DUNFERMLINE - SAMPIERDARENA 2-2

Dunfermline could not make it 7 wins in a row and therefore failed to break into the top two, after having been held by valuable opponents Sampierdarena at 2-2.
The Pars had to produce a fine comeback from 2 goals down and at least salvaged a point in what was a tight and edgy encounter, the ref - a nutter in a black shirt - proving highly inadequate to handle such a relevant game.
Filippi's absence had long been learnt of, whilst suggestions that Borreani would make an impact return were played down soon before kick-off, as the influential midfielder wasn't involved yet again.
Wanyn played Semino in goal, Buttitta returned to the starting lineup to partner Frassinelli in defence, while Marletta and Di Noto were in midfield, Cantelli and Buccianti completing the 7 upfront.
Bovalino sat on the bench, at least initially, and the game got underway to a nervy start, neither side finding any spaces on the break.
It was Sampierdarena which took the lead from a disputed free-kick, the first of many mistakes made by the ref, who adjudged Buttitta to have fouled his man when it was as clear as light he didn't.
However, Fornero powered home from the ensuing kick to establish an early lead.
The Pars were on the trail for the first time in quite some time, but kept their composure, even though the narrowness of their home pitch proved once again a factor in limiting the Fifers' talents and sharpness.
However, the referee was once again at 6s and 7s when he awarded yet another dubious free-kick just a couple of yards outside the box for what appeared as an ordinary challenge from Buttitta. If any, the ref should've adjudged an indirect free-kick, but Ferrea took it first time instead, and made it two-nil, much to the surprise of many.
Debuting Samp goalkeeper Bruzzone denied Marletta from a well-taken free-kick, before a scramble in the box proved too hot to handle and a lucky rebound allowed the Pars to pull one back before the break, Buccianti playing a part in proceedings.
Prior to the half-time whistle, Cantelli produced a fine clear-cut chance but was way too unlucky, as his right-footed shot slowly ended his run past the right hand post.

HALF-TIME: Dunfermline 1 Sampierdarena 2

Proceedings were resumed and The Pars were on the hunt for an equaliser, which came as the ref once again got it completely wrong, this time to The Pars' advantage, as he decided to give a penalty-kick for what should have been an indirect free-kick inside the box.
Buccianti did well to lose his marker, before receiving a kick on his chin from a slow and sloppy defender.
Protests were raised, but Marletta looked unfazed and coolly slotted home to even things up.
Semino was once again a huge factor, producing a string of fine saves, including a stop with his feet, the ball bouncing back on the post and again on his feet to give his side a major scare, but only a corner kick resulted from that.
The Pars themselves had two glorious chances to take all three points, but Buccianti was denied by the cross bar to end a marvellous counter-attack.
Later on, Marletta cleared the ball off the line, re-started play and knocked the ball to Cantelli who, in a 4 against 1 counter attack, picked Buttitta to try and finish it off, but the Sicilian defender checked his run and couldn't take advantage.

FULL TIME: Dunfermline 2 Sampierdarena 2


DUNFERMLINE
Semino; Frassinelli, Buttitta; Marletta, Di Noto; Cantelli, Buccianti
SUBS: Bovalino
SUBS NOT USED: -
SCORERS: Buccianti, Marletta (pk)


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