PARTICK Thistle super sub Stephen McKeown struck a late winner just as both sides looked unlikely to find that elusive goal. Three goal-line clearances by the Pars' defence cancelled out three shots against the woodwork at the other end in an incredi
ble match.
However, a mistake from Dunfermline goalkeeper Paul Gallacher saw McKeown pounce in 87 minutes to snatch an opening-day three points for Ian McCall's men.
The near misses began as early as the 14th minute when Ian Maxwell, making his league debut for the Jags, saw his header cleared off the line by Nicky Phinn. Phinn himself almost scored when he pounced on Graham Bayne's click-on, but he shot, off balance, straight at Partick custodian Jonny Tuffey.
It was then Pars' defender Greig Shields turned to block on the line after Mark Roberts clipped a shot over Gallacher with the aid of a deflection. Dunfermline came close just before the break when Bayne angled the ball towards Iain Williamson who connected only to see his effort hit the upright.
The bad luck continued after the break for both sides and Simon Donnelly was next to be denied. The former Celtic striker got on the end of a corner and Shields was again the hero on the line. Bayne then hit the post as did Dunfermline new boy Andy Kirk late on but Thistle nicked the victory.
A cross from the left from Donnelly was only half-punched clear by Gallacher and McKeown steadied himself to volley into the empty net.
The full article contains 262 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
