Dunbar United 1-0 East Fife, Scottish Gas Scottish Cup
Saturday 28th October 2023, New Countess Park
East Fife crashed out of the Scottish Cup after being beaten by East of Scotland side Dunbar United after a well below par performance.
East Fife controlled the game from early proceedings, though Dunbar did still have their chances.
Kieran Millar had a chance inside the opening 10 minutes for the Fifers, as a training ground free-kick routine, akin to that against Stranraer, found the central midfielder in the box. Millar released a well struck effort, though it was blocked by the Seasiders’ centre half, keeping the scores level.
The onslaught continued, and less than two minutes later, a lovely cross from Alan Trouten met the head of Nathan Austin, but Fash’s header cannoned back off the crossbar, as Fife were left empty handed for all their hard work.
10 minutes later, Brian Easton went down, unopposed and was escorted off by club physio Jeb Spink. We hope that Easton’s injury is not too serious and wish him a speedy recovery. He was replaced by a returning Jonathan Page.
Dunbar’s first clear chance of the game came at the expense of a Sean Docherty mistake, as Handling nicked the ball from the full back, and burst toward goal. Fleming met him though, and a strong save kept the game goalless, for the time being.
It was end to end stuff for a period, as Shepherd burst away, and got past his defender. Unfortunately, his shot was tame and was gathered easily by Dowie. Moments later, Healy created a chance from a corner, and it takes a fantastic save from Dowie to deny Page from a bullet header. The second corner was met by Austin, who nodded the ball into the car park.
After 40 minutes, the Fifers had yet another opening, as Healy set up Shepherd, though Fife’s number 9’s shot glanced past both posts.
With 43 minutes on the clock, Dunbar United were awarded a penalty, after Comerford was adjudged to have fouled Somers inside the penalty area.
Whitson stepped up, and despite Allan Fleming getting both hands on it, he could only push it against the post, and the ball bobbled over the line, handing the Seasiders a shock lead.
What came after the half time whistle was simply one of nature’s cruel tolls on the world, as East Fife annihilated Dunbar, as for around 40 minutes of the 45, the ball was the Dunbar defensive half. Unfortunately, though, the attackers did not have their shooting boots on, as countless chances were squandered over the proceedings. Credit does also have to go the home side, however, for some resolute defending throughout.
East Fife almost had too many half chances to mention, but no real chances of note worth a mention with Dowie having a long afternoon, gaining lots of practice at his goal kicks.
In the final 20, the game was played completely in the final third, with Dunbar (understandably) packing men in their box, holding on for the 1-0 win which would give them progression in the Scottish Cup.
East Fife continued to push, but Dunbar held on, and despite East Fife being the aggressors in the majority of the game, it was Dunbar United who progressed into the third round of the Scottish Cup. Their heart, gut, and determination proved that they were worthy winners on the day, in what was a rather disappointing day at the office for the Fifers.
Report by Oli Anderson
Dunbar United – Dowie, Berry, Thomson, Whitson, Redpath, Congalton, Archibald, Somers, Bathgate (Hare 83’), Gregory (Stewart 80’), Handling
East Fife – Fleming, Docherty (Murdoch 45’), Comerford, Easton (Page 23’ (Nicol 80’)), Newton, Millar (Walls 68’), McManus, Trouten, Shepherd (Schiavone 80’), Austin, Healy
Referee – George Calder
Attendance - 749