12.10.09
DUNFERMLINE - RIVAR PLATE 5-1
For the first time ever, Dunfermline won their opening game of the season.
For the first time ever, Dunfermline won a Liguria Cup game.
For the first time in quite some time, Dunfermline played lovely football throughout, every player sticking to the game plan, interpreting their team's strengths and exploiting the opponents' weaknesses.
Gaffer Vanin deployed Perugini in goal, with Merello and Frassinelli composing the back-two, initially. Marletta was in the middle of the park, with Rossi and Finotti on the flanks, while Cantelli started upfront.
Referee Ravedati blew the whistle and proceedings got going.
Dunfermline looked sharp on and with the ball, they used the full width of the pitch and tried to go direct when required.
There were no real clearcut chances either side, though, until Cantelli broke the deadlock.
A Rivar defensive clearance was intercepted by Merello, whose touch was both a block and a through ball at the same time, the ball did reach Cantelli who delivered a brilliant left-footed shot whose run terminated into the back of the net.
The Pars' confidence kept on growing, and Finotti had a decent chance from a delicious Cantelli through ball, but the winger fired over the bar.
Minutes later, Filippi surged up to the halfway line and passed the ball to Marletta, who played a through ball into the path of Cantelli. The No 6 quickly turned and dispatched a savable shot the goalkeeper made a mess of, only managing to oppose a flawed block, with the ball going over the line to give Dunfermline a two-goal cushion.
Much of the pre-match talk had been focused on Devescovi, Rivar's topscorer, and his friendship with a few of the lads, but there was little room for anything other than competition on the pitch, and Devescovi himself duly obliged as he pegged one back for his side.
From a corner-kick, Devescovi was able to cut inside, beating Rossi and firing from outside the box, Perugini helpless on that occasion.
Perugini himself had been absolutely brilliant a few minutes earlier, as he stopped another powerful long range shot, also struck by Devescovi.
After conceding the goal, Dunfermline didn't lose their composure at all, and resumed their enjoyable play, with a thick web of passes leaving their opponents with little time on the ball.
Just before half-time, Rossi all but secured the passage to the next round, as he fought his way out of two opponents and scored with his right from the narrowest of angles to give the Pars a 3-1 half-time lead.
HALF TIME: Dunfermline 3, Rivar Plate 1
Bovalino replaced Finotti on the right flank, and soon after the restart, Frassinelli was introduced for Merello.
Marletta tried one of his typical tricks as he got past two opponents and shot from obscene range, forcing a marvel of a save from Ruscino, the Rivar goalie.
The Pars' flow of play rendered Rivar Plate dried and energy-less, as they chased ghosts for most of the second half, and they weren't helped by some of their team-members either, as was the case when Cantelli completed his hat-trick.
A brilliant combination between the No 6 and Rossi seemed to have reached an abrupt end as Ruscino intercepted the ball, but the keeper did lose his grasp and Cantelli immediately took advantage, dispossessing him and firing for the 4-1 goal into an empty net.
More than plain sailing thereafter for the Pars, who added a fifth as Cantelli once again combined with Rossi, whose first shot was blocked on the line, before the No 7 collected the rebound for the easiest of tap-ins, 5-1.
The ref didn't wave for any stoppage time, and the game came to a close with Dunfermline worthy winners.
FULL TIME: Dunfermline 5, Rivar Plate 1
DUNFERMLINE
Perugini (13)
Filippi (8)
Merello (4) - Frassinelli (10)
Finotti (15) - Bovalino (11)
Marletta (5, c)
Rossi (7)
Cantelli (6)
MANAGER: Vanin
SUBS NOT USED: Crosetti (2)
REFEREE: Ravedati
SCORERS: Cantelli 3 (1-0, 2-0, 4-1), Rossi 2 (3-1, 5-1)
CAUTIONS: -
9.10.09
SQUAD PROFILE - Fausto Crosetti (2)
BIRTHPLACE: Novi Ligure
BEST MATCH: A Selesiun - Dunfermline 0-2 (2008/09)
SQUAD PROFILE - Marco Cantelli (6)
YEAR OF BIRTH: 1984
POSITION: Forward
CLUB APPEARANCES: 47
GOALS: 67
DEBUT: Dunfermline - Hattrick Fed 2-5 (2006/07)
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Sampierdarenese, Sestrese, Praese, CFFS Polis, Controcamper
OFF THE PITCH: Marco Cantelli is completing a master degree in IT Technology Engineering.
FRIENDLY - Dunfermline - DCF Guarana 6-1
Vanin deployed Semino in goal, with Crosetti and Filippi starting in defence.
Marletta was in the middle of the park, initially flanked by Bovalino and Rossi, although it wasn't long before the changes were rung and Finotti was inserted in the midfield rotation.
Cantelli, as rumoured all week, was fielded upfront as the lone striker, a position he can cover in a very effective way, as he showed last night, and on other occasions as well, for that matter.
Guaranà weren't quite interested in the meaning of the word "friendly", so they started making high-flying tackles almost from the word go, with Bovalino, Cantelli, Rossi and Marletta the main targets.
The early exchanges weren't too enjoyable to watch, but Dunfermline have been playing fairly good football, recently, so when they did start clicking, there was no way back.
Marletta opened the scoring latching onto a loose ball to sidefoot home from just outside the box.
Before the break, Cantelli added two of his own, the former a poacher's goal taking advantage of a keeper's blunder, the latter with an exquisite lob shot.
HALF TIME: Dunfermline 3, Guarana 0
Proceedings were resumed, and Dunfermline just kept on going.
Cantelli completed his hat-trick with a lovely long-range left-footed effort, before Rossi started a show of his own when deployed upfront.
Basically, he ran Guarana defence ragged and provided his team-mates with a number of excellent final passes and clearcut chances.
Not all of those amounted to goals, but Bovalino and Finotti did pile up further misery upon the dismantled opponents, who only managed to pull one back before the end of the game.
A good warm-up performance, ahead of the beginning of the competitive season, due to kick-start in quite some style on Sunday, in the Liguria Cup first round tie against Division C outfit Rivar Plate.
FULL TIME: Dunfermline 6, Guarana 1
DUNFERMLINE
Semino (1)
Crosetti (2)
Filippi (8)
Bovalino (11) replaced by Finotti (15)
Marletta (5)
Rossi (7)
Cantelli (6)
MANAGER: Vanin
SCORERS: Marletta, Cantelli 3, Bovalino, Finotti
5.10.09
PREVIEW - Dunfermline v Rivar Plate
The new, but not so new, signings, already had a chance to impress donning Dunfermline's shirt during that competition, and their services have been preciously retained for the forthcoming season.
GOALKEEPERS: Semino and Perugini will constantly fight it out for the starting berth in goal, and Perugini seems to hold a slight edge for the encounter on Sunday, provided he can be cleared to play by his FIGC club.
Semino should be with the team regardless, perhaps aiding gaffer Vanin manage the team during the cup game.
DEFENDERS: Crosetti did get his clearance to play for Dunfermline from his FIGC club and should be available for the cup game. Frassinelli will be in Florence during the weekend, but he should come back in time for the tie, and either way Filippi and Merello are fully available and looked extremely sharp a partnership in the recent pre-season outings.
