Crawford hails ‘Par-fect’ win over runaway leaders
Dundee United’s patchy run of form in recent weeks showed no signs of abating at East End Park as the Tannadice side slumped to defeat after being comprehensively outplayed by a lively and committed Dunfermline side.
The Tangerine juggernaut which had, not so long ago, appeared to be powering relentlessly towards the Championship title, has seen the brakes being forcibly applied of late.
And although they remain virtual certainties to claim that particular crown, sitting as they are 18 points clear of the chasing pack, it looks at the moment, unless they can regain their early season momentum, to be a case of stuttering along to the stage where they will gratefully stumble over the finishing line.
Manager Robbie Neilson acknowledged afterwards that his team’s performance was below that which was expected of them.
“I’m really disappointed” he said. “Right from the start we didn’t compete and we weren’t aggressive enough. We weren’t at the level we want to be at. Our supporters were fantastic today and the biggest disappointment is that we didn’t perform for them.”
Having recorded just one victory over the course of their previous six games, United found themselves under pressure straight away from Dunfermline who were clearly intent on escaping the periphery of the Championship play-off zone.
The Pars talismanic striker, Kevin
Nisbet, with 22 goals to his name prior to kick-off, threatened first with a low shot which was easily dealt with by Benjamin Siegrist shortly before Paul Paton released Jonathan Afolabi, the on-loan Celtic frontman sending his shot narrowly wide of goal.
Chances continued to fall Dunfermline’s way and, after Nisbet had dragged his effort wide when latching on to Paton’s through ball, the prolific striker racked up his 23rd goal of the season in 26 minutes, rising majestically to meet Kyle Turner’s deep cross before directing a powerful header beyond Siegrist.
The visitors finally bared their teeth as the first half ended, top scorer Lawrence Shankland almost finding the net with a clever flick from Jamie Robson’s cross but his attempt was blocked by Pars keeper Owain Fon Williams.
Any suggestions that this might be the catalyst for a comeback from the league leaders were quickly dissipated following the restart when the lively Nisbet almost added to his tally, firing a strong angular drive against Siegrist’s left-hand post.
It was no real surprise when the Pars increased their lead on the hour mark, Afolabi recording his first goal for the Fifers when he tapped home a cross from Dominic Thomas.
Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford was clearly delighted with the outcome.
“The players, to a man, were different class today” he said. “It was really satisfying to get the three points. It’s a step in the right direction for us and we can start looking up the way now.
“I’m pleased we kept a clean sheet, I’m delighted that Jonathan’s off the mark, and the way Kevin took his goal shows that he’s a natural scorer.”