AHSFPS "A" 2 Dundee University "A" 0

With the Fp's first team having no fixture, manager Bell and assistant Cargill of the clubs second team were in the unfamiliar position of having a full quota of players to pick from. To their credit they stuck with the majority of his usual players and only drafted in four first team regulars. The more experienced Saunderson replaced Watson in goal, Fenwick vacated the centre half position, Mclaren played on the left wing and first team manager Smith sneaked a spot on the substitute bench.

 Regulars Russell, Burness and Horan completed the back four. Reid, Richardson and Lyons were in midfield and it was Cargill and Mackenzie who were given the nod up front. Youngsters Buick and Wilson made up the three subs.

 Stern words from manager Bell in the changing room, due to the previous weeks loss were still ringing in the ears of the players as they took to the pitch against a youthful Dundee Uni side. From the off the homesters repaid their managers faith as they took the game by the scruff. The first opportunity fell to Mackenzie but his close range effort was well saved.

 Crisp tackling from Fenwick, Reid and Richardson ensured the Fp's were winning the battle but chances were rare as they struggled to open up a stuborn Uni defence. As the Uni survived the initial onslot they began to press forward and tested Saunderson on a few occasions. The on form keeper was more than equal to their efforts.

 As the tackling became more intense, Reid found his name in the referees book for retaliating to a late challenge.

 Reid though made up for his lapse in discipline when he provided the opening goal. It was his dogged tackling that led to the ball falling kindly to STEVE CARGILL and he despatched clinicly from the edge of the box passed the helpless keeper.

Half Time AHSFPS"A" 1 Dundee University"A" 0

 More concentration and better control were manager Bells orders at half time. Fp's started the second half in much the same fashion as the first, plenty of determination but still no end product. Bell decided on a change of personnel and Wilson replaced the tiresome Burness at right back.

 As Fp's huffed and puffed and the Uni still quite dangerous on the break the match was still evenly balanced. Some resolute defending by Fenwick and Horan and a few more fine saves by Saunderson kept the Fp noses in front.

 Fp's then made their second change with the pacey Smith replacing Mackenzie up front. Smiths hold up and link up play began to allow the Fp's more flowing attacks. Confidence was growing and some good midfield play between Lyons and Reid resulted in a free kick for the Fp's some forty yards out. Substitute DONNIE SMITH noticed the Uni keeper well off his goal line and with a certain goal of the season contender, fired an exquisit shot into the top corner to give the Fp's a bit of breathing space.

 For his troubles Smith was then subjected to some heavy tackles from the opposition but by now the home side were flying. Only the offside flag and poor decision making by Lyons stopped Fp's from increasing their lead.

 Bell made his final substitution by bringing on Buick for Reid. His impact was almost immediate. Cargill picked out Buicks run and he eased passed two defenders before firing towards the top corner. Unbelievably the Uni keeper managed to move across and tip his effort over the bar.

 Special credit must go to Saunderson, Fenwick, Horan and Reid but the man of the match award deservedly went to veteran Wayne (Taffy) Richardson for a heart on the sleeve performance in midfield.

 Team:Saunderson, Horan, Burness, Russell, Fenwick, Reid, Mclaren, Richardson, Lyons, Cargill(c), Mackenzie, Wilson, Smith & Buick.