MIDFIELDERS: Another player yet to obtain FIGC clearance is Davide Ducco, whose appearances for the Pars may this season be restricted by the fact his FIGC club will often play on Sundays, and anyhow he's not expected to start this weekend as he hasn't played in a single friendly tie so far. His involvement will be far likelier starting from the first league game on 18th September.
On the other hand, Marletta, Finotti and Bovalino have all looked lively recently, with Cantelli, mainly a striker, is also deployable on the flanks in the midfield pack.
FORWARDS: Stefano Rossi is odds-on favourite to start the game upfront, while Cantelli, as mentioned, could be deployed on the left flank.
Buccianti, on the other hand, will only get back from his lengthy spell in Tuscany on Saturday 10th, and will not be involved for the game, although he's likely to travel to San Desiderio with the team.
MANAGER: Vanin is back at the helm, where he belongs, and will most definitely look for promotion after sitting out on the pretty much whole season last term.
__________________________________________________________
THE SQUAD:
Semino (1) - involved
Perugini (13) - involved
Crosetti (2) - involved
Merello (4) - involved
Filippi (8) - involved
Frassinelli (10) - involved pending return from Tuscany
Marletta (5) - involved
Bovalino (11) - involved
Ducco (14) - involved pending FIGC clearance
Finotti (15) - involved
Cantelli (6) - involved
Rossi (7) - involved
Buccianti (9) - not involved
________________________________________________________
THE MATCH: Dunfermline and Rivar Plate have never locked horns before, although some of the players from both sides do know each other rather well.
Namely, Luca Devescovi, Rivar's top scorer last term, is in a folk-rock band also including Marletta and Finotti, and a long term friend of Cantelli's, Frassinelli's and a few more of the lads.
Rivar Plate failed to qualify for the Division C playoffs last term, but they will surely pose a genuine threat for the Pars who, incidentally, have never managed to win the first game of the season in the past:
2006/07: Dunfermline - Mojito FC 1-3 (League)
2007/08: Dunfermline - Virtusestri 3-8 (Liguria Cup)
2008/09: Dunfermline (*) - Mojito FC 3-3 (Liguria Cup, Dunfermline through on penalties)
Moreover, Dunfermline have failed to win a single match in the Liguria Cup throughout their relatively short history, managing only two draws and a loss in their previous participations
2007/08: Dunfermline - Virtusestri 3-8 (1st Round)
2008/09: Dunfermilne (*) - Mojito FC 3-3 (1st Round - Dunfermline through on penalties)
2008/09: Dunfermline - CD Indie (*) 6-6 (2nd Round - CDI through on penalties)
__________________________________________________________
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com/
SQUAD PROFILE - Filippo Finotti (15)
BEST MATCH: Dunfermline - Guardian Thistle 2-2 (2008/09)
2.10.09
SQUAD PROFILE - Matteo Bovalino (11)
YEAR OF BIRTH: 1984
POSITION: Midfielder
CLUB APPEARANCES: 61
GOALS: 23
DEBUT: Hattrick Fed - Dunfermline 4-2 (2006/07)
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Genoa, Sestrese, Praese
OFF THE PITCH: Matteo Bovalino is a trainee insurance broker with an international firm.
Once such issues got solved, he was back to his best and tried to lift his teammates' spirits in the final push for promotion which, unfortunately, didn't materialise.
SQUAD PROFILE - Fabio Frassinelli (10)
BEST MATCH: Le Café - Dunfermline 5-6 (2008/09)
SQUAD PROFILE - Davide Filippi (8)
YEAR OF BIRTH: 1983
POSITION: Defender
CLUB APPEARANCES: 48
GOALS: 3
DEBUT: Dunfermline - Hattrick Fed 2-5 (2006/07)
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Praese, Mojito FC
OFF THE PITCH: Davide Filippi co-owns and co-runs his family's locksmith utility service shop.
SQUAD PROFILE - Stefano Rossi (7)
BEST MATCH: Grifone 2007 - Dunfermline 1-4 (2008/09)
1.10.09
SQUAD PROFILE - Aldo Marletta (5)
YEAR OF BIRTH: 1984
POSITION: Midfielder
CLUB APPEARANCES: 72
GOALS: 67
DEBUT: Dunfermline - Mojito FC 1-3 (2006/07)
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Solferino Castelletto, Cosmos, Praese
OFF THE PITCH: Aldo Marletta is a crude oil carrier shipbroker with a leading international company.
SQUAD PROFILE - Alessandro Merello (4)
SQUAD PROFILE - Marco Semino (1)
FRIENDLY - Dunfermline - Carrapippi 8-6
Cantelli and Crosetti were last minute absentees owing to their working duties, while Buccianti is only going to return from his Tuscany holidays in ten days' time.
Gaffer Vanin therefore deployed Semino in goal, with Filippi and Merello composing the back-two. Marletta took centre stage in midfield and was flanked by Bovalino and Finotti, while Rossi got the nod to start upfront.
The Pars looked lively and their passing was as brilliant as effective, and it didn't take long before Bovalino found the back of the net after coolly rounding a defender and firing in the bottom corner.
Rossi double Dunfermline's tally a few minutes later, as he made light work of a Carrapippi's defender before dispatching his left-footed effort home.
Soon afterwards, Filippi sloppily lost possession to allow Carrapippi's forward to run through the middle, with the visitors reducing their arrears as a result, but that turned out to be Fernandez's only mistake on an almost flawless night.
Rossi scored once more to make it 3-1 with a fine finish, before one of his many deliveries was met by a cheeky Marletta backheel from close range, 4-1.
Rossi completed his hat-trick with another fine effort just before the interval.
HALF TIME: Dunfermline 5, Carrapippi 1
Frassinelli came on for Filippi and Dunfermline tried to build on their excellent first period performance. However, perhaps owing to a lack of fitness, they stopped playing their free-flowing football and didn't look too good defensively either.
Carrapippi did reduce their arrears, but the Scots did produce the odd moments of brilliance here and there.
Finotti scored with a backheel flick as well, Marletta got on the scoresheet again with a right footed drive after cheekily chipping his marer, and Finotti scored the Pars' final goal, as a Bovalino brilliantly taken corner-kick was met mid-air by the Turin born winger, who slid the ball home.
Very late on, a magnificent Rossi delivery wasn't met by Finotti, only by a fraction.
An excellent first half-display from the Pars, who looked ready to tackle the forthcoming competitive season.
FULL TIME: Dunfermline 8, Carrapippi 6
DUNFERMLINE
1 Semino
4 Merello
8 Filippi (10 Frassinelli)
11 Bovalino
5 Marletta
15 Finotti
7 Rossi
MANAGER: Vanin
SCORERS: Bovalino, Rossi 3, Marletta 2, Finotti 2
28.9.09
LIGURIA CUP FIRST ROUND - Full Draw
Herewith, the full draw of the first round.
