A LATE SHOW SHOCK
Stunned Dundee let three-goal lead slip
DUNDEE were left devastated as Dunfermline mounted a dramatic comeback from three goals down to salvage a point.
The Championship game of the day more than lived up to its pre-match billing with the Pars equalising deep into stoppage-time against all the odds.
The Dark Blues had opened the scoring with a stunning strike courtesy of home skipper Charlie Adam in the 35th minute, with the midfielder hitting an unstoppable rising shot into the Pars’ net.
The former Scotland and Liverpool star then turned provider in the 50th minute as he whipped in a free-kick, with Osman Sow on the end of it to score his first goal for the club with a fine header.
Dundee’s third goal came in the 71st minute courtesy of another Adam assist, this time from a corner and Liam Fontaine hitting a snapshot into the net.
That looked to be that but the Pars pulled a goal back seven minutes later thanks to Paul Watson’s header at a corner before the visitors were awarded a penalty as former Pars defender Lee Ashcroft brought down sub Lewis McCann.
Declan McManus stepped up and clinically dispatched the spot-kick.
And Dunfermline’s comeback was completed in the third minute of stoppage-time when McManus sent a superb 25-yard free-kick flying into the back of the net.
The home side made a high-tempo start with their first chance coming in the second minute when Sow headed just over from a Christie Elliott cross.
The Pars produced a quick response, with McManus finding space in the Dundee box but his low shot was easily saved by Dark Blues keeper Jack Hamilton.
The home side looked certain to score when Jordan Marshall sent a superb cross from the left all the way to the Dunfermline back post but Jordan McGhee’s point-blank shot hit the woodwork, with Pars keeper Owain Fon Williams gathering the rebound.
Dundee continued to carve out chances, Fon Williams making a vital stop with his feet from an angled Elliott shot.
The keeper’s opposite number then made a crucial contribution of his own, with Hamilton diving full length to palm away a fierce Kyle Turner 22-yard effort.
However, the deadlock was broken by Adam’s moment of magic.
Straight after the restart, Dundee had a great opportunity to double their advantage when Sow had a clear sight of goal but Fon Williams made a crucial block to deny him.
However, the keeper was helpless to prevent Sow making it two shortly after.
Dundee looked to have put the game to bed when they made it three before the Pars produced their incredible comeback.
Devastated Dundee boss James McPake admitted the draw felt like one of the worst defeats of his career.
He said: ‘I’m disgusted with the last 12 minutes. We were so dominant and 3-0 up against a team who have been really good this season and we made them look very ordinary.
‘That feels like one of the worst defeats I’ve ever had — and it’s not even a defeat.
‘I’m devastated. It was three individual errors which cost us three goals and full points.
‘It’s a sore one to take. For 75 minutes, it was the best performance during my time as manager here. But we all need to take a good look in the mirror — myself included.’
McPake’s opposite number Stevie Crawford admitted last week’s League Cup tie with St Johnstone that went to extra time and penalties had taken its toll on his players.
However, he admitted the determination to come back from the dead against Dundee showed the character of his side.
The former Scotland international said: ‘It was a very tough first half, Dundee were the better side.
‘As a coaching staff, we know it, the players know it and were there reasons for it? Possibly.
‘You look at the cup tie, we played 120 minutes through the week.
‘All I do want to say is the boys’ effort and commitment in the second half, albeit we lost two bad goals, was there for everybody to see what it meant playing for the club.
‘That’s a few times now we’ve done it this season.
‘I’m not going to take anything away from them.’ DUNDEE (4-4-2): Hamilton; Elliott, Ashcroft, Fontaine, McGhee; Byrne, Adam (Anderson 72), Marshall, McGowan; Mullen (Forster 87), Sow (Afolabi 66). Subs (not used): Ferrie, Kerr, McDaid, Robertson. Booked: None. DUNFERMLINE (4-4-2): Fon Williams; Mayo, Watson, Murray, Edwards; Whittaker (McCann 78), Dow, McInroy (Wilson 46), Turner; Thomas (O’Hara 54), McManus. Subs (not used): Gill, McCann, Bowman, Fenton, Berry. Booked: Whittaker, Wilson.
Referee: Grant Irvine.