Double delight for Dunfermline
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Article summary
Dunfermline Athletic FC secured a place in the Scottish Cup final, and the UEFA Cup, at Pittodrie on Wednesday.
Article body
Dunfermline Athletic FC will contest their first Scottish Cup final since 1968 after beating first division Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final replay at Pittodrie.
Surprise lead
Underdogs Inverness took the lead through Paul Ritchie on six minutes. However, Dunfermline were soon level as Darren Young converted a Lee Bullen cross on 24 minutes. In the second half, Craig Brewster gave the Premier League side the lead with a powerful shot just after the hour mark.
Solo strike
Inverness did manage a late consolation from the penalty spot, but Gary Nicholson's fine solo goal had already effectively wrapped up the win for Dunfermline. Nicholson's strike not only took Dunfermline to the final but guaranteed qualification for next season's UEFA Cup as opponents Celtic FC have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League by winning the title.
