Thursday, March 28, 2024
SportScottish ChampionshipSean Murdoch determined Dunfermline will get better of Dundee United keeper Cammy...

Sean Murdoch determined Dunfermline will get better of Dundee United keeper Cammy Bell this time round

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SEAN Murdoch watched in disbelief as Cammy Bell saved three penalties against Dunfermline earlier in the season – but he hopes there is no stopping the Pars today.

Murdoch was in the stand injured as Gavin Reilly, Nicky Clark and Paul McMullan all failed to get the better of the Dundee United keeper from 12 yards out on the Tangerines’ last visit to East End Park on league duty in September.

It was a remarkable display of goalkeeping that could haunt the Pars should they win a spot-kick this afternoon.

But Murdoch is hopeful the Fifers can prove the fortunes of the two clubs have reversed since that incredible game.

The 30-year-old said: “I was in the stand when Cammy saved the three penalties. We’ll probably never see that again.

“It was three great saves as well, they weren’t easy penalties to save.

“But they have shipped a lot of goals recently, I’ve noticed, so confidence might be low in the defensive area and that’s maybe something we can exploit.

“Cammy is a top goalkeeper. I’ve known him in the past, I’ve worked with him through Scotland [youth] set-ups and he’s a good goalkeeper.

“But hopefully there’s a few goals go past him in this game.”

Bell will be keen on a quieter 90 minutes after being beaten half a dozen times in United’s 6-2 defeat to Ross County in the Scottish Cup last weekend.

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It leaves Ray McKinnon’s side hunting a first win in five games as they bid to keep their title hopes alive.

Dunfermline, meanwhile, are seeking to stretch their unbeaten run to 11 matches and Murdoch admits recent form has sparked fresh belief in the Fifers’ squad.

The Pars keeper added: “The confidence is great at the moment. We’re going into games thinking we’re going to win.

“That’s our mindset now and that’s great to have. Winning is a habit and we’re in that kind of habit at the moment. Long may it continue.

“It’s going to be a difficult game but it’s one we can certainly win.

“The tide has turned a bit. We’re the form team and we’ll be going into the game confident.

“We know Dundee United’s strengths and we know they’ve got good players, and good individual players.

“But hopefully we can keep our momentum going. We’re 10 unbeaten, so we want to make it 11.”

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