Despite being snowed under with Uni assignments, I made it to Hampden along with around 2,500 other Athletic supporters for the semi final replay with Hibernian. The National Stadium, both inside and out, resembled a ghost town as only 8,500 turned up but the stayaways missed an absolutely enthralling evening of Scottish Cup football, with Jim McIntyre netting the glory goal to set up a final date with Celtic and send the Pars back into Europe.
The Pars support, bunched together in the BT Scotland Stand were in full voice as the match kicked off with Stephen Kenny making three changes to his side. Out went the suspended Scott Wilson and the cup tied Tam McManus and Stephen Glass and in came Adam Hammill, Phil McGuire and Darren Young.
The game started at a frenetic pace with both sides eager to go on the attack and prove a point to those fans who had elected to watch the game from their armchair. Abdessalam Benjelloun shot straight at Dorus De Vries before the Pars came into it and took a grip of the game.
Hammill, who caused the Hibs defence problems throughout the night, jinxed his way past Whitakker before firing a low effort from 25 yards which McNeill managed to turn wide for a corner.
Easter Road keepers have been suseptible to criticism this season but John Collins had McNeill to thank after 20 minutes. A dangerous Scott Muirhead corner was headed down by Jim McIntyre, which was palmed away by the Scotland under 21 keeper but as the ball fell to McGuire, the Pars defender could only knee the ball goalward and Lewis Stevenson was able to hack the ball off the line.
The men from Edinburgh however came within inches of taking the lead five minutes later. A fantastic run from Scott Brown saw the sought after midfielder skip past three Pars challenges and clip the ball over the advancing De Vries, but Greg Shields appeared from nowhere to somehow hook the ball off the line. A very lucky escape for the Athletic.
The first half had been a really cracking spectacle, and how it remained 0-0 was a mystery. And the second period started in the same vein, with Pars applying early pressure on the Hibs goal before Gary Mason was booked for a late tackle which ultimately ruled him out of the final.
Nerves were becoming fraught in the Pars end as Hibs began to take control. Numerous balls into the box were anxiously swept away by Sol Bamba and McGuire, while Jones and Fletcher sent headers narrowly wide and over.
Hibs continued to press and a Brown shot on the turn squirmed under De Vries' body but Jamie McCunnie was able to clear off the line. And when a Hibs shout for a penalty after a Bamba challenge on Dean Shiels was turned down by referee Thomson, you began to sense it could be the Pars night. And it was.
With six minutes left, and having ridden out a massive Hibee storm, Hammill tormented Chris Hogg down the right, cut inside and was abruptly brought down in the box and Thomson awarded the Pars a penalty. Pandemonium quickly turned to nerves- I sank to my knees and prayed- as Jim McIntyre stepped up to hit the penalty.
McIntyre, just as he'd done for Kilmarnock in a semi final replay 10 years earlier, stepped up and scored the glory goal to take the Pars through by cheekily chipping the ball into the middle of the net. Cue scenes of unbridled ecstasy in the Pars end of Hampden.
The final minutes seemed to take an age and manager Kenny threw on his subs to pass the time. One of them, Burchill, robbed Whittaker on halfway and ran one on one with McNeill but the keeper again denied the Pars with a fine save.
The referee eventually blew for time and the Pars had completed a remarkable journey to the final and the scenes of celebration at full time were incredible. But, as Stephen Kenny says, we are going back to Hampden to win the cup and not just to enjoy being there and reaching Europe.
Match Stats
Dunfermline: De Vries, Shields, McGuire, Bamba, Muirhead, Young (Burchill 77), Mason, McCunnie, Hammill (Ross 88), O'Brien (Owen Morrison 70), McIntyre. Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Daquin.
Goal: McIntyre (88 pen).
Hibernian: McNeil, Whittaker, Hogg, Jones, Murphy, Scott Brown, Beuzelin (Chisholm 74), Stevenson, Sproule (Shiels 67), Benjelloun, Gray (Fletcher 46). Subs Not Used: Simon Brown, McCann.
Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Greg Shields
Attendance: 8,536
Referee: C Thomson
Sunday, 29 April 2007
Sunday, 22 April 2007
Dunfermline Athletic 1-0 Dundee United
Dunfermline could well have taken a significant step in the battle to avoid SPL relegation on Saturday following a well deserved 1-0 win over Dundee United. If second bottom St Mirren lose at Falkirk on Monday, a once 9 point gap will have been whittled down to a solitary point before the teams go head to head in Paisley on April 30th.