Sporting P&A - Sarveghi
Dunfermline - Rivar Plate
Aurora Campetto - Discepoli Di Emmaus
Zena Caput Mundi - Euforia
Atletico Agosti - Marintec
Amici Di Berto - Hattrick FC
Maracazena - Gli Stazzi
Mojito FC - Atletico Belvedere
Marsiglia - SG Battista
Hearts - Carrapippi
Moranego - Gloriosa MP
Real Sampie - Compagnia Delle Indie
Little Reggina - Quarto Don Bosco
Sextum - Sporting Liguria
Resto Del Mondo - Pinta A
Torpedo Vodka - Peones
Voltri 87 - ClubAtletico Xeneizes
Bulldog Terpi - Borussia
Treno Per Yuma - Begato
Alcool Team - Compagnia Dell'Uva
Senza Parole - Antani Zena
LMDF Carignano - Allegra Compagnia
Salita Challenger - Tarassuelli
WLF Genova - New Team Zena
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com
24.9.09
DIVISION B - 2009/10
The divisions' rosters have now been released and Dunfermline will fight it out for promotion, as they're included amongst the 24-team tier, which shall be split, as usual, into two 12-strong groups.
The clubs taking part will be the following
A Selesiun
08/09: A Selesiun - Dunfermline 0-2
08/09: Dunfermline - A Selesiun 7-6
08/09: Dunfermline - A Selesiun 0-2
Alcool Team
Alta Valbisagno
Amici Di Berto
07/08: Amici Di Berto - Dunfermline 1-4
07/08: Dunfermline - Amici Di Berto 2-6
07/08: Dunfermline - Amici Di Berto 5-3
Anni Settanta
08/09: Anni Settanta - Dunfermline 6-3
08/09: Dunfermline - Anni Settanta 1-2
Bulldog Terpi
Condo Utd
Deportivo Loo Sven Vath
DUNFERMLINE
LMDF Carignano
Manin 3 Rosso
Massacroni
07/08: Dunfermline - Massacroni 2-2
08/09: Massacroni - Dunfermline 3-4
08/09: Dunfermline - Massacroni 1-2
Mojito FC
06/07: Dunfermline - Mojito FC 1-3
06/07: Mojito FC - Dunfermline 4-1
08/09: Dunfermline - Mojito FC 3-3
Pupaz
Real Bonarda
08/09 Real Bonarda - Dunfermline 1-5
08/09 Dunfermline - Real Bonarda 3-3
Real Sampie
08/09 Real Sampie - Dunfermline 2-2
08/09 Dunfermline - Real Sampie 6-3
Red Devils
Salita Challenger
Sextum '02
Siusy Night
Sporting P&A
Uruk Hai
08/09: Dunfermline - Uruk Hai 1-2
08/09: Uruk Hai - Dunfermline 3-9
WLF Genova
06/07: WLF Genova - Dunfermline 1-0
06/07: Dunfermline - WLF Genova 3-1
08/09: Dunfermline - WLF Genova 3-5
08/09: WLF Genova - Dunfermline 4-4
Zena Caput Mundi
08/09: Zena Caput Mundi - Dunfermline 2-4
08/09: Dunfermline - Zena Caput Mundi 6-5
23.9.09
FRIENDLY - Dunfermline v Carrapippi
The teams were close to meeting one another a couple of seasons back, but Carrapippi lost a penalty shoot-out to Amici di Berto at the Division C roound of 16 stage, with the Arenzano-based outfit progressing to the quarter finals, where they were beaten by the Pars in the club's history biggest game to date, the one that marked the Fifers' access to the Division B and broke Berto's hearts, although Berto did make amends a year later, and they will actually feature in the second tier of AICS football this forthcoming season.
However, the game on Wednesday will be a good occasion for Dunfermline to step up their form and fitness, considering the Liguria Cup tie against Rivar Plate is fast approaching.
Semino should be back between the sticks, after Perugini was given the shirt in the past two games, and all defenders look set to feature. Merello, Filippi, Frassinelli and Crosetti will therefore fight it out for two starting berths.
Marletta, Bovalino and Cantelli will all be at the gaffer's disposal, while Finotti's presence isn't a certainty just yet, mainly owing to back spasms who have affected his performance and fitness against Dinamo Brasca.
Hopefully, he'll get his minor injury concerns duly sorted out sooner rather than later, as his has been a valuable presence on the pitch whenever called upon.
Ducco hasn't yet confirmed his presence for the tie either.
Rossi, unless busy on working duties, should also feature, whereas the big news could be represented by the possible return to the fold of striker Buccianti, who has so far been unavailable and hasn't played a minute in a red shirt this term.
DUNFERMLINE (from)
1 Semino
(13 Perugini)
2 Crosetti
4 Merello
8 Filippi
10 Frassinelli
5 Marletta
11 Bovalino
(14 Ducco)
(15 Finotti)
6 Cantelli
7 Rossi
(9 Buccianti)
MANAGER: Vanin
UNAVAILABLE: -
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com
22.9.09
FRIENDLY - Dunfermline 4, Dinamo Brasca 7
The Pars have since last season developed a worrying tendency for shooting themselves in the foot, but last night's encounter was only a friendly game and the first half was good after all.
Gaffer Vanin missed out through illness, so did Filippi, while Buccianti and Ducco haven't been seen in a red shirt yet this term.
Semino was dispensed from taking part in the game, therefore Perugini was in goal, with Merello and Frassinelli starting in defence and Crosetti providing cover.
The midfield trio of Marletta, Bovalino and Cantelli could count on Finotti's back-up, while Rossi started upfront.
The initial exchanges were promising indeed, and although Marletta was caught in possession twice early on, the Pars appeared the better side, even more so when Finotti opened the scoring capping a fine counter-attacking move, started by Marletta, developed by Rossi and beautifully finished by the Turin-born winger, whose low drive left Brasca keeper with no chance.
Soon afterwards, Rossi doubled his team's lead, as Cantelli fed him a peach of a through ball, leaving the striker with the relatively easy task of sidefooting the ball into the net.
A penalty kick to Brasca followed, and the visitors reduced their arrears from the spot, before equalising and even taking the lead through two long range efforts, Dunfermline defending poorly on both occasions.
Marletta made it 3-3 with a deflected effort from a free-kick, and the first half was over shortly afterwards.
HALF TIME: Dunfermline 3, Dinamo Brasca 3
Proceedings were resumed, and Brasca took the lead once again as Perugini failed to place his wall correctly and sloppily let Brasca's free-kick slide home.
Then Dunfermline did produce their final piece of brilliance on the night, as Cantelli and Rossi concocted to assist Merello from a quickly taken free-kick, before the defender could sidefoot into an empty net.
Then on, Dunfermline's cohesion on the pitch was virtually non-existent: Finotti limped off with a recurrence of his thigh injury, Cantelli was ever-present but to no avail, and the rest of the team stopped playing as a unit.
Brasca netted three more times before the game came to a close and, although it's not panicking time yet, Dunfermline will have to take this defeat as a punch on the chin and just get spurred on in order to deliver better performances in the near future, as the cup tie against Rivar Plate is only 18 days away.
FULL TIME: Dunfermline 4, Dinamo Brasca 7
DUNFERMLINE
13 Perugini
10 Frassinelli (2 Crosetti)
4 Merello
11 Bovalino (15 Finotti)
5 Marletta
6 Cantelli
7 Rossi
MANAGER: -
SCORERS: Finotti, Rossi, Marletta, Merello
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com/
19.9.09
LIGURIA CUP DRAW - Dunfermline v Rivar Plate
In 2007/2008, Dunfermline crashed out at the hands of Virtusestri at the first round, as they were comprehensively beaten by 8 goals to 3, but that was before the massive turnaround that followed and took a re-shaped Pars side to promotion to the second tier of AICS football.
Last season, though, Dunfermline made it to the second round, as they recovered from 3-1 down to equalise and got past Mojito FC on penalties.
