Classic Matches

As I haven't updated the blog during this turbulent season for the Pars, I have decided to use it to look back on happier times and re-live some classic matches I have seen involving Dunfermline. The first game takes me back to season 1995/1996, where quite a few of these will come from. First up though is the final day showdown with Airdrie.



Classic Match #1: Dunfermline Athletic V Airdrieonians, 4th May 1996.


The first classic match is not one that would be considered as such from a football purist's perspective, but will live forever in the memory of all Pars fans who were there to witness it.


This was it, the final frontier. A stunning 1-0 win at Tannadice the previous week had enabled Bert Paton's team to reclaim top spot in the First Division and now were just 90 minutes away from the title and a return to the Premier Division. The Pars simply couldn't throw it away now- they'd missed out by a point to Falkirk in 93/94 and the previous season lost to Aberdeen in the inaugrual Premier/ First Division play off. And of course, everyone was desperate to claim the title in honour of tragic captain Norrie McCathie.


But, standing in the way were Alex McDonald's Airdrie, who had always enjoyed a rivalry with the Athletic. This was especially enhanced from Airdrie's viewpoint when a refereeing decision helped Dunfermline defeat them to reach the Skol Cup final of 1991. Indeed, the Diamonds had helped cost the Fifers promotion in 1994 with a 1-0 win at Broomfield.


So this was to be a big test for the team, and this was not lost on the fans. A huge crowd of 13,123 packed into East End hoping, and expecting, that Paton's Pars would finally secure promotion.


Dunfermline went into this match missing the suspended Stewart Petrie and began the match in an extremely nervous fashion. Although Airdrie had nothing except pride to play for, this seemed to suit them as they were much more relaxed. They revelled in keeping the ball with good passing movements and the Pars simply couldn't get to grips with it. A warning sign came early on when Paul Harvey picked the ball up and, spotting Ian Westwater slightly off his line, chipped a shot from 25 yards which bounced off the crossbar.


The atmosphere around the ground had changed, with it rather quiet as the Athletic struggled to make inroads. The Pars did howl for a penalty after Derek Fleming played the ball through for Andy Smith and appeared to be barged over by Jimmy Sandison, but the visiting skipper touched the ball out before Smith went over.


But it wasn't long before East End was to erupt with noise. On the half hour mark, the home side were awarded a free-kick on the right hand side, midway inside the Airdrie half. Full back Marc Millar sent a whipping ball into the area and there was Smith to bullet a fine header past former Athletic keeper Andy Rhodes. The fans went wild; the vital breakthrough had arrived. Only 60 minutes to stay in front and secure the title!


The Athletic began to look more composed, but the Diamonds still offered a threat going forward. Paddy Connolly worked his way down the right hand side and cut the ball back for Kenny Black, but Ivo den Bieman was there to get in the way and block the shot. But the Pars were able to hold on and commanded a 1-0 lead at the interval.

The atmosphere at the start of the second period was remarkably more calm that it had been than during the first, with the Athletic faithful knowing that holding on to the 1-0 score was all it needed to secure Premier League football, regardless of events at Cappielow between Morton and Dundee United.

Things were going well until the 56th minute of the match. A long ball from Jimmy Boyle sent Connolly scampering down the left hand side, who turned inside Den Bieman. The onrushing Westwater went down to grab the ball, but Connolly squared it for Peter Heatherston, who sent a shot crashing in off the underside of the bar. The sheer glee on his face at possibly spoiling the Pars party was enough to make you vomit.

So as usual, Dunfermline had to do it the hard way. The mood around the ground was one of tension and gloom, and the home side struggled to create any clear cut chances. Andy Tod sent a header wide from a Brian Rice corner, while Allan Moore headed over and was also denied by the feet of Rhodes.

But as ears were being glued to events in Greenock, Smith superbly released Moore to beat the Airdrie offside trap, only for Rhodes to send him crashing to the ground. Penalty! And one which I've always maintained Rhodes meant to give away as he was quoted as saying "I hope the Athletic go on to win the championship" after Norrie McCathie died.
So it was up to popular hard as nails full back Marc Millar to take the vital kick, and he made no mistake, firing high into the top right corner giving Rhodes no chance. The relief around East End was massive, and Dunfermline were back on course to win the First Division.