Stephen Kenny spoke in the build up to the match that this game could be the Fifers' toughest of the post split fixtures but in the end the home side were well on top and preserved their 10 year unbeaten home record against the Taysiders.
After the creditable performance in the Scottish Cup, manager Kenny recalled Tam McManus and Stephen Glass, with Phil McGuire dropping out due to suspension and Adam Hammill left on the bench. Glass operated on the left side of midfield, with Scott Muirhead continuing at left back.
With the fans anxious for a victory, the Pars came flying out of the blocks and McManus saw a toe poked effort saved by Derek Stillie after only 45 seconds, but the linesman's flag was up in any case. But the move lifted the spirits of the home fans who were right behind the team for 90 minutes.
McManus, as in the home encounter with Hibernian, was mostly involved in all of the Pars good attacking play. His workrate and movement caused United problems all afternoon and he had two really good chances to open his Athletic account in the game's early stages.
Firstly, he saw a headed effort saved easily by Stillie after Jim O'Brien had sent in an excellent cross from the right before he flashed a header wide following another pin point delivery, this time from Greg Shields.
But then the home side wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead. Glass and McManus combined well and played the ball into Jim McIntyre, but the former United man fired the ball wide from eight yards when it was easier to hit the target.
And the Pars almost rued that miss as United broke in their first meaningful attack just after the half hour. Christian Kalvanes robbed O'Brien of possession and played a one two with Jon Daly and fired a shot at goal which Dorus De Vries smothered comfortably.
However, a sweeping move from the hands of De Vries saw the Athletic hit the front. Shields, out of position following United's break, received the ball on the right and he sent over another excellent ball which McManus met full on the volley and he hammered it into the net to spark wild celebrations all around the ground.
The goal was just reward for Dunfermline's dominance but were lucky not to concede a penalty with minutes of the half remaining as Jamie McCunnie appeared to push over a United player, but referee Alan Freeland waved play on.
United came out with a bit more purpose for the second period, with Barry Robson firing a free-kick over the bar and having a shot blocked by Scott Wilson.
Then the Pars should have made the game safe but managed to spurn yet another gilt edged chance. Glass broke through behind the United defence and lifted the ball over the advancing Stillie, but with the goal gaping, the on loan midfielder fired the ball over the bar.
The visitors then created their best chance of the match but Daly managed to head over the top from six yards out. United then appealed for a penalty as Lee Wilkie went down in the box, but Freeland made the correct call in waving away United's claims for a second time.
Goalscorer McManus went off to a hero's ovation from the crowd and was replaced by Adam Hammill, who created what should have been the second and clinching goal. He charged his way down the right to the bye-line, cutting the ball back for McIntyre. The Pars number 10 should have shot first time but instead took a touch and allowed the visiting defence to get back and block his shot.
The fear that Dunfermline could live to regret the missed chances proved unfounded as Stephen Kenny's men recorded their third win in four SPL outings. It was a well deserved victory with no failures from Dorus all the way through to Tam McManus up front.
The Pars have battled back from certain doom to be a point behind St Mirren, and if they gap remains the same by the time we head for Paisley, the team will be fully confident they can overhaul the Buddies and survive.
But first it is off to Hampden on Tuesday night in the hope of sealing a cup final spot and UEFA Cup football. If Stephen Kenny can achieve that and SPL survival, then he will be known as "God".
Match Stats
Dunfermline Athletic: De Vries, Shields, Wilson, Bamba, Glass, O'Brien (Daquin 90), Mason, McCunnie, Muirhead, McManus (Hammill 70), McIntyre (Burchill 85). Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Ross, Young, Thomson.
Goal: McManus (34)
Dundee United: Stillie, Kalvenes, McCracken, Wilkie, Gomis (Easton 63), Cameron, Daly, Dillon, Robson, Samuel (Robertson 78), Hunt (Goodwillie 63).Subs Not Used: McLean, Mair, Duff, McCord.
Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Gary Mason
Attendance: 5,131
Referee: Alan Freeland
Stephen Kenny spoke in the build up to the match that this game could be the Fifers' toughest of the post split fixtures but in the end the home side were well on top and preserved their 10 year unbeaten home record against the Taysiders.
After the creditable performance in the Scottish Cup, manager Kenny recalled Tam McManus and Stephen Glass, with Phil McGuire dropping out due to suspension and Adam Hammill left on the bench. Glass operated on the left side of midfield, with Scott Muirhead continuing at left back.
With the fans anxious for a victory, the Pars came flying out of the blocks and McManus saw a toe poked effort saved by Derek Stillie after only 45 seconds, but the linesman's flag was up in any case. But the move lifted the spirits of the home fans who were right behind the team for 90 minutes.
