Dunfermline striker Andy Smith snatched a priceless point for Dunfermline when
he hit a last-minute equaliser.
The goal came from a Scott McCulloch throw-in which bypassed the United
defence and went straight to Smith, who gleefully booted the ball home from
eight yards.
Up until then Gary McSwegan's second goal in the 88th minute looked to have
made it curtains for the home side.
The game had started brightly but though there was plenty of movement neither
keeper was seriously tested.
In the 20th minute Dave Barnett left the field with a leg injury and John
Fraser substituted as central defender.
Dundee United were then given a chance to go ahead from a set piece just
outside the penalty box when Greg Shields fouled Mark Perry.
But the best McSwegan could do on this occasion was to kick the ball straight
into the Dunfermline wall.
United finally went ahead in the 40th minute, McSwegan beat the offside trap
to fasten on to a through-ball.
Keeper Ian Westwater ran out of his penalty box to reduce the angle but
McSwegan neatly sidestepped him and put the ball into an empty net.
Dunfermline equalised in 52nd minute through Smith's first goal. Dave Bingham
sent Stewart Petrie through and he aimed a perfect cross to Smith who headed
home from four yards.
Keeper Westwater then showed his lightning reflexes to save two blockbusters
from McSwegan, both from four yards.
United manager Tommy McLean then gave a debut to Nigerian-born striker
Emmanuel Omoyimni, who was snapped up on loan from West Ham.
It seemed to be plain sailing for United, but then came Smith to steal a share
of the spoils.
Teams
Dunfermline: Westwater, Shields, McCulloch, Tod,
Barnett (Fraser 20), Bingham (McDonald 84), Shaw (Moore 46),
Robertson, Smith, French, Petrie.
Goals: Smith 52, 90.
Dundee Utd: Dykstra, Skoldmark, Malpas, Pressley, Perry,
Pedersen, Winters, Zetterlund, McSwegan (Easton 87), Dolan,
Misse-Misse (Omoyinimi 82).
Subs Not Used: Bowman.
Goals: McSwegan 40, 80.
Att: 5,250
Ref: J Underhill (Edinburgh).
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