Win some lose some, they say, so the Pars weren't as lucky at the second round stage when, even though they did pull off their greatest comeback to date, from 0-4 down to 6-6, they were eventually eliminated on penalties by Compagnia delle Indie.
07/08: Virtusestri - Dunfermline 8-3 (Bovalino, Buccianti, Frassinelli)
08/09: Dunfermline (*) - Mojito FC 3-3 (Marletta, Buccianti, Gallo)
08/09: Compagnia Delle Indie (*) - Dunfermline 6-6 (Maneschi, Marletta 3, Buccianti 2)
(*) through on penalties
______________________________________________________
This season, it's going to be an emotional fixture for a few Pars.
Dunfermline, in fact, have been drawn to play against Division C outfit Rivar Plate, a team featuring Luca Devescovi, who plays guitar in the newly established folk/rock band "Birth Of A Doll", whose other members are no less than Filippo Finotti (lead vocals, guitar) and Aldo Marletta (rhythm guitar, bass, backing vocals).
Moreover, Devescovi is a childhood friend of a good number of players within the Pars' ranks, including Marco Cantelli and Fabio Frassinelli, most notably.
It shall be nice to see how the bandmates (opponents on the night) will fare, in a game scheduled to take place on October 11th, although no venue has been decided for the even just yet.
The two sides have never met prior to the forthcoming encounter.
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com
17.9.09
FRIENDLY - Dunfermline v Dinamo Brasca
The Pars will take on highly-rated Zonale high-flyers Dinamo Brasca, a side capable of finishing 6th in the overall league pecking order last term.
Dunfermline should be able to be nearly at full-strength, with a plethora of options in all departments.
Semino and Perugini should both be available, and the defenders' quartet could be counted in their numbers, with Crosetti, Frassinelli, Filippi and Merello all up for selection.
Cantelli and Finotti should also re-join the group, thus providing Vanin with more options in midfield, on top of Marletta and Bovalino, whereas Ducco is yet to confirm his presence.
With Buccianti still away in Tuscany, Rossi appears the natural choice to start upfront, whilst he could also swap places with Cantelli during the course of the game.
DUNFERMLINE (from)
1 Semino
13 Perugini
2 Crosetti
4 Merello
8 Filippi
10 Frassinelli
5 Marletta
6 Cantelli
11 Bovalino
(14 Ducco)
15 Finotti
7 Rossi
MANAGER: Vanin
UNAVAILABLE: 9 Buccianti
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com
16.9.09
FRIENDLY - Dunfermline 5, Gymnasia 3
After the initial two friendly ties had seen open floodgates at both ends, with scorelines of 9-6 against Metropolitan Style and 11-10 against Rapid Sanchez, this was more like a real game of football, with a lot of tussles and tangles in the middle of the park, but unfortunately also featuring a number of high (too high) flying tackles on the part of a couple of Gymnasia players.
With a number of notable absentees (Semino, Frassinelli, Crosetti, Cantelli, Ducco, Finotti, Buccianti all missed out on the game), gaffer Vanin was forced to deploy himself as a defender, alongside Filippi, while Perugini made his season debut in goal and Rossi finally shrugged off his ankle injury and started upfront.
The midfield trio was then composed by Marletta in the middle of the park, Merello and Bovalino on the left and right flank respectively.
Marletta broke his goal drought with a powerful long range effort the goalkeeper could, and perhaps should, have dealt with better, but there was very little the keeper could do when the captain's second came, with an equally powerful, but even better crafted belter from distance, to make it 2-0.
Cicala pulled one back for the visitors, following a nice collective move, before Nicora even managed to equalise just before the break, with a powerful effort Perugini parried, but unfortunately into his own net's top corner.
During the course of the second half, Dunfermline did keep on playing some lovely football, knocking the ball about well enough to cause the opponents a few headaches.
Marletta made it 3-2 with another thunderbolt from range, then it was Rossi's turn to get off the mark, with a stubborn individual goal and an accurate right-footed finish from just outside the box.
Alberti pulled one back for Gymnasia, but it wasn't long before Filippi produced the goal of the night, chipping his marker before dispatching a lovely dipping shot into the top corner.
Just a couple of lines to highlight how a few Gymnasia players tried to develop the FRIENDLY game into something else.
While Alberti's behaviour on the pitch was absolutely fantastic and extremely correct, some of his team-mates weren't as kind.
Cammarere lunged at Bovalino feet-first towards the end of the game, and the Pars' No 11 was only lucky to escape unscathed.
Similarly, Bozano made a high-flying (and late) tackle once Marletta got past him on the edge of the box, forcing the captain to jump even higher not to get caught.
Finally, Nicora made a wide - and widely inappropriate - use of his elbows, perhaps he should concentrate a wee more on his football and just stick his backheel flicks up his arse.
One thing is for certain, Dunfermline's players didn't make a mess of it, they kept their cool, but they will not want play these same opponents ever again, unless they're forced to do so by some kind of Liguria Cup draw.
That is because Gymnasia won't make it anywhere near Division B, and that's another certainty.
DUNFERMLINE 5, GYMNASIA SAN MARTINO 3
DUNFERMLINE
13 Perugini
10 Vanin
8 Filippi
11 Bovalino
5 Marletta
4 Merello
7 Rossi
SCORERS: Marletta 3, Rossi, Filippi
MANAGER: Vanin
__________________________________________
GENOVA - Dunfermline's board, as announced, met with AICS yesterday in order to complete the club's registration for the 2009/10 Division B campaign.
As the preferred football ground, located in Via Ungaretti, was unavailable for choice except for matches starting at 10 pm, the board had to put their plan-b to effect, and the San Desiderio ground has been chosen as the one that'll host this season's home games, with ko's scheduled at 8 pm.
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http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com/
DECISION DAY
The players and coaching staff have drafted a pre-list including three favoured grounds, with Ungaretti again emerging as the lads' first choice, and San Desiderio and Emiliani Nervi, should the latter become available, as back-up selections.
Meanwhile, Ducco and Crosetti will miss tonight's game against Division C opponents Gymnasia San Martino, thus leaving Vanin with only 6 squad members.
The gaffer may at some stage deploy himself as an outfield player, but Alessandro Chiabrera, a trialist, has been summoned to make up the numbers and should get a chance to start.
Perugini and Rossi will both make their season debut tonight, following the goalkeeper's return from his homeland and the forward's shrugging off of his ankle injury.
DUNFERMLINE (from)
13 Perugini
4 Merello
8 Filippi
5 Marletta
11 Bovalino
(Chiabrera)
7 Rossi
MANAGER: Vanin
UNAVAILABLE: 1 Semino, 2 Crosetti, 10 Frassinelli, 14 Ducco, 15 Finotti, 6 Cantelli, 9 Buccianti
14.9.09
FRIENDLY: Dunfermline v Gymnasia San Martino
Although the two sides have never met in competitive matches, they have quite a record as far as friendly games are concerned. Gymnasia twice overcame the Pars in as many friendlies, whilst Dunfermline had the better of their rivals in their only participation at the "Tutto in una notte" Tournament, an unofficial competition, at the back end of the 2007/2008 season.
Gaffer Vanin may well have to deploy himself as an outfield player on Wednesday night, as a number of players shall be unavailable.