McManus, as in the home encounter with Hibernian, was mostly involved in all of the Pars good attacking play. His workrate and movement caused United problems all afternoon and he had two really good chances to open his Athletic account in the game's early stages.
Firstly, he saw a headed effort saved easily by Stillie after Jim O'Brien had sent in an excellent cross from the right before he flashed a header wide following another pin point delivery, this time from Greg Shields.
But then the home side wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead. Glass and McManus combined well and played the ball into Jim McIntyre, but the former United man fired the ball wide from eight yards when it was easier to hit the target.
And the Pars almost rued that miss as United broke in their first meaningful attack just after the half hour. Christian Kalvanes robbed O'Brien of possession and played a one two with Jon Daly and fired a shot at goal which Dorus De Vries smothered comfortably.
However, a sweeping move from the hands of De Vries saw the Athletic hit the front. Shields, out of position following United's break, received the ball on the right and he sent over another excellent ball which McManus met full on the volley and he hammered it into the net to spark wild celebrations all around the ground.
The goal was just reward for Dunfermline's dominance but were lucky not to concede a penalty with minutes of the half remaining as Jamie McCunnie appeared to push over a United player, but referee Alan Freeland waved play on.
United came out with a bit more purpose for the second period, with Barry Robson firing a free-kick over the bar and having a shot blocked by Scott Wilson.
Then the Pars should have made the game safe but managed to spurn yet another gilt edged chance. Glass broke through behind the United defence and lifted the ball over the advancing Stillie, but with the goal gaping, the on loan midfielder fired the ball over the bar.
The visitors then created their best chance of the match but Daly managed to head over the top from six yards out. United then appealed for a penalty as Lee Wilkie went down in the box, but Freeland made the correct call in waving away United's claims for a second time.
Goalscorer McManus went off to a hero's ovation from the crowd and was replaced by Adam Hammill, who created what should have been the second and clinching goal. He charged his way down the right to the bye-line, cutting the ball back for McIntyre. The Pars number 10 should have shot first time but instead took a touch and allowed the visiting defence to get back and block his shot.
The fear that Dunfermline could live to regret the missed chances proved unfounded as Stephen Kenny's men recorded their third win in four SPL outings. It was a well deserved victory with no failures from Dorus all the way through to Tam McManus up front.
The Pars have battled back from certain doom to be a point behind St Mirren, and if they gap remains the same by the time we head for Paisley, the team will be fully confident they can overhaul the Buddies and survive.
But first it is off to Hampden on Tuesday night in the hope of sealing a cup final spot and UEFA Cup football. If Stephen Kenny can achieve that and SPL survival, then he will be known as "God".
Match Stats
Dunfermline Athletic: De Vries, Shields, Wilson, Bamba, Glass, O'Brien (Daquin 90), Mason, McCunnie, Muirhead, McManus (Hammill 70), McIntyre (Burchill 85). Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Ross, Young, Thomson.
Goal: McManus (34)
Dundee United: Stillie, Kalvenes, McCracken, Wilkie, Gomis (Easton 63), Cameron, Daly, Dillon, Robson, Samuel (Robertson 78), Hunt (Goodwillie 63).Subs Not Used: McLean, Mair, Duff, McCord.
Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Gary Mason
Attendance: 5,131
Referee: Alan Freeland
Monday, 16 April 2007
Tennent's Scottish Cup Semi Final replay
Despite howls of derision from fans of both Dunfermline and Hibernian, the Tennent's Scottish Cup semi final replay will take place on Tuesday April 24th at Hampden Park with a 7.45pm kick off.
The match will be all-ticket and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Dunfermline Athletic supporters will be housed in one half of the BT Scotland South Stand, with Hibernian supporters allocated the other half along with the North Stand. Ticket prices will NOT to reduced, so Pars fans will be paying £22-£25.
Personally, I think the SFA should hang their heads in shame. Tynecastle is by far and away a more suitable venue and a sell out with a cracking atmosphere would be near enough guaranteed. Now we'll be lucky to get over 10,000 fans inside the 52,000 seat National Stadium as Glasgow, especially from Fife, is difficult to get to on public transport, ticket prices have not been reduced and there will be no cash turnstiles in operation. Disgraceful.
As a result of the replay taking place a week on Tuesday, Andy Tod's testimonial match, which was due to take place at East End Park on Monday April 23rd, will now be rescheduled. Full details of this will be released by the club shortly.
