Brechin City 1-3 Dunfermline Athletic

Dunfermline's pre-season matches commenced with a winning start against Second Division outfit Brechin City at Glebe Park on Tuesday evening. Goals from Mark Burchill, Stephen Simmons and Stephen Glass sealed a comfortable success as preparations are stepped up ahead of the First Division kick off at Hamilton on August 4th.

Manager Stephen Kenny named a strong line-up, with Kevin Harper making his debut. Slight injuries to Scott Morrison, Scott Muirhead and Jim McIntyre meant that they were not risked as Mark Burchill started up front alongside Stevie Crawford.

The home side started the match well, with Roddy McKenzie called into action early on to block a Chris Geddes effort. But the Pars gradually began to take control and though a Harper effort went high over the bar, they took the lead on the half hour mark.

A short free-kick from Simmons was played to Harper down the right, who crossed for Burchill to nod home from 8 yards. That should do the hitman's confidence the world of good following his barren season last term.

Dunfermline continued to press and 11 minutes later it was 2-0. Good play from Scott Thomson saw him lay the ball to Darren Young, whose cross was only partially cleared by the home defence. Burchill then played the ball back across goal and Simmons was there fire home.

And soon after the restart it was 3-0. Burchill and Harper were again involved, with the latter taking Burchill's pass and crossing for Glass to finish off. 2 assists on his debut suggests Harper could be a key man in the coming season.

Brechin though refused to give in and pulled one back on the hour mark as Darren Smith fired home past Roddy McKenzie in the Pars goal.

And that, barring a David White header going narrowly over for Brechin and Pars having a Crawford goal disallowed for an offside against Jim Hamilton, was that. A worthwhile workout for Kenny's team, who next venture to Dumbarton on Saturday.

To view a full match report, visit http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1074592,00.html

Pars team: McKenzie; Shields, Wilson, McGuire (Woods 69), Thomson; Harper (Williamson 60), Young (O.Morrison HT), Simmons, Glass (Phinn 88); Crawford, Burchill (Hamilton 64).

Sub not used: Murdoch (GK).