The visitors exerted early pressure but the Dunfermline defence held firm with first time tackling much improved over previous weeks. Lady luck however favoured Falkirk as they won a scrum on half way. A series of rucks where they recycled the ball saw them set full back Alex Penman free to cross for the opening try. Penman converted.
Both sides were evenly matched and if anything Dunfermline appeared to edge the forward exchanges ably supported by good tackling by the backs. A penalty opportunity to Dunfermline was unsuccessful as Gregor McNeish pushed the difficult kick wide of the posts. Undaunted Dunfermline kept the pressure on the visitors winning a series of scrums and rucks the play was switched twice before the last pass was judged forward. Falkirk cleared the lines and drove deep into home territory where a catch and drive from the Falkirk pack was repelled. Dunfermline on balance had the better of the play and the visitors supporters made their concerns known. Josh Harris threatened to cut loose with a burst in the centre and the resulting driving play was rewarded with a penalty. Running the ball the Dunfermline forwards drove on before releasing to McNeish who cross kicked for Glen Gibson to gather and score on the right wing. McNeish converted.

Dunfermline began the second half brightly as Graeme Low fielded the kick off, a forward drive worked the ball to Gibson who cut through the visitor’s midfield defence. Falkirk won a turn over from the ruck and cleared deep to the Dunfermline 22 metre line. The home side continued to defend well as Falkirk fought hard to increase their lead. They were rewarded when prop Kris Burney forced his way over for an unconverted try. Dunfermline responded well and astute positional kicking led to a period of sustained pressure on the visitor’s line. Falkirk cracked under the strain and McNeish converted a penalty from 30 metres. This set up a tense passage of play as Dunfermline tried to convert pressure into points. Laying siege to the visitor’s line it looked only a matter of time before Dunfermline got their just reward. Spirited play forced a further penalty opportunity for McNeish from 40 metres which just missed. As the time ran out Dunfermline mounted a last gasp assault on the Falkirk line with good interplay between backs and forwards. The visitor’s defence however managed to force play wide on the left wing and despite the Dunfermline forwards recycling the ball McNeish’s drop goal attempt fell left of the posts.
Falkirk were hanging on by the very skin of their teeth at the close for the narrowest of wins.

This Saturday Dunfermline play Whitecraigs at McKane KO 3.00pm