The match will be all-ticket and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Dunfermline Athletic supporters will be housed in one half of the BT Scotland South Stand, with Hibernian supporters allocated the other half along with the North Stand. Ticket prices will NOT to reduced, so Pars fans will be paying £22-£25.
Personally, I think the SFA should hang their heads in shame. Tynecastle is by far and away a more suitable venue and a sell out with a cracking atmosphere would be near enough guaranteed. Now we'll be lucky to get over 10,000 fans inside the 52,000 seat National Stadium as Glasgow, especially from Fife, is difficult to get to on public transport, ticket prices have not been reduced and there will be no cash turnstiles in operation. Disgraceful.
As a result of the replay taking place a week on Tuesday, Andy Tod's testimonial match, which was due to take place at East End Park on Monday April 23rd, will now be rescheduled. Full details of this will be released by the club shortly.
Stephen Kenny Post Hibs reaction
Manager Stephen Kenny was content with his Dunfermline side's performance in the goalless draw with Hibernian in the Scottish Cup semi final.
"I can't say I'm ecstatic, but we're still in it and I thought we had the better chances," he said.
"Maybe we didn't retain possession as well as we could have; we fell down in that area and gave the ball away a bit too cheaply at times.
"I definitely think that there is more in us."
The Pars gaffer thought his side, although having less of the ball, created the clearer chances on the day.
"Hibs had definitely more possession, especially in the second half, but we probably had the clearer chances on the day. It was a great chance that Jamie McCunnie had which came off the post then brought a brilliant save from McNeill from the follow up from Jim O'Brien. Then Gary Mason's chance in the second half, it was a great chance and sometimes you have to take these chances but we didn't get punished for it."
Stephen admitted that his intriguing team selection was down to tactics having watched the Leith side destroy Kilmarnock in the CIS Insurance Cup final.
"We watched that game and tactically it was a lesson for me because they are very different from everyone else in the SPL the way they play. They don't play orthodox, they interchange positions and we had to change our positions to contend with that."
And the Athletic managed to contend with it in no small part to an excellent rearguard performance. Stephen paid tribute to the "exceptional" back four.
"The back four were very good and they gave us a platform to compete well in midfield but we felt we didn't contain them the way we should have, they way we are capable of. In fairness to them they are dynamic in that area with Scott Brown and Ivan Sproule doubling up on the right in the second half. There is a lot of pace and power there."
"I can't say I'm ecstatic, but we're still in it and I thought we had the better chances," he said.
"Maybe we didn't retain possession as well as we could have; we fell down in that area and gave the ball away a bit too cheaply at times.
"I definitely think that there is more in us."
The Pars gaffer thought his side, although having less of the ball, created the clearer chances on the day.
"Hibs had definitely more possession, especially in the second half, but we probably had the clearer chances on the day. It was a great chance that Jamie McCunnie had which came off the post then brought a brilliant save from McNeill from the follow up from Jim O'Brien. Then Gary Mason's chance in the second half, it was a great chance and sometimes you have to take these chances but we didn't get punished for it."
Stephen admitted that his intriguing team selection was down to tactics having watched the Leith side destroy Kilmarnock in the CIS Insurance Cup final.
"We watched that game and tactically it was a lesson for me because they are very different from everyone else in the SPL the way they play. They don't play orthodox, they interchange positions and we had to change our positions to contend with that."
And the Athletic managed to contend with it in no small part to an excellent rearguard performance. Stephen paid tribute to the "exceptional" back four.
"The back four were very good and they gave us a platform to compete well in midfield but we felt we didn't contain them the way we should have, they way we are capable of. In fairness to them they are dynamic in that area with Scott Brown and Ivan Sproule doubling up on the right in the second half. There is a lot of pace and power there."
Dunfermline Athletic 0-0 Hibernian
Dunfermline and Hibernian will have to do battle all over again following an exciting goalless draw in the cup semi final at Hampden Park yesterday. Both teams gave a tremendous amount of effort and although there were chances at both ends defences came out on top.
Despite only being half full, a sun kissed National Stadium provided a good atmosphere pre-match, with the 7,000 or so Pars supporters roaring their heroes on from the start despite being taken aback by Stephen Kenny's team selection.
From last weekend's 1-0 defeat of Hibs, Tam McManus was cup tied and missed out which meant a return to the starting XI for Adam Hammill. The real surprises though were in defence and midfield, which saw Sol Bamba partner Scott Wilson at the back, Phil McGuire moved forward to partner Gary Mason in midfield with Scott Muirhead replacing Scott Morrison at left back. It was a brave selection by Kenny but ultimately one which would bring some reward for the Fifers.
