debut in goals, had no chance with the re-bound despite his best efforts. But, the Pars weren`t disheartened, following a good opening to the match before this point: central midfielder Ewan Otoo found himself in the box and rising above everyone else to head home Josh Edwards` cross to equalise for the hosts just moments later.
Ewan Otoo speaks to ParsTV following the match
Into the second-half and the same pattern continued as the home side looked the most likely to win the match as they harried and probed Airdrieonians. Paul Allan came on as a substitute 10 minutes into the second-half, and just ten minutes later, he pinged the Pars in front with his first goal for the Football Club and what a beauty it was too!
Paul Allan speaks to Jordan Burt after Saturday`s match
Athletic were in control until around the 75th minute, when Callum Gallagher – last season`s PFA Scotland League One Player of the Year – missed an open goal from just 3-yards out. Seconds later, Rhys Breen was sent-off for a second bookable offence and McPake`s men faced the closing stages of Match-Day 1 a man light.
But this wouldn`t deter Dunfermline Athletic, who defended strongly and deserved their opening day victory. The discipline within the shape of the side for those closing moments wasn`t uncharacteristic and the manager was pleased to see his side battle their way to victory once again, under his leadership.
James McPake Post-Airdrieonians
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