Dunfermline 1-1 Motherwell

Hay understands fan fury

Scott McDonald grabbed an equaliser with three minutes remaining to prevent Dunfermline Athletic recording their first win of the season.

The Pars had taken a deserved lead after nine minutes, when Craig Brewster pounced after goalkeeper Gordon Marshall blocked from Darren Young.

But Motherwell took control and gained a well-earned share of the points.

It looked like the Pars would survive until McDonald sent a superb 35-yard volley past goalkeeper Derek Stillie.

Defender Scott Wilson and midfielder Barry Nicholson had returned to the Pars side following injury.

Motherwell were unchanged from the side that defeated Hearts and should have taken the lead after three minutes, when striker Richie Foran shot across the face of the goal and against the far post.

Dunfermline broke the deadlock when Young's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Gordon Marshall and Brewster had a simple tap-in from a few yards out.

Billy Mehmet had a couple of good chances to extend the lead, his first effort from just outside the 18-yard box being blocked by Marshall then seeing his chip over the goalkeeper slip over the crossbar.

Marshall produced a great save to deny Mehmet shortly after the break.

But Motherwell started to dominate and Foran's point-blank shot fell just wide after taking a slight deflection.

A Brewster volley on the edge of the area dipped just over the crossbar as the action swung from end to end.

Willie Kinniburgh headed straight into the arms of Stillie, while Dunfermline substitute Noel Hunt looked certain to score at the other end but headed wide from close range.

Greg Shields sent a low drive just wide of the Motherwell post.

Martyn Corrigan was unfortunate to see his long-range shot slip past the Dunfermline upright before Motherwell finally equalised.

The ball broke to McDonald a long way out and the striker's volley left Stillie with no chance with just three minutes remaining.

Boos and jeers from the home supporters greeted the final whistle as their disappointing start to the season continued.

Dunfermline: Stillie, Shields, Scott Wilson, Skerla, Scott Thomson, Nicholson (Donnelly 83), Darren Young, Mason, Dempsey, Brewster, Mehmet (Hunt 69).
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Butler, Tod, Labonte, Scullion.

Goal: Brewster 9.

Motherwell: Marshall, Corrigan, Craigan, Kinniburgh, Hammell, McBride, O'Donnell (Paterson 66), Leitch, Scott McDonald, Foran (Fagan 78), Clarkson.
Subs Not Used: Burns, Corr, Paul Quinn, Fitzpatrick, Wright.

Goal: Scott McDonald 87.

Attendance: 4,388

Referee: C MacKay