He should still have enough to cope, however he'll be wise to have his playing kit with him.
Perugini is set to come back between the sticks, thus giving Semino some respite after a rather hectic start to pre-season.
Frassinelli won't be available owing to personal reasons, which means Filippi, Merello and Crosetti will fight it out for two starting slots, although one of those three could be likely to fill in on the left flank of midfield.
That is unless Ducco manages to don the red shirt for the first time this season.
This is because Finotti and Cantelli will both sit this one out through working duties, leaving Marletta and Bovalino the only two natural midfielders available.
Finally, Stefano Rossi is also set to make his comeback from his ankle injury, which has left him sidelined ever since the Pars overhauled Tricche Ballacche amidst the Primavera Tournament Round of 32.
DUNFERMLINE (from)
13 Perugini
8 Filippi
17 Crosetti
(Vanin)
4 Merello
5 Marletta
11 Bovalino
(14 Ducco)
7 Rossi
MANAGER: Vanin
UNAVAILABLE: 1 Semino, 10 Frassinelli, 6 Cantelli, 15 Finotti, 9 Buccianti
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com
10.9.09
FRIENDLY - Dunfermline 11, Rapid Sanchez 10
The friendly match was eventually sat out by Filippi, ill with flu, Rossi, who's struggling to get rid of his ankle injury, and Crosetti, otherwise engaged.
Vanin therefore deployed Semino in goal, Frassinelli and Merello in defence, a midfield trio composed by Marletta, Bovalino and Finotti, while Cantelli started upfront.
In all truth, Dunfermline did show some good football at times, but their fitness is still far from what it should be, and for such reason further training sessions may become necessary.
The first half ended with Dunfermline one goal ahead, a 6-5 scoreline which was almost entirely due to Cantelli, who scored 5 of those goals, while Finotti grabbed the other.
Goals scored, goals conceded, and a particularly slow flow of play didn't make for an extremely entertaining game, but in the end the Pars just edged the game, with the final scoreline reading 11-10.
The second half goals were grabbed by Merello, Bovalino, Own Goal, Frassinelli (2).
DUNFERMLINE
1 Semino
4 Merello
10 Frassinelli
11 Bovalino
5 Marletta
15 Finotti
6 Cantelli
MANAGER: Vanin
SCORERS: Cantelli (5), Finotti, Merello, Frassinelli (2), Bovalino (2)
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com/
7.9.09
FRIENDLY - Dunfermline v Rapid Sanchez
The fixture was initially meant to be a re-match of last week's tie against Metropolitan Style, but the opponents have withdrawn their availability for such date and will therefore be replaced by the newly established club, which will share a few players with Division C team Hattrick Federation.
Semino should retain the goalkeeping post, as Perugini is still away in his native Umbria. In defence, Frassinelli, Merello and Filippi should all be available, while Crosetti is yet to confirm his presence.
In midfield, Marletta should be back in action after missing out on last week's tie through working duties, while Bovalino, Finotti and Cantelli should all be available for selection, whereas Ducco is still training every week-night with his FIGC club and will therefore sit this one out.
Similarly to Perugia, Buccianti is still in Tuscany with his family, and Rossi, too, should make his comeback following a recurrence of a niggling ankle injury.
DUNFERMLINE (from)
1 Semino
4 Merello
8 Filippi
10 Frassinelli
(17) Crosetti
5 Marletta
6 Cantelli
11 Bovalino
15 Finotti
7 Rossi
MANAGER: Vanin
UNAVAILABLE: 13 Perugini, 14 Ducco, 9 Buccianti
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com/
4.9.09
DUNFERMLINE 9, METROPOLITAN STYLE 6
With form and fitness still deemed scrappy and patchy, Dunfermline nonetheless produced a notable performance and were worthy winners.
On top of the announced absentees, both club captain Marletta and forward Rossi ended up missing out on the tie through working duty and a recurrence of a niggling ankle injury respectively.
Gaffer Vanin therefore deployed Semino in goal, with Frassinelli and Merello in defence, while Bovalino took centre stage in midfield, flanked by Finotti and Filippi on the wings and Cantelli playing (and scoring) upfront.
Crosetti was later introduced to replace Frassinelli midway through the game.
The two sides will meet again, this time at San Desiderio, on Wednesday 9th September, ko 10 pm.
DUNFERMLINE
1 Semino
4 Merello
10 Frassinelli (17 Crosetti)
8 Filippi
11 Bovalino
15 Finotti
6 Cantelli
MANAGER: Vanin
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com
1.9.09
FRIENDLY MATCH - Dunfermline v Metropolitan Style
Gaffer Vanin will not be able to count on a full strength squad, however most of his first teamers shall be available for the fixture, due to take place at the Tre Pini ground, kick-off 8 pm.
With Perugini and Buccianti still enjoying their final bits of holiday in their homelands of Umbria and Tuscany respectively, and Ducco missing out through his FIGC club training duties, the manager's options are limited, although he surely has enough manpower to cope.
On top of the above-mentioned absentees, Vanin may find himself without Crosetti, who could be busy with his working duties, while Merello is likely to make the game, albeit arriving at the ground a bit later than ko time.
All other members of the squad, including Semino, who will be very much part of the team this term as well, should be available.
The squad for the tie should therefore looks as follows:
01 Semino
04 Merello
08 Filippi
10 Frassinelli
(17 Crosetti)
05 Marletta
11 Bovalino
15 Finotti
06 Cantelli
07 Rossi
MANAGER: Vanin
UNAVAILABLE: 12 Perugini, 09 Buccianti, 14 Ducco
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com
31.8.09
THE PARS VISITING THE PARS - Part Two
On August 22nd, club captain Aldo Marletta (and missus) have been Jim Leishman's special guests amid Dunfermline's IRN BRU First Division tie against Airdrie United, a game the Pars won by 2 goals to 0 courtesy of a headed goal by Graeme Bayne and an unfortunate Airdrie own goal.
Jim Leishman, director of football, and former manager and player of Dunfermline AFC, was once again a perfect gentlemen in that he and a couple of fellow directors entertained Marletta and lady to a lovely prematch in the trophy cabinet room.
Pictures of the event shall be published later this week on both clubs' websites.
C'mon ye pars!!
http://dunfermlineafc.blogspot.com
11.8.09
PARS ON HOLIDAY
The lads took the opportunity for a toast for the forthcoming, or in some cases already under way, holidays, and they will be reunited during the first week of September when the season resumes.
Marco Semino will head for Greece at the end of the week, while fellow goalkeeper Leonardo Perugini will be part of a Corsica-bound travelling pack also including defenders Alessandro Merello, Fabio Frassinelli and Davide Ducco, as well as midfielder Filippo Finotti and forward Marco Cantelli.
Incidentally, Matteo Bovalino was in the same French island a couple of weeks ago.
While Davide Filippi is in the process of applying the finishing touches to his new flat in Pegli and will therefore stay in Genoa all summer long, captain Aldo Marletta is soon due to take to Scotland, where he'll once again meet with the "original" counterparts of the club, as he'll be Jim Leishman's guest amidst the Scottish First Division derby match against local rivals Raith Rovers.
Elsewhere, Stefano Rossi is in Greece for a couple of weeks' holiday, while Alberto Buccianti is trying to improve his English and will spend the next few weeks in London.
Gaffer Luigi Vanin, finally, is likely to stay in Genoa until the end of the summer.