After all the goings on down Leith way this week regarding John Collins' management style and the subesquent players mutiny, the Easter Road side started the match well and came close inside two minutes as Chris Hogg headed wide from a David Murphy corner. And although Steven Fletcher then failed to get on the end of a low ball into the box by Steven Whittaker, it was the Athletic who had the game's best chance.
Adam Hammill sent a teasing ball into the box which Jim McIntyre flicked on to the onrushing Jamie McCunnie, but the midfielder's shot hit the inside of Andy McNeill's right hand post. And from the rebound, the keeper earned his corn with a fine save to deny Jim O'Brien.
At the other end, the impressive Scott Brown fired in a shot from the edge of the box which Dorus De Vries did well to push away, but in truth the Pars keeper didn't have many more saves to make as Dunfermline's impressive rearguard action frustrated the CIS Cup winners throughout the afternoon.
And frustration would have turned into devastation had it not been for the heroics of McNeill. Hammill again was the provider, sending over a ball which McGuire met full on the volley at the edge of the box and McNeill reacted brilliantly to tip it over as it dipped viciously towards the net.
As the half wore on, Dunfermline grew in confidence, especially as the Edinburgh side's support were getting on their players back. And just before half time McNeill rode to Hibernian's rescue again as he threw himself at the feet of Jim McIntyre to prevent a certain goal. In doing so though, the Scotland Under 21 star sustained concussion and had to be replaced by Simon Brown at the interval.
Dunfermline boss Kenny was also forced into a half time switch; Greg Ross replacing McGuire who sustained a slight knock. No chances were being taken with a massive league match with Dundee United coming up on Saturday.
The second period saw Hibs re-emerge in determined mood and were epitomised by Scott Brown. Representatives from clubs such as Tottenham and Middlesbrough were in the Hampden stands casting an eye over the midfielder and would have been impressed by his showing. He began to pull the strings for his side and a couple of minutes into the half he skinned Greg Shields on the left and cut the ball back for Fletcher, who's effort was charged down heroically by Bamba and Wilson.
Despite this, it was the Athletic yet again who provided another great chance to open the scoring just short of the hour mark. Hammill was again the creator, clipping the ball into the box to Gary Mason, who shuffled past his man before firing the ball over from 12 yards. Had he looked to his right, O'Brien was unmarked and would have had a superb chance to fire Dunfermline in front.
Hibs were becoming increasingly desperate as the match wore on and Ivan Sproule's effort from 25 yards that went well wide just about summed them up.
Referee Craig Thomson then came in for stick from the vociforous following from Fife as he failed to book Abdessalam Benjelloun for a string of dives, one of which was inside the Pars penalty area. Scott Wilson did go into the book for a cruching foul on Fletcher, a yellow card which means the Pars stopper will miss the replay.
Benjelloun then came closest to scoring for Hibs ten minutes from time when his downward volley bounced off the lush Hampden turf and appeared to be nestling in the net until man of the match Bamba headed off the line.
Kenny threw on Owen Morrison for Hammill and though the Pars charged towards the Leith side's goal and forced some corners, another glorious chance didn't come and so both sides had to settle for a return date at Hampden a week on Tuesday.
This was a good performance from Dunfermline and the tactics employed worked well, in the first half especially. Bamba was man of the match; an impressive and dominant performance from the big man, with Scott Muirhead and Jamie McCunnie not far behind. Adam Hammill showed good skill at times but at others drifted out of the game while Greg Shields looked back to his best.
Overall, a good effort from the team which was appreciated by the support as they and the team acknowledged each other's efforts at the end. That is more than can be said of Hibs, with a lot of their support booing their side and only a couple of players offerring applause. Simon Brown should concentrate on his own side instead of shooting his mouth off to the Edinburgh Evening News about our team clapping our supporters at the end.
But we can take great encouragement from yesterday and we have a very good chance of progressing to the final. Come on ye Pars!
Match Stats
Dunfermline Athletic: De Vries, Shields, Wilson, McGuire (Ross 45), McCunnie, Muirhead, Hammill (O.Morrison 80), Bamba, Mason, O'Brien, McIntyre (Burchill 90).
Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Daquin
Hibernian: McNeil (Simon Brown 45), Whittaker, Jones, Hogg, Murphy, Sproule, Beuzelin, Fletcher, Stevenson, Scott Brown, Benjelloun (Gray 89).
