BELLRAISER
Cammy’s stunning penalty save hat-trick
Cammy Bell wrote himself into the record books yesterday after the Dundee United keeper saved three penalties in a single half.
Simon Murray’s opener and a Tony Andreu double made it two wins in three league games although the real story was Bell’s first-half heroics.
The Tannadice No.1 stopped spotkicks from Gavin Reilly, Nicky Clark and Paul McMullan.
Although Michael Paton pulled one back Pars couldn’t cash in despite United having Paul Dixon sent off with half an hour to go.
Terrors boss Ray McKinnon said: “Cammy was magnificent and it was
Dunfermline .............. 1 Dundee Utd ................ 3
a special day for him. I’ve never seen a keeper save three penalties so he was different class. It was a pivotal game.
“Every single decision from the referee went against us so I’m incredibly proud of my players.”
A push from William Edjenguele on Lee Ashcroft led to Pars’ first penalty as Bell got a strong hand to Reilly’s attempt despite diving the wrong way.
Murray slotted home in 21 minutes before Bell dived low to his right to deny Clark after Frank van der Struijk brought down Reilly. Incredibly, the keeper had just required treatment after taking a sore one in the build-up.
Another home penalty followed in 28 minutes after a Dixon handball but Bell kept out a third penalty taker.
He was rewarded a minute into the second half when Andreu prodded Nick van der Velden’s cross in only for Paton to pull one back.
Dixon walked in the 58th minute after a second booking for a foul on Paton but Andreu settled any nerves by smashing in off a post.
Pars boss Allan Johnston said: “Going by the rules United could have had a player sent off at our first and third penalty.”