Airdrie attempted to get back into the game but with 10 minutes left, and as heroes Moore and Smith were substituted, the roar from the crowd indicated that the game at Cappielow was over. Our game had kicked off 10 minutes late due to the crowd and the word was that Morton and United had drawn 2-2- the Pars were champions!

As a result, the last minutes of an unbelievable season petered out and Dunfermline won the championship by 4 points from Dundee United. It was a moment to savour- for three seasons running, the club had narrowly missed out on a return to the Premier Division, but the ecstatic crowd acclaimed "Paton's Premier Pars".

The trophy didn't arrive at the ground until 5.30, but it did not matter a jot- the Pars were up, the celebrations lasted long into the night but most importantly- We did it for Norrie.

A dramatic end to what had been a dramatic season.

Dunfermline Athletic: Westwater; Miller, Tod, Den Bieman, Millar; Moore, Robertson, French, Fleming; Rice, Smith.

Halloween Horrors

Its been quite a spooky season so far for Dunfermline Athletic. One that promised so much has fallen flat on its face, with the fans being well and truely haunted by the ghosts of the Irn Bru Scottish First Division. That said, you could argue it is the Pars players who are the ghosts, so easy they have been to beat so far this season.

As it stands, Stephen Kenny's pre-season promotion favourites occupy the dizzy heights of 6th in the league. They have acquired a measly 12 points from 11 games and, worryingly, they are only 2 points better off than bottom dogs Queen of the South. Even worse, they are 16 points adrift of Billy Reid's impressive Hamilton Accies, who it seems can only throw the title away.

So what on earth is going on at East End Park? As the nights draw in, it looks to be a long hard winter ahead. Out of the UEFA Cup to BK Hacken at the first attempt, rumours of the manager departing on the day of the second leg of that tie and humiliating defeats have left the fans feeling like complete turnips as the club stagger from one shambles to the next.

The warning signs were there early doors. Despite warnings, some Athletic supporters thought that we'd walk the First Division, courtesy of keeping hold of a few of our unsuccessful SPL squad. But, alas, we have done absolutely nothing of the sort.

An opening day defeat to Hamilton at New Douglas Park was seen as a mere blip, especially as Accies only lost once at home during the previous season. But a 1-0 home defeat by Morton set alarm bells ringing, before the dismal UEFA Cup exit to the Swedes, who the Pars should have taken the game to and beat well in the first leg at home.

Indifferent league form continued but things came to a head when we entertained Accies. Billed as a game we couldn't afford to lose, we fell 13 points behind after a humiliating 5-0 defeat, easily one of our worst ever at home in the First Division. The players attitude was questioned, the manager's future debated- many pondered, how could we lose 5-0 at home to Hamilton Accies?

And then at the weekend, the failing act chuntered its way to Stirling Albion, a part-time side yet to win a league game. Despite a decent start, Dunfermline slipped behind to a Colin Cramb goal and from then the players gave up the ghost as Albion notched another 2 goals as easily as kids playing trick or treat on kind grannies.

So a dismal defeat to sum up what has so far been a dismal season. So who is to blame? Questions were raised over the future of Stephen Kenny, and the board have backed him and I must say I am pleased. While questions can be raised over tactics and team selections, I don't think he is to blame for all of our problems. For too long, the players have escaped criticism and they are ultimately the ones who have got us into this mess. On Saturday, it didn't hurt them enough and most of them, except Stevie Crawford, didn't look like they cared or could be bothered trying. If thats the case, NO MANAGER could turn it around.

Kenny has been busy trying to right so many wrongs at the club, the shambles of a youth set up for a start. But I believe there are factors behind the scenes which are preventing him doing his job properly, which leads me to the announcement that Scott Thomson has been stripped of the captaincy to be replaced by Scott Wilson.

The official line is that Thomson is injured too much, but the cynical part of me thinks that rumours that Thomson has been trying to undermine the manager could be true. If so, get those responsible out the club. We need a squad committed to playing for the jersey and for the manager. We also need the manager to have full control over everything at the club.