Subs Not Used: Zemmama, McCann, Chisholm
Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Soulyemane Bamba
Tennent's Lager MoM: Scott Brown (Hibernian)
Referee: Craig Thomson
Attendance: 25,336
Despite only being half full, a sun kissed National Stadium provided a good atmosphere pre-match, with the 7,000 or so Pars supporters roaring their heroes on from the start despite being taken aback by Stephen Kenny's team selection.
From last weekend's 1-0 defeat of Hibs, Tam McManus was cup tied and missed out which meant a return to the starting XI for Adam Hammill. The real surprises though were in defence and midfield, which saw Sol Bamba partner Scott Wilson at the back, Phil McGuire moved forward to partner Gary Mason in midfield with Scott Muirhead replacing Scott Morrison at left back. It was a brave selection by Kenny but ultimately one which would bring some reward for the Fifers.
After all the goings on down Leith way this week regarding John Collins' management style and the subesquent players mutiny, the Easter Road side started the match well and came close inside two minutes as Chris Hogg headed wide from a David Murphy corner. And although Steven Fletcher then failed to get on the end of a low ball into the box by Steven Whittaker, it was the Athletic who had the game's best chance.
Adam Hammill sent a teasing ball into the box which Jim McIntyre flicked on to the onrushing Jamie McCunnie, but the midfielder's shot hit the inside of Andy McNeill's right hand post. And from the rebound, the keeper earned his corn with a fine save to deny Jim O'Brien.
At the other end, the impressive Scott Brown fired in a shot from the edge of the box which Dorus De Vries did well to push away, but in truth the Pars keeper didn't have many more saves to make as Dunfermline's impressive rearguard action frustrated the CIS Cup winners throughout the afternoon.
And frustration would have turned into devastation had it not been for the heroics of McNeill. Hammill again was the provider, sending over a ball which McGuire met full on the volley at the edge of the box and McNeill reacted brilliantly to tip it over as it dipped viciously towards the net.
As the half wore on, Dunfermline grew in confidence, especially as the Edinburgh side's support were getting on their players back. And just before half time McNeill rode to Hibernian's rescue again as he threw himself at the feet of Jim McIntyre to prevent a certain goal. In doing so though, the Scotland Under 21 star sustained concussion and had to be replaced by Simon Brown at the interval.
Dunfermline boss Kenny was also forced into a half time switch; Greg Ross replacing McGuire who sustained a slight knock. No chances were being taken with a massive league match with Dundee United coming up on Saturday.
The second period saw Hibs re-emerge in determined mood and were epitomised by Scott Brown. Representatives from clubs such as Tottenham and Middlesbrough were in the Hampden stands casting an eye over the midfielder and would have been impressed by his showing. He began to pull the strings for his side and a couple of minutes into the half he skinned Greg Shields on the left and cut the ball back for Fletcher, who's effort was charged down heroically by Bamba and Wilson.
Despite this, it was the Athletic yet again who provided another great chance to open the scoring just short of the hour mark. Hammill was again the creator, clipping the ball into the box to Gary Mason, who shuffled past his man before firing the ball over from 12 yards. Had he looked to his right, O'Brien was unmarked and would have had a superb chance to fire Dunfermline in front.
Hibs were becoming increasingly desperate as the match wore on and Ivan Sproule's effort from 25 yards that went well wide just about summed them up.
Referee Craig Thomson then came in for stick from the vociforous following from Fife as he failed to book Abdessalam Benjelloun for a string of dives, one of which was inside the Pars penalty area. Scott Wilson did go into the book for a cruching foul on Fletcher, a yellow card which means the Pars stopper will miss the replay.
Benjelloun then came closest to scoring for Hibs ten minutes from time when his downward volley bounced off the lush Hampden turf and appeared to be nestling in the net until man of the match Bamba headed off the line.
Kenny threw on Owen Morrison for Hammill and though the Pars charged towards the Leith side's goal and forced some corners, another glorious chance didn't come and so both sides had to settle for a return date at Hampden a week on Tuesday.
This was a good performance from Dunfermline and the tactics employed worked well, in the first half especially. Bamba was man of the match; an impressive and dominant performance from the big man, with Scott Muirhead and Jamie McCunnie not far behind. Adam Hammill showed good skill at times but at others drifted out of the game while Greg Shields looked back to his best.
Overall, a good effort from the team which was appreciated by the support as they and the team acknowledged each other's efforts at the end. That is more than can be said of Hibs, with a lot of their support booing their side and only a couple of players offerring applause. Simon Brown should concentrate on his own side instead of shooting his mouth off to the Edinburgh Evening News about our team clapping our supporters at the end.
