Tangerines are saved by the Bell
DUNFERMLINE 1 Paton (50) DUNDEE UTD 3 Murray (20) Andreu (46, 90)
DUNDEE UNITED keeper Cammy Bell saved THREE penalties in an incredible firsthalf as the 10 men of Tannadice beat Dunfermline.
The goalie’s heroics helped United to their third win in four matches.
However, Tangerines boss Ray McKinnon was still furious with referee John Beaton, claiming every major decision went against his side, including the three spot-kicks awarded to the Pars.
“I’ve never seen three penalties awarded before in my life and I couldn’t believe it but we’ll move on,” said McKinnon.
“Cammy’s three saves were absolutely magnificent and that’s why we bought him. He’s a top-class goalkeeper.
“It was a very tough game for us and a pivotal one too because we showed our character and our determination not to get beaten. I’m really, really happy and I’m sure that will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.”
Pars boss Allan Johnston was predictably less content following a fourth straight defeat.
“Surely the first and third penalties should have been a sending-off as well?” he asked.
“Even so, you would still expect us to step up and score at least one of them.
“I thought the boys responded very well, though. We were on the front foot for almost the whole game and, apart from the second goal, which was a bad one to lose, I can’t criticise the players at all. There were a lot of positives, but we need to turn performances like that into results.”
Dunfermline’s first penalty came in the ninth minute, awarded after United defender William Edjenguele pushed Lee Ashcroft. Gavin Reilly’s kick was cleanly struck but at a convenient height for Bell to claw it away.
Striker Simon Murray’s crisply-taken opener compounded the home team’s misery in the 20th minute and further Pars embarrassment was just around the corner when Nicky Clark repeated Reilly’s miss after being tripped by Frank Van Der Struijk.
On the half-hour mark Paul McMullan