Kenny has achieved success at his previous clubs by building young, hungry sides eager to impress. He will turn it around here if given the chance.

We have to be realistic. Promotion this term will not happen. A Scottish Cup run, Challenge Cup win and consolidation should be the aim. Let Kenny dismantle the squad and reshape it as he sees fit and lets rebuild for next season. Dismissing yet another manager is not only not good for continuity, but it will merely paper over the cracks the squad of players we have aren't good enough/interested.

This season has been a horror show for the Pars, but we have to get behind Kenny. This is a man who has great ambitions for Dunfermline, wants to reshape the club from top to bottom and has been able to reach out and interact with the fans in a way not seen at East End since Bert Paton.

I say give him time, give him support and a free reign and he will deliver. The only way is up!

Season Preview 2007/2008

Competitive football returns to Scotland on Saturday with Dunfermline kicking off their 2007/2008 Irn Bru Scottish Football League Championship First Division (what a mouthful!) campaign at Hamilton Accies. For a good number of weeks, excitement and optimism has been building among Pars fans as we hope the team can claim the championship and make an instant return to the SPL next season.

Following last season's double heartbreak of relegation and the loss of the Scottish Cup final with just five minutes remaining, it would be easy for the fans to look ahead with a sense of doom and gloom, but nothing could be further from the truth. Season ticket sales are up by a long way compared to last season, with the club about to break the 3,000 mark while the official supporters club have at least four buses going to Hamilton this weekend, with other clubs running buses as well. This type of away support hasn't been seen from Dunfermline for quite a few years.

And there are plenty of reasons for this feelgood factor amongst the supporters. Although last season was a bitter disappointment, the football Stephen Kenny's side were playing towards the end of the season was attacking and exciting to watch. The manager's preference for two attacking wingers in his teams led minds to cast back to the days of when Bert Paton was in charge, which were arguably the most exciting of times to be a Pars fan in recent years.

Gone also are the chronic injury shambles that we had to endure under previous regimes. Gone are aimless tactics culminating in a panic punt up field. Kenny has got this group of players organised, fit and have the ability to play. We showed on numerous occasions last term, especially during the cup run, that on our day we can be a force to be reckoned with.

But we must'nt forget that we have lost key players to the squad that ended last season. Hugely popular and influential goalkeeper Dorus de Vries departed for Swansea City, while Jim O'Brien returned to Celtic. Adam Hammill has pitched up on loan at Southampton after his successful spell with the club, while workhorse midfielder Gary Mason left for St Mirren after 7 years with the club.

These departures would have been enough to conjure up visions of disaster, but Kenny pulled off a number of important pieces of business. First up was the future of Tam McManus. 'The Bam' raised eyebrows when he joined on a free from bitter rivals Falkirk, but his impression was such that he became a firm fans favourite due to his all action, combative displays and goals in vital victories over Dundee United and St Mirren. The rumour mill had United and Kilmarnock interested in him, but Tam repaid the faith shown in him by Kenny by penning a 2 year deal, to the delight and relief of the fans. Tam's comment that "the manager and the fans made it an easy decision" to re-sign emphasises the good feeling reverbarating around the club.

Others to sign new deals included Scott and Owen Morrison as the squad began to take shape. The first new arrival was that of former Hibs winger Kevin Harper, who signed on a free transfer from Stoke City. The 31 year old has impressed in his pre-season outings so far and will be a key man in the season ahead.

Stephen Glass further cheered the fans by returning after his loan spell from Hibs last season. "The excellent professional" according to Stephen Kenny will bolster the midfield with his creative play, which will be vital as we go into games with teams content to sit in and frustrate, particularly at East End Park.

Sol Bamba is still at the club, despite his apparant desperation for a move away from the club. The big defender came onto a good game in the latter stages of last season but still has a lot to learn. I expect though that this isn't finished and we could see some movement before the transfer window slams shut next month.

Rumours surrounding Jim McIntyre with a move to St Mirren were unfounded, with the striker staying to compliment which on paper looks a potent strikeforce. McManus, McIntyre, Crawford, Burchill and Hamilton. Throw in young Ian Williamson and we have the potential to score the goals to get us out of the league.

But what about the other teams who stand in Dunfermline's way? Arguably the two biggest threats will be St Johnstone and Dundee. The Tayside duo have brought in quite a few players to bolster their squads, Dundee especially, but how good they will be we shall have to see. One man familiar to us will be Freddie Daquin who Alex Rae was quick to sign following his release from East End.

However, it is Owen Coyle's St Johnstone who will probably provide the biggest challenge, and are some people's favourites to finally win the title. The Saintees had an excellent campaign last term, as they ran Hibs and Celtic close in the CIS and Scottish Cup semi finals before taking the title down to the very last minute, where a James Grady goal for Gretna denied them. They have lost their main goalscorer in Jason Scotland as well as midfield man Simon Mensing, but they have brought in players such as David Weatherston and Dyron Daal, so will be an undoubted threat.

As well as them, there are plenty of teams who can beat anyone else. Hamilton who we face on Saturday had a magnificent home record last term and will be a difficult side to breakdown. Trips to Livingston usually prove difficult and this will be no exception this season as they will be striving to impress under Mark Proctor after a disappointing time out last term.
Partick Thistle under Ian McCall should be there or thereabouts as McCall, like him or loathe him, knows what it takes to do well in this league while Morton and Stirling Albion will also be looking to impress being back in the First. Clyde under Coco Hendry could be a threat as an unknown quantity while Queen of the South, particularly at Palmerston, will provide a tough test.

Its all set for an interesting season and I for one can't wait, as the league will be very competitive. But as well as that, we also have the UEFA Cup to look forward to, with the draw for the final qualifying round made this Friday. The chance to lay the ghost of Harfnarfjordur is there for us and we have to take it.

So the season starts with a vengence on Saturday. Here's to an exciting, memorable and ultimately successful campaign. Come on ye Pars!

Home Pre-season friendlies

Dunfermline this week played two games against League One opposition at home in preparation for the kick off at Hamilton in a week's time. Bristol Rovers were first up, followed by Nottingham Forest. Here's how the games went.

Dunfermline Athletic 2-2 Bristol Rovers

For this latest friendly on Tuesday night, Scott Morrison and Tam McManus were handed their first outings of pre-season, while Roddy McKenzie came back into the side in goal.

The Pars started this game the way they ended the Dumbarton match, and that was on the front foot. Early on, Stephen Simmons sent a ball into the box and although it was behind Stevie Crawford, the striker managed to backheel towards the goal but sadly it went wide of target.

Though only ten minutes after that chance, the Fifers were in front. Hesitation from Rovers Chris Carruthers enabled Scott Thomson to charge down his clearance and square the ball to Tam McManus who made no mistake from six yards out.

However, last season's League Two play off winners were level within a minute. A clever backheel from Richard Walker saw the home defence caught flat-footed and Rickie Lambert gleefully advanced on McKenzie and slotted home the equaliser.

The visitors were by now controlling things, with Lambert at the heart of it. Greg Shields blocked a Lewis Haldane shot before Lambert skinned Scott Morrison and fired in a shot, which fortunately for the DA was well wide of target.

McManus then sent a 30 yard effort just wide as the Pars pressed, which also saw another shot by the Bam blocked while Simmons sent a header wide. But the pressure eventually paid off and Dunfermline struck again. A ball from Simmons found McManus, who turned his marker inside the box before drilling home his second goal of the evening.

The goal hero was taken off at half time to be replaced by Jim Hamilton, with the emphasis clearly on not risking McManus too much ahead of the season opener after his injury. The visitors however started the second period in positive fashion and were awarded a highly controversial penalty five minutes into the second half. Rovers' Craig Disley tried to go around McKenzie and although it looked like the keeper got his hand to the ball, the referee deemed it a foul and awarded the spot kick, which Walker duly scored.

Rovers were now dominating proceedings and Lambert and Walker again went close. Kenny introduced Mark Burchill and Ian Williamson but Bristol continued to create chances, with Joe Jacobsen having a shot saved by McKenzie while a Lambert header flashed inches wide of the post.

Mark Burchill had the Pars best chances in