But we can take great encouragement from yesterday and we have a very good chance of progressing to the final. Come on ye Pars!
Match Stats
Dunfermline Athletic: De Vries, Shields, Wilson, McGuire (Ross 45), McCunnie, Muirhead, Hammill (O.Morrison 80), Bamba, Mason, O'Brien, McIntyre (Burchill 90).
Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Daquin
Hibernian: McNeil (Simon Brown 45), Whittaker, Jones, Hogg, Murphy, Sproule, Beuzelin, Fletcher, Stevenson, Scott Brown, Benjelloun (Gray 89).
Subs Not Used: Zemmama, McCann, Chisholm
Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Soulyemane Bamba
Tennent's Lager MoM: Scott Brown (Hibernian)
Referee: Craig Thomson
Attendance: 25,336
Friday, 13 April 2007
Dunfermline Athletic V Hibernian; Scottish Cup semi final preview
It is to Hampden Park on Sunday for Dunfermline Athletic again as the Pars go head to head with CIS Insurance Cup winners Hibernian for a place in the Tennent's Scottish Cup final. This will be the Athletic's 4th visit to the national stadium in 3 years as we look to take a step closer to picking up our first piece of silverware since lifting the cup way back in 1968.
Stephen Kenny's men will arrive in Glasgow in confident mood despite remaining anchored to the bottom of the Premier League. 9 points from their previous 12 have taken the Pars to within 4 points of second bottom St Mirren, renewing hope and belief that Dunfermline can yet again pull off a miraculous "great escape". Add to that the fact that Hibs were defeated by a goal to nil at East End Park on Saturday then it would seem we have every right to feel confident we can take our place against either Celtic or St Johnstone in May's showpiece.
Preparations for Sunday have gone smoothly in the Athletic camp. Kenny and his players have been in the media talking up their chances of pulling off an upset against a side that Kenny has described as "excellent".
By contrast though, the Leith side's preparations could not have been more different. Since that 1-0 reverse last weekend, rumours were circulating about a bust up in the dressing room and it came to a head as it emerged several Hibs players met with chairman Rod Petrie to voice their discontent over boss John Collins' training regime, squad rotation and tactics.
However, Collins has stood firm and with good reason. Since taking over from Tony Mowbray, the former Scotland international has safely guided his side into the SPL's top six and delivered their first trophy in sixteen years as they thrashed Kilmarnock in the final of the League Cup. Football never ceases to amaze- a couple of bad results after being so successful and the manager seems to be under pressure.
While the clubs have had varying fortunes on the pitch, Dunfermline's road to Hampden has undoubtedly given the support a huge boost having knocked out good sides en route. If Dunfermline were to go all the way, it could be argued it could be the greatest cup triumph for a considerable length of time.
It started back in January when Rangers arrived at East End Park. Until that point, the Pars had gone 9 league games without scoring but incredibley led 3-0 after only 49 minutes thanks to Jim Hamilton, Stephen Simmons and Phil McGuire. Although Kris Boyd pulled 2 goals back, the Fifers clung on for a deserved victory.
And so to round four, and with Pars fans hoping for an easier tie, they were paired with cup holders Hearts at East End Park. A large crowd witnessed an enthralling second half and a magnificent performance from Adam Hammill, who appropriately set up the winning goal for Scott Wilson in the dying seconds. The Pars support began to believe and that belief grew when Partick Thistle were drawn at home for the quarter final. The Jags had been beaten in runs to the 1968 and 2004 finals and were comfortably disposed of again by 2 Stephen Simmons goals to nil.
Hibs road to the semi final has been a lot more comfortable. They were though handed a tough draw away to Aberdeen in round 3 and after securing a 2-2 draw, they thrashed the Dons 4-1 in the Easter Road replay with an absolutely dazzling show of pace, skill and power. Last season's beaten finalists were then comfortably beaten 3-1 at Easter Road before making the trip to Palmerston to play Queen of the South.
Despite being given a very big scare by the First Division side, goals from David Murphy and Thomas Sowunmi won the day for the Hibees.
For Dunfermline, it is a massive opportunity to not only reach the final, but to keep the momentum going ahead of two massive league games with Dundee United and St Mirren which could decide whether we survive in the SPL. For Hibs, they are still looking to get the monkey of not winning the Scottish Cup since 1902 off their back, so it should be an intriguing semi final.
Hopefully a good support will 'Go West' to cheer the team on to another Hampden final.
Come on ye Pars!
