Magical McCann Returns In Christmas Cracker Comeback

The last match of 2022 for Dunfermline Athletic saw them complete 50% of the SPFL cinch League One campaign with a cracking comeback victory over Kelty Hearts in the third Fife Derby of the term, at New Central Park.

Match-Day 18 was delayed for the Pars following the postponement of the Airdrieonians match last weekend, but the wintry weather didn`t deter Dunfermline as they focused on finishing the year off in style against their local rivals.

On their last visit to play The Maroon Machine, James McPake`s men fought hard but could only draw 0-0; when KH came to the KDM, it was another hard fought encounter which Athletic narrowly edged 2-1.

The net rippled with 30 minutes to go and McPake wasn`t for hanging around in the hope his side were going to be presented with a gift or two as well. A triple substitution occurred, as well as a change in shape, this adding to the even earlier switch which saw Lewis McCann return from injury in place of Chris Mochrie.

And within seconds of the game resuming following the changes by the visitors, they had grabbed an equaliser. A teasing cross from Josh Edwards was turned into his own goal by ex-Partick Thistle centre-back Thomas O`Ware.

The momentum then switched immediately out of the grasp of Potter`s men, as they struggled to keep hold of possession and found themselves dropping deeper and deeper as the clock ticked down.

A victory wasn`t necessarily needed by Dunfermline Athletic in terms of the title race, but it`d certainly put them into a strong position heading into the final half of the season when 2023 comes around.

But the West Fifers weren`t settling for a draw, with substitute Kyle Macdonald twisting and turning on the right, before whipping in a brilliant ball for the towering McCann to head home the winning goal with just minutes left on the clock.

Pandemonium on the terraces as Christmas came early for those of a Black & White persuasion. This Christmas cracker keeps the Pars 4 points ahead of FC Edinburgh and 7 of Falkirk, the two sides which they face next.

The Bairns from Grangemouth visit first on the 2nd of January, before a visit to the Capital to play Alan Maybury`s men starts the New Year with a bang. For McPake, it was just about enjoying the festivities with family and friends, following another enthralling 90 minutes.

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