DUFC 2 RRFC 0

The Terrors returned to competitive action with what turned out to be a comfortable win against League One Raith Rovers despite a tepid start to the game.

It's always important to get a win on the board early doors and we did just that, goals from new boys McMullan and a Keatings penalty giving us the full three points.

As you'd expect with a team fielding 6 new starts, it took a while to get going and the first half was extremely poor with the side looking slow and ponderous from back to middle, although the forwards looked lively when they did eventually receive the ball. Unfortunately we were far too slow with our build-up in that period and it let Raith get their shape back. Bar a Deniz howler which needed Durnan to save his blushes with a magnificent goalline headed clearance, the first half was entirely forgettable.

Thankfully the second was much better and we had a bit more urgency. McMullan's goal was a fantastic finish and it's great to see us have a bit of pace and drive in the team again. Rather than go through events, I'll go through players since it was the first game:

Deniz - 5 - He was very lucky not to spoil his debut with a pass straight to their striker 20 yards from goal and he was bailed out by Durnan. Some good saves, mainly comfortable though, and he made an important block in the second half when they had a one-on-one. His kicking wasn't great either.

Toshney - 5 - He wasn't terrible, which is an improvement.

Durnan - 6 - A fairly typical performance from Durnan. Made his tackles, won his headers. He's always going to be a limited player though.

Edjenguele - 4 - I just don't rate him. His distribution is terrible. He sclaffs his clearances every time. He's a big part of our poor use of the ball and our slow build up play.

Scobbie - 6 - the captain of the team now and I thought he did very well defensively, although his control and touch let him down a few times when attacking. I think he'll do well.

Allardice - 4 - I don't see it with him. I'm not sure what he adds to the team. Slow and ponderous, he makes a pass and then doesn't move for a return. Still a young lad but I'm struggling to see what he brings to the team.

Briels - 6 - the Dutchman had a tepid first half but improved as the game wore on. Strong in the tackle, I think he'll be a good addition.

Fraser - 4 - never in the game to be honest. I suspect he's still struggling for fitness.

King - 6 - Struggled at times to get in the game, chiefly due to poor service. Hopefully he'll be more involved as the weeks go by.

McMullan - 8 - star man for me. It's good to see a pacey wide-man who is willing to run at the fullback. A fantastic curled finish to open the scoring and he always looked the most likely to break the deadlock. Hampered at times by a lack of height to put crosses into.

Keatings - 7 - always important for a striker to get off the mark, even if it's from the penalty spot. Again he has pace and he looks to get in behind. Hopefully he'll get a good goals return.

Subs:

Stanton - 6 - signed from Hibs on the morning of the game and I'm going to go out on a limb here and say he'll be a terrific signing. Glided over the grass when he came on, getting on the ball and moving it well. Won the penalty with a burst into the box. I like the look of him.

Thomas - 4 - had no idea who he was (later found out he is a 17 year old signed from Southampton - despite looking like he's in his mid-20s). Looked neat and tidy though but didn't have much time to impact the game.

N'Koyi - 4 - Hmm. Not convinced by this lad at all after his brief outing. Looks slow as a week in the jail and just a really awkward player. Hopefully he'll settle down and improve as he gets games. I'd like another striker in though as I'm not convinced he's going to be good enough.