Thanks to http://www.fornettogenovese.it/
4.8.09
WIND WARDS WIN WARDS
funny how you see shapes in the absence of light
funny how you lose or win in a single while
he who wins is stainless, or maybe someone
who puts their guilt behind them
and go on with their run
cos when you stop running
you're as good as done
and wind will no longer hold you back
cos wind-wards you don't walk
you simply fly
and win-wards cos win's what you're aiming at
till victory is finally reached
he who wins is stainless, or maybe someone
who puts their guilt behind them
and go on with their run
don't do it for the name of it
nor for glory
just do it so you'll make it
your own history
and wind will no longer hold you back
cos wind-wards you don't walk
you simply fly
and win-wards cos win's what you're aiming at
till victory is finally reached
the sweetest days
the sweetest taste
now victory is finally reached
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER 2009 ...
15.7.09
DAFC - CB 2-2 / HIGHLIGHTS
Bovalino received the ball from Cantelli and fires home, 1-0
Lai equalises for Crazy Bees with a fine effort, 1-1.
Cantelli makes it 2-1 with a screamer.
Marletta hits the bar, then the ball appears to cross the line, but Buccianti's foul makes it all useless.
Marletta scores the first penalty kick.
Cantelli wrongfoots the goalie and scores the second.
Good finish from the spot for Ducco.
Buccianti's effort is kept out and Dunfermline are eliminated.
Thanks to http://www.fornettogenovese.it/
DUNFERMLINE - Stats Corner
26 Cantelli (19 League, 7 Cup/Tournament)
20 Marletta (14, 6)
18 Buccianti (14, 4)
16 Boccaccio (16, 0)
8 Bovalino (7, 1)
8 Maneschi (7, 1)
6 Frassinelli (5, 1)
5 Gallo (4, 1)
3 Own Goals (1, 2)
2 Rossi (0, 2)
2 Filippi (2, 0)
2 Lenza (2, 0)
1 Ganduglia (1, 0)
1 Crosetti (1, 0)
118 Goals / 31 Games - 3.80 Goals/Game _________________________________________
ALL TIME CLUB SCORERS
67 Marletta
67 Cantelli
45 Buccianti
23 Bovalino
16 Boccaccio
15 Satta
13 Gemignani
12 Frassinelli
11 Di Noto
8 Maneschi
6 Malvezzi
5 Gallo
4 Own Goals
3 Filippi
3 Langella M
2 Rossi
2 Borreani
2 Sforza
2 Morelli
2 Lenza
2 Guaraglia
1 Crosetti
1 Ganduglia
1 Orengo
319 Goals / 84 Games - 3.79 Goals/Game ___________________________________________
2008/2009 APPEARANCES
27 Frassinelli
27 Marletta
27 Bovalino
24 Buccianti
22 Filippi
21 Cantelli
20 Crosetti
17 Semino
16 Bocccaccio
15 Maneschi
9 Perugini
6 Lenza
6 Gallo
5 Finotti
4 Rossi
4 Ducco
4 Merello
3 Lanata
2 Pittaluga
1 Ganduglia
1 Strano
1 De Maria
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ALL TIME CLUB APPEARANCES - Current Players
72 Marletta
61 Frassinelli
61 Bovalino
52 Buccianti
48 Filippi
47 Cantelli
38 Semino
20 Crosetti
15 Perugini
5 Finotti
4 Rossi
4 Ducco
4 Merello
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CLUB STATS
PLAYED 84
WON 42
DRAWN 13
LOST 29
AVG 1.65 Pts/Game
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Thanks to http://www.fornettogenovese.it/
HOW PARS RATED / Crazy Bees
FABIO FRASSINELLI (7/10) - A great performance by a great defender. Sgro got past him only on two occasions, but his commanding presence was almost intimidating for the opponents' forwards throughout.
ALESSANDRO MERELLO (7/10) - A solid and spot on acquisition for the club. A great number of towering headers to send the ball up the park and a constant snuffing out of CB's attacks.
MATTEO BOVALINO (7/10) - The opening goal and a lot of help spread between midfield and defence.
ALDO MARLETTA (7/10) - He hadn't been seen this effective defensively for a while, and he also came close with a couple of efforts. Back to his best soon?
DAVIDE DUCCO (7/10) - As for Merello, a great piece of strategy by the club. He can be deployed either at the back or in midfield, and the results won't change, cause he's a quality player.
MARCO CANTELLI (7.5/10) - Once again, a star on the pitch. A peach of a delivery for Bovalino's goal, and a great shot of his own to make it 2-1. Those heroics let alone, he also played a major part in most of Dunfermline's attacking moves.
FILIPPO FINOTTI (6.5/10) - Only a handful of minutes at his disposal owing to a slight form of flu affecting him, but he showed once more he can do business on the pitch.
ALBERTO BUCCIANTI (6/10) - The penalty miss doesn't count here, as it can happen to pretty much anyone. He got Lai sent off but struggled owing to his chronical lack of pace.
Thanks to www.fornettogenovese.it
CRAZY BEES - DUNFERMLINE 2-2 (*)
VIA DELL'ACCIAIO - With their hearts shattered but their heads held high, Dunfermline bowed out of the Primavera Tournament after playing arguably their best match of the campaign.
Against a strong side, playing nitty-gritty-witty football, the Pars thrived and came very close to pulling off a great win, but were denied in the end, and once again punished by the penalty kicks.
Vanin deployed Perugini in goal, with Frassinelli and Merello starting in defence and Ducco on the left flank, the midfield being completed by Marletta in the middle of the park and Bovalino wide on the right.
Cantelli started upfront and the game got under way, with man in charge Remorino, excellent on the night, showing a yellow card to Soro almost straight from the kick-off for a shirt pull on Ducco.
Dunfermline had more of the ball and the better chances, with Cantelli and Marletta firing wide and Ducco and Bovalino constantly creating openings with their intelligent runs and passes.
The breakthrough was found as Cantelli played a great ball into the path of Bovalino, whose first time sidefooted effort left keeper Ratto with no chance but to pick up the ball from the back of the net.
1-0 up, the Scots looked self-assured in possession and effective in defence, and continued playing some nice football, with moments of individual brilliance and a collective togetherness that hadn't been seen for a while.
Perugini was called upon by Sgro, the Crazy Bees forward, and did well to save from his effort, Merello's ensuing clearance, though, fell far too kindly for Andrea Lai, who drove the ball past the Pars' keeper with an unstoppable flying effort.
The Fifers didn't lose their composure at all, though, and a Marletta free-kick was parried away by the keeper soon before half time.
HALF TIME: Crazy Bees 1, Dunfermline 1
Buccianti on for Ducco, with Bovalino shifted to the back-pack and Cantelli on the left, and the second half got started.
The No 14 was then re-introduced for Bovalino, and Marletta and Cantelli combined well, with the latter firing just wide with his left.
A number of chances and half-chances followed, notably Cantelli kept on wreaking havoc in the opponents' defence and Ducco supporting him well, while Frassinelli, then withdrawn to make way for Finotti with Ducco shifting to the back again, and Merello were pretty much unsurpassable in defence.
Perugini pulled off a great save to deny Crazy Bees a clear goal, then Sgro hit the crossbar after coolly getting rid of Frassinelli with a fine juggling touch.