Latest team news:
Stephen Glass misses out as he is on loan from Hibs, while Tam McManus is ineligible having been on the bench for Falkirk in an earlier round. Darren Young has resumed training but will miss out due to a lack of fitness, while Stevie Crawford is a doubt with a back problem. Scott Wilson returns to the defence from suspension.
Squad: De Vries, Bamba, McGuire, Shields, S.Morrison, O'Brien, Mason, Hammill, McIntyre, Crawford, Muirhead, Thomson, Burchill, McKenzie, McCunnie, Ross, Ryan, Wilson.
Probable team:
De Vries
Shields Wilson McGuire S.Morrison
O'Brien Mason McCunnie Hammill
Burchill McIntyre.
Stephen Kenny's men will arrive in Glasgow in confident mood despite remaining anchored to the bottom of the Premier League. 9 points from their previous 12 have taken the Pars to within 4 points of second bottom St Mirren, renewing hope and belief that Dunfermline can yet again pull off a miraculous "great escape". Add to that the fact that Hibs were defeated by a goal to nil at East End Park on Saturday then it would seem we have every right to feel confident we can take our place against either Celtic or St Johnstone in May's showpiece.
Preparations for Sunday have gone smoothly in the Athletic camp. Kenny and his players have been in the media talking up their chances of pulling off an upset against a side that Kenny has described as "excellent".
By contrast though, the Leith side's preparations could not have been more different. Since that 1-0 reverse last weekend, rumours were circulating about a bust up in the dressing room and it came to a head as it emerged several Hibs players met with chairman Rod Petrie to voice their discontent over boss John Collins' training regime, squad rotation and tactics.
However, Collins has stood firm and with good reason. Since taking over from Tony Mowbray, the former Scotland international has safely guided his side into the SPL's top six and delivered their first trophy in sixteen years as they thrashed Kilmarnock in the final of the League Cup. Football never ceases to amaze- a couple of bad results after being so successful and the manager seems to be under pressure.
While the clubs have had varying fortunes on the pitch, Dunfermline's road to Hampden has undoubtedly given the support a huge boost having knocked out good sides en route. If Dunfermline were to go all the way, it could be argued it could be the greatest cup triumph for a considerable length of time.
It started back in January when Rangers arrived at East End Park. Until that point, the Pars had gone 9 league games without scoring but incredibley led 3-0 after only 49 minutes thanks to Jim Hamilton, Stephen Simmons and Phil McGuire. Although Kris Boyd pulled 2 goals back, the Fifers clung on for a deserved victory.
And so to round four, and with Pars fans hoping for an easier tie, they were paired with cup holders Hearts at East End Park. A large crowd witnessed an enthralling second half and a magnificent performance from Adam Hammill, who appropriately set up the winning goal for Scott Wilson in the dying seconds. The Pars support began to believe and that belief grew when Partick Thistle were drawn at home for the quarter final. The Jags had been beaten in runs to the 1968 and 2004 finals and were comfortably disposed of again by 2 Stephen Simmons goals to nil.
Hibs road to the semi final has been a lot more comfortable. They were though handed a tough draw away to Aberdeen in round 3 and after securing a 2-2 draw, they thrashed the Dons 4-1 in the Easter Road replay with an absolutely dazzling show of pace, skill and power. Last season's beaten finalists were then comfortably beaten 3-1 at Easter Road before making the trip to Palmerston to play Queen of the South.
Despite being given a very big scare by the First Division side, goals from David Murphy and Thomas Sowunmi won the day for the Hibees.
For Dunfermline, it is a massive opportunity to not only reach the final, but to keep the momentum going ahead of two massive league games with Dundee United and St Mirren which could decide whether we survive in the SPL. For Hibs, they are still looking to get the monkey of not winning the Scottish Cup since 1902 off their back, so it should be an intriguing semi final.
Hopefully a good support will 'Go West' to cheer the team on to another Hampden final.
Come on ye Pars!
Latest team news:
Stephen Glass misses out as he is on loan from Hibs, while Tam McManus is ineligible having been on the bench for Falkirk in an earlier round. Darren Young has resumed training but will miss out due to a lack of fitness, while Stevie Crawford is a doubt with a back problem. Scott Wilson returns to the defence from suspension.
Squad: De Vries, Bamba, McGuire, Shields, S.Morrison, O'Brien, Mason, Hammill, McIntyre, Crawford, Muirhead, Thomson, Burchill, McKenzie, McCunnie, Ross, Ryan, Wilson.
Probable team:
De Vries
Shields Wilson McGuire S.Morrison
O'Brien Mason McCunnie Hammill
Burchill McIntyre.
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