David Buick
Dunfermline secured an important win in their quest for promotion from the Scottish Championship as Celtic loanee Ewan Henderson’s first senior goal secured a 3-1 win over Queen of the South.
Kevin O’Hara opened the scoring before Fraser Murray added a second after half-time. James Maxwell made things nervy with a Queen’s goal but Henderson netted for the first time since arriving from Celtic to move Dunfermline back into the promotion play-off spots.
Thomas set the Celtic loanee up for the winner. (Photo by Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images)
The Pars started very well with Dom Thomas looking very threatening. It was a Thomas shot parried out into the box that allowed O’Hara to tap in the opener. Dunfermline had a few more chances but it was Queens who ended the half strongly, Owain Fon Williams forced into two superb saves, firstly from Connor Shields then Ayo Obileye.
The second half was more of a tense affair, both sides having chances, and it was the Pars who got the games second goal. Thomas was once again the architect, a wonderful mazy run getting him into the box and he crossed for substitute Murray to hammer the ball home.
Queen of the South made things interesting in the final exchanges with a Maxwell goal, however, soon after Dunfermline broke and Thomas made it a hat-trick of assists as he set up Celtic loanee Ewan Henderson for his first senior goal. Here are three things we learned from the match.
The Celtic loanee secured a huge moment. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Huge three points
Heading into this game, it was clear that it was now or never for Dunfermline, it had to be three points. Following a disappointing few months, an improved performance was going to be needed to beat a decent Queen’s team. It was a much-improved performance, chances aplenty for the Pars who managed to find their cutting edge in front of goal.
Thomas the star man
When Thomas is on form, there are few better in the Championship than him in the wide areas. Right from the start, the Queen of the South defenders couldn’t handle him, his quick feet and direct running proving to be a big problem. Three assists on an afternoon that could also have seen him on the scoresheet himself, Thomas really shone.
Tough day
Defeat at East End Park all but ends the play-off dream for Allan Johnston’s men. It wasn’t to be their afternoon as they came up against a rejuvenated Pars side but also didn’t quite get the rub of the green in key moments. Nevertheless it has been a decent season for the Dumfries side who’s management team signing new contracts this week.
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