Published: Wednesday, 27th August, 2008 13:35
Wasps give Pars a fright in cup tie
By Kevin McRoberts
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Dunfermline Athletic 1 v 0 Alloa Athletic
Alloa defender Dougie Hill tangles with Pars striker Graeme Bayne during Tuesday night's cup tie at East End Park.
Pic by: Jim Payne, Dunfermline Press
AN EARLY goal by Dunfermline striker Andy Kirk was all that separated the two sides as Alloa Athletic travelled to East End Park in the second round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.
And the Wasps were unlucky not to at least force extra time as they piled the pressure on a shaky looking Pars side throughout the second half.
Kirk’s goal came after just eight minutes as the Irishman picked up the ball midway inside the Alloa half, and ran forwards unchallenged before unleashing a 25-yard strike which flew past Ray Jellema into the net.
The noisy band of travelling fans might have feared the worst at this stage and their side’s chances took a further dent when influencial midfielder Jamie Stevenson hobbled off midway through the first half with an ankle injury.
However, the Alloa side were well organised and, while Dunfermline enjoyed fairly lengthy spells of possession during the first 45 minutes, they rarely created any problems for the visitors’ defence.
Despite playing a full strength side, the Pars continued their lack-lustre performance in the second half – and the Wasps stepped up a gear as their First Division opponents appeared to take the foot off the gas.
Apart from a powerful drive from Pars midfielder Nicky Phinn which rattled the inside of the post before bouncing clear, it was generally one-way traffic with the Wasps most likely to score.
Former Dunfermline defender Iain Campbell wasn’t far away from scoring on his return to East End Park with a 30-yard free kick which curled just over the bar.
And John Grant forced a full length diving save from Pars goalkeeper Paul Gallacher near the end as the Wasps piled on the pressure.
Unfortunately for the visiting fans, the Pars just managed to hold out through a combination of last-ditch defending and some poor finishing.
And there was further misfortune for the Wasps in the last few minutes when Steve McKeown was shown the red card for a rash challenge on Pars striker Graeme Bayne, whose angry reaction led to a melee of players pushing and shoving each other.
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Alloa pick up first away point