FRASER GETS A HIGH FYVIE
Boss praises 2-goal hero
Ray McKinnon saluted a masterclass from Fraser Fyvie as his double fired United a point off top spot.
Fyvie scored either side of a Scott McDonald strike, his second a stunning half-volley into the top corner early in the second-half.
Sub Callum Smith pulled one back for a shell-shocked Dunfermline with 13 minutes left – but the Pars were a distant second best as United knocked them off top slot.
McKinnon said: “I’ve seen an improvement in the players and the team. And that’s the best this season – we could have scored more.
“There were lots of positives – and that’s the Fraser Fyvie we all know. It’s taken about six games to get him there but he was excellent.
“He had to get his fitness in games and now he’s there – and that showed the quality player he is. His second was outstanding, goal of the season.”
McKinnon also showered praise on defensive duo Mark Durnan and Jamie Robson, who played despite coming down with a virus.
McKinnon added: “We had a sickness bug coming into the game and Stewart Murdoch was vomiting pre-match and couldn’t play.
“A few players had it during the week. Jamie and Mark came down with it on Friday night but still played despite being poorly.”
A bumper crowd of 7585 packed into East End Park as the league leaders Dunfermline clashed with the favourites for the title.
Both sides were set up to attack but it was United’s game-plan that worked a treat.
For all the Pars neat build-up play they didn’t threaten United’s goal. And they were made to pay in 35 minutes. James Keatings fed Paul McMullan on the left edge of the box and he played in Jamie Robson.
Sean Murdoch beat away the fullback’s strike but Fyvie did brilliantly to fire home the rebound.
McDonald scored the second just before half-time, netting from close range after Keatings’ free- kick caused commotion in the Fife box.
Billy King hit the bar in first-half stoppage time – it was a let off for the Fife side but they still looked lost.
United sealed the victory when after patient playFyvieri fled the sweetest shot into the top corner.
The Pars gave themselves hope in in 77 minutes when Smith pulled one back from Jason Talbot’s cross.
Pars boss Allan Johnston said: “There’s a long way to go and we can play miles better than that.”