Pars new boys’ debuts hit by thunderstorm
THE arguments for summer football never did seem to hold much water.
At East End Park yesterday, one 10- minute downpour was all it took to wash t h em away completely – al o n g with Dunfermline and Raith Rovers’ Petrofac Training Cup clash.
Referee Steven McLean was left with little choice but to call off this all- Fife season- opener after a 3.30pm pitch inspection offered clear proof that the visibly waterlogged pitch was completely unplayable.
The fans grumbled, as is their wont, but such was the sudden and torrential nature of the thunderstorm that struck around 20 minutes before kick- off, in retrospect, even they will surely agree the right decision was made.
Both managers, the Pars’ Jim Jefferies and Rovers’ Grant Murray certainly did, though both admitted to frustration over the last-minute nature of the call-off.
After all, Dunfermline were due to hand competitive debuts to Gregor Buchanan, a summer capture from Airdrie, and Michael Moffat, who was nabbed from Ayr United.
Rovers, meanwhile, were set to start six new signings in Kevin Cuthbert, Ross Perr y, Mark Stewart, Martin Scott, Ryan Conroy and Christian Nade.
Instead, players, managers and fans alike will now have to wait until Tuesday, August 5, for this Fife derby to take place – depending, of course, on the weather.
Jefferies said: “The referee was prepared to give it as much time as possible, but you could see at 3.30 by some of the passes he was trying during the inspection it was becoming dangerous.
“He has to think of the players first, but it was a shame because the crowd were in and it was geared up for a good game.”
Rovers boss Grant Murray concurred, saying: “The referee’s had a decision to make and it was difficult. A lot of water fell in a short space of time, and credit has to go to the ground staff who did everything they could to get it on.
“But, at the end of the day, the referee has to look at the safety of the players, so there’s nothing we can do.
“It’s frustrating, especially being the holders, because we were looking forward to this game as soon as the draw was made.
“But the game is still there to be played, so we’ll look forward to it when it comes around.” LEAGUE ONE side Brechin got the verdict after this tight tie went to extra time.
Two goalkeeping errors cost the Fifers dearly, although good football was at a premium.
The Fifers took the lead after 13 minutes following a fine piece of individual skill from Sean Higgins.
New signing Craig Sutherland found Higgins eight yards out and he held off Paul McLean before firing past Graeme Smith.
Brechin struggled to find a way back but after 67 minutes they made a change and within 60 seconds were level.
After Cowden had given the ball away in midfield, Robert Thomson fired in a hopeful 16 yarder but Robbie Thomson dived over the ball and it went into the net.
Three minutes into extra time, City went in front. Thomson made a mess of a Jackson shot and Alan Trouten made no mistake.
Then City grabbed a third when Ryan Ferguson’s shot took a deflection off Brownlie and went in.