Tangerines wary of pacy Pars strikeforce

Dundee United’s players have been warned that Dunfermline’s attackers will give them a run for their money.

Tangerines boss Robbie Neilson, who takes his team to East End Park on Saturday, has seen enough of the pacey Pars to know his defenders will have to be quick off the mark themselves.

Neilson was at Parkhead last weekend to see the side managed by his pal Stevie Crawford take Celtic to extra-time in the Betfred Cup and also witnessed an excellent first-half performance from the Fifers in the league against Dundee.

That means the Tannadice players will be well aware of the threat posed in attack by the likes of Ryan Dow, Kevin Nisbet and Josh Coley.

Neilson said: “They have some good energy in their team. They’ve got pace, that’s for sure.

“I obviously know Stevie very well – for a number of years – and I would expect him to have Dunfermline up near the top of this division this season.

“I spoke to Stevie over the summer and he said he was hoping to get some boys in who have energy and he has certainly done that.

“Kevin Nisbet has done really well.

“His record has been very good at Raith Rovers and he has gone into Dunfermline and got goals. I think he will be a big player for them.

“The boy Coley is quick out on the left, while Tom Beadling makes good runs.

“The strikers have done very well and they also have good link men. The front players give their whole team good energy.

“I have watched their games and in the Dundee match they started really well and went 2-0 up. The first penalty knocked them back and the second one meant they got a draw but they did well.”

Robbie Neilson knows about the threat posed by Dunfermline.