Dunfermline took the lead again soon afterwards, as Ducco played a throw-in towards Cantelli, who stopped the ball with his chest and dispatched a mid-air screamer which left Ratto with no chance at all, what a goal!
The Pars kept on pushing and pushing and Marletta almost wrapped it up with a customary free-kick, as he hit the underside of the bar and ball appeared to have crossed the line. That mattered little, however, as the ref adjudged Buccianti to have unlawfully touched the keeper in the process.
Just when it appeared less and less likely, though, Crazy Bees equalised from a poorly defender corner-kick, as an unmarked Pagano sidefooted home from close range.
Lai got dismissed a few minutes later for a second bookable offence, as Buccianti was downed just beyond the halfway line, but the game ended with a 2-2 draw.
FULL TIME: Crazy Bees 2, Dunfermline 2
From the spot, Marletta, Cantelli and Ducco all socred, thus replying to as many succesful Crazy Bees efforts, then Buccianti got his shot saved at the sudden death stage and Dunfermline went out, despite having played out an inspired performance.
DUNFERMLINE
1 Perugini
10 Frassinelli (15 Finotti)
4 Merello (9 Buccianti)
11 Bovalino
5 Marletta (c)
14 Ducco
6 Cantelli
MANAGER: Vanin
SCORERS: Bovalino (0-1), Cantelli (1-2)
CAUTIONS: Marletta (Y)
PENALTIES: Marletta goal, Cantelli goal, Ducco goal, Buccianti saved
Thanks to www.fornettogenovese.it
10.7.09
PREVIEW - Crazy Bees
The Pars will lock horns with Crazy Bees on Tuesday night, in a game promising to be evenly matched.
Both sides won their respective groups at the qualifying stage, and both sides triumphed in the round of 32 quite emphatically, against Tricche Ballacche and Vecchio Regno respectively.
The opponents will be able to count on Stefano Sgro who, in his FIGC years, shared a couple of seasons with a number of Pars at Praese, as he was in the same side also involving Frassinelli, Cantelli, Bovalino and Marletta.
DUNFERMLINE SO FAR...
DAFC - Genova 07 3-3
DAFC - Guardian T 2-2
DAFC - Grifone 4-1
DAFC - Tricche B 5-3
CRAZY BEES SO FAR...
Crazy Bees - Valpolcevera 9-2
Crazy Bees - Carrapippi 4-1
Crazy Bees - Le Palme 2-3
Crazy Bees - Vecchio Regno 4-1
Gaffer Vanin will deploy Perugini in goal, as he was expected to start anyhow, but also owing to Semino's absence through working duties.
In defence, Frassinelli, Merello and Ducco should all be available for selection, the latter also holding a chance of getting a midfield berth.
Speaking of which, Marletta, Bovalino and Finotti will all be at the manager's disposal, with Cantelli likely to start upfront, owing to Rossi's virtually certain absence following his ankle injury which will rule him out for one or two games at best.
Buccianti should also be in the pack, and will therefore push for a place after a fine contribution in the late stages of the win over Tricche Ballacche, with the sealing goal coming from the Tuscan striker.
DUNFERMLINE (from)
12 Perugini
04 Merello
10 Frassinelli
14 Ducco
05 Marletta
11 Bovalino
15 Finotti
06 Cantelli
09 Buccianti
MANAGER: Vanin
Thanks to www.fornettogenovese.it
9.7.09
DUNF - TB 5-3 Highlights
Before the game, the dressing room looks in a cheerful mood.
Dunfermline score two nice goals in the space of one minute to take a 2-0 lead.
Tricche Ballacche pull one back and make it 2-1.
Ducco to Marletta, whose shot gets deflected against the post, Cantelli comes along and wraps it up for the 3-2 goal.
TB try to get themselves back in the game and score the 4-3 goal.
Thanks to http://www.fornettogenovese.it/
DUNFERMLINE - Stats Corner
25 Cantelli (19 League, 6 Cup/Tournament)
20 Marletta (14, 6)
18 Buccianti (14, 4)
16 Boccaccio (16, 0)
8 Maneschi (7, 1)
7 Bovalino (7, 0)
6 Frassinelli (5, 1)
5 Gallo (4, 1)
3 Own Goals (1, 2)
2 Rossi (0, 2)
2 Filippi (2, 0)
2 Lenza (2, 0)
1 Ganduglia (1, 0)
1 Crosetti (1, 0)
116 Goals / 30 Games - 3.86 Goals/Game _________________________________________
ALL TIME CLUB SCORERS
67 Marletta
66 Cantelli
45 Buccianti
22 Bovalino
16 Boccaccio
15 Satta
13 Gemignani
12 Frassinelli
11 Di Noto
8 Maneschi
6 Malvezzi
5 Gallo
4 Own Goals
3 Filippi
3 Langella M
2 Rossi
2 Borreani
2 Sforza
2 Morelli
2 Lenza
2 Guaraglia
1 Crosetti
1 Ganduglia
1 Orengo
317 Goals / 83 Games - 3.81 Goals/Game ___________________________________________
2008/2009 APPEARANCES
26 Frassinelli
26 Marletta
26 Bovalino
23 Buccianti
22 Filippi
20 Crosetti
20 Cantelli
17 Semino
16 Bocccaccio
15 Maneschi
8 Perugini
6 Lenza
6 Gallo
4 Rossi
4 Finotti
3 Lanata
3 Ducco
3 Merello
2 Pittaluga
1 Ganduglia
1 Strano
1 De Maria
______________________________________________
ALL TIME CLUB APPEARANCES - Current Players
71 Marletta
60 Frassinelli
60 Bovalino
51 Buccianti
48 Filippi
46 Cantelli
38 Semino
20 Crosetti
14 Perugini
4 Rossi
4 Finotti
3 Ducco
3 Merello
_____________________________________________
CLUB STATS
PLAYED 83
WON 42
DRAWN 12
LOST 29
AVG 1.66 Pts/Game
_____________________________________________
Thanks to www.fornettogenovese.it
HOW PARS RATED / Tricche Ballacche
FABIO FRASSINELLI (6/10) - Not his best night, on his 60th club appearance. He struggled against the phisicality of Vinciguerra, but a couple of excellent tackles towards the end of the game made up for a few setbacks.
ALESSANDRO MERELLO (6.5/10) - His forward surges were limited owing to the difficulties the Pars were exposed to at the back, but he put it a diligent, and almost stainless, performance.
FILIPPO FINOTTI (6/10) - Not quite as much of an impact as in the previous games, but he still managed to contribute to the 2-0 goal with some fine exchanges.
DAVIDE DUCCO (7/10) - His impact on the game was huge, both on the flank and in defence. He played a major role in 3 goals and he showed he was raring to go ever since coming on as a sub.
ALDO MARLETTA (7/10) - A good goal, and a lot of spot on passes. He could have done better defensively, but he also contributed to at least another goal.
MARCO CANTELLI (8/10) - Another hat-trick, and another performance to remind everyone what he's capable of. Just about anything, that is...
MATTEO BOVALINO (7/10) - One thing about him, is that you can always count on his talent and sacrifice. He had a brilliant chance but was denied by the goalkeeper late on. A stalwart of the club.
STEFANO ROSSI (6.5/10) - An excellent combination with Marletta for the 2-0 goal, before he limped off with what looked like a nasty ankle injury.
ALBERTO BUCCIANTI (7/10) - What a comeback. Thinner, fitter and, broadly, better than his recent performances. A poacher's goal and a lot of good work during his 10 minutes or so on the pitch.
Thanks to http://www.fornettogenovese.it/
DUNFERMLINE - TRICCHE BALLACCHE 5-3
As expected, the game was tense and hard-fought, but the Pars' opponents did everything they could to engage themselves in a battle of nerves, and kick-arounds for that matter, which really tarnished a game which would've been a beautiful watch otherwise.
Vanin deployed Semino in goal, while the defensive pack was composed by Merello and Frassinelli, initially. Marletta was in the middle of the park, with Finotti and Cantelli flanking him, whilst Rossi got the nod to start upfront.
The early exchanges weren't too enthusing, without much to report at either end.
In the space of only two minutes, though, Dunfermline found themselves two goals up.
Cantelli got the first as he got rid of an opponent down the flank, and his ensuing shot from just outside the box was inch accurate and established the Pars in the lead.
Marletta grabbed the second after beautifully combining with Finotti, and then with Rossi, before dispatching a fine effort past the keeper from outside the box.
At that stage, Dunfermline should probably have buried the game, but as too often is the case, they sat back and let their opponents come forward more and more constantly.
Vinciguerra pulled one back for Tricche Ballacche, with a fine touch from a Bernacca square delivery, and then equalised minutes later.
He got the better of Frassinelli, and found himself in front of Semino, who could only try and parry the shot away without much success.
The incident, though, didn't occur without controversy, as a hole in the back of the net mislead the referee, who adjudged the ball not to have crossed the line. A spat followed suit, before Frassinelli honestly told the man in black that the ball had indeed gone in and the 2-2 goal was eventually awarded to the Pars' opponents.
The first half, therefore, ended with the scores tied.
HALF TIME: Dunfermline 2, Tricche Ballacche 2
Proceedings were resumed, with Ducco introduced for Finotti, whilst Bovalino had been thrust onto the pitch midway through the first period, as Rossi had limped off with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.
The Scots looked good in possession, although they didn't play as a unit all the time.
Ducco gave a good contribution, both on the left flank and later when shifted to the defensive pack, but the players looked detached from one another at certain times.
It was Ducco himself who triggered the 3-2 goal occasion, as he combined with Marletta in midfield, with the captain surging forward and firing a shot that Continanza, TB's keeper, could only parry away on the post, with Cantelli latching onto the rebound and making it 3-2 from close range.
Ducco played a major role in the following - and potentially decisive goal - as he was released into space by a sumptuous Cantelli backheel, before returning the ball to the deadly No 6, who slotted home from just inside the box to make it 4-2.
A piece of bravura by Pollini allowed TB back into the game, as he volleyed home with the outside of his foot from just outside the area following a scruffy clearance from a corner, but TB turned in a very poor show, as Vinciguerra kicked Ducco around before heavily insulting him and other Pars.
No wonder he got himself booked and, soon afterwards, red carded, for such antics, leaving his side to play with 6 men for the remainder of the game.
On came Buccianti, back from his international aid mission in Haiti, and what a fabulous 10 minutes he had. He kept the ball up the park constantly, combined well with his teammates, and he eventually killed the game off, as he was fed the ball by Ducco, before firing home from close range.
Dunfermline will now play Crazy Bees in the round of 16.
FULL TIME: Dunfermline 5, Tricche Ballacche 3
DUNFERMLINE
1 Semino
10 Frassinelli
4 Merello (9 Buccianti)
15 Finotti (14 Ducco)
5 Marletta (c)
6 Cantelli
7 Rossi (11 Bovalino)
SUBS: 12 Perugini
MANAGER: Vanin
SCORERS: Cantelli 3 (1-0, 3-2, 4-2), Marletta (2-0), Buccianti (5-3)
CAUTIONS: -
Thanks to www.fornettogenovese.it
6.7.09
PREVIEW - Tricche Ballacche
Tricche Ballacche are based in Castelletto and can count on a number of very talented players, including the former Solferino player Luca Giacobbe and potential future Par Alessio Scali, the goalkeeper.
They were included in Group H and finished level on points with Bagni Roma and Arriba Perù, while Last Beach team were given a torrid three-weeks period and ended up with no points at all.
Dunfermline should be at full strength for a testing game which will be likely to be hard fought to the very end of it, with Buccianti returning from his international aid mission in Haiti and Filippi and Crosetti the only absentees on the night.
DUNFERMLINE (from)
01 Semino
12 Perugini
04 Merello
10 Frassinelli
14 Ducco
05 Marletta
06 Cantelli
11 Bovalino
15 Finotti
07 Rossi
09 Buccianti
MANAGER: Vanin
3.7.09
GRIF 1, DAFC 4 - Highlights
Cantelli scores the 1-1 equalising goal after beating a couple of opponents.
Finotti sends the ball up the park, Cantelli and Marletta combine and the No 6 makes it 2-1.
Rossi makes it 3-1 after combining with Cantelli.
Marletta's corner-kick deflects off a defender and in it goes... 4-1.
Thanks to www.fornettogenovese.it
2.7.09
DUNFERMLINE - Stats Corner
22 Cantelli (19 League, 3 Cup/Tournament)
19 Marletta (14, 5)
17 Buccianti (14, 3)
16 Boccaccio (16, 0)
8 Maneschi (7, 1)
7 Bovalino (7, 0)
6 Frassinelli (5, 1)
5 Gallo (4, 1)
2 Rossi (0, 2)
2 Filippi (2, 0)
2 Lenza (2, 0)
3 Own Goals (1, 2)
1 Ganduglia (1, 0)
1 Crosetti (1, 0)
111 Goals / 29 Games - 3.82 Goals/Game _________________________________________
ALL TIME CLUB SCORERS
66 Marletta
63 Cantelli
44 Buccianti
22 Bovalino
16 Boccaccio
15 Satta
13 Gemignani
12 Frassinelli
11 Di Noto
8 Maneschi
6 Malvezzi
5 Gallo
4 Own Goals
3 Filippi
3 Langella M
2 Rossi
2 Borreani
2 Sforza
2 Morelli
2 Lenza
2 Guaraglia
1 Crosetti
1 Ganduglia
1 Orengo
312 Goals / 82 Games - 3.80 Goals/Game ___________________________________________
2008/2009 APPEARANCES
25 Frassinelli
25 Marletta
25 Bovalino
22 Filippi
22 Buccianti
20 Crosetti
19 Cantelli
17 Semino
16 Bocccaccio
15 Maneschi
8 Perugini
6 Lenza
6 Gallo
3 Rossi
3 Lanata
3 Finotti
2 Ducco
2 Merello
2 Pittaluga
1 Ganduglia
1 Strano
1 De Maria
______________________________________________
ALL TIME CLUB APPEARANCES - Current Players
70 Marletta
59 Frassinelli
59 Bovalino
50 Buccianti
48 Filippi
44 Cantelli
37 Semino
20 Crosetti
14 Perugini
3 Rossi
3 Finotti
2 Ducco
2 Merello
_____________________________________________
CLUB STATS
PLAYED 82
WON 41
DRAWN 12
LOST 29
AVG 1.64 Pts/Game
_____________________________________________
Thanks to http://www.fornettogenovese.it/