Pars young guns battle back to win at the double

DERBY: Johnston’s wholesale changes paid final dividends in victory over Fife EAST FIFE 1 DUNFERMLINE 2

Allan Johnston praised his Pars young guns after they helped turn this friendly on its head.

The East End Park side started with an experienced XI which included new signings Jackson and Louis Longridge, Mark Durnan, Aidan Connolly and Danny Devine.

Kallum Higginbotham and Andy Ryan also started for a strong Pars side which just couldn’t break down a well- drilled East Fife.

On the hour mark, though, Johnston swapped his entire side and, despite them conceding shortly afterwards, it proved to be the catalyst for Dunfermline to kick on and seal the win.

The Pars boss said: “East Fife were getting behind the ball and it was all a bit slow and deliberate. But the game opened up a bit in the second half when we brought the young boys on and I thought they did brilliantly and gave us a spark.

“Matt Todd in the middle of the park and Lewis McCann especially did really well. I know they’re pre-season games but it’s always good to win.”

Home boss Darren Young listed six trialists as he continues to mould a squad ahead of the League One season.

Former Bayview winger Scott McBride was among those given another chance to impress.

And it was the home side who settled into the game better, Scott Agnew going close with a drive from outside the box.

The Pars began to edge their way into the game with Andy Ryan and James Craigen both trying their luck.

Johnston introduced his youngsters from the bench early in the second half, but they were caught cold and Agnew robbed possession on the edge of the box and found Jonny Court who finished well.

But they were barely in front a minute when the young Pars pulled level after Matthew Todd finished well.

The future’s clearly bright at East End Park as the club’s youths went to grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

They got a deserved winner in fine fashion when Lewis McCann turned well inside the box and lashed his effort beyond Brett Long.

Bayview gaffer Young said: “Overall we’re happy that everyone has come through the game.

“Ross Davidson had a wee knock but is fine and that’s the main thing, getting the boys fit and through it.

“We did well at times and created a few chances. Then the changes came as they always do in pre-season and it kind of upset the rhythm a wee bit.

“But even then we still had a couple of chances. The goals we lost were disappointing but that comes when you’re chopping and changing.”

Former Kelty Hearts striker Jordyn Sheerin grabbed the only goal of the game as Cowdenbeath beat Civil Service Strollers 1-0.

Brown. Craig Pars boss Allan Johnston, above, praised his young stars, with Lewis McCann, top, celebrating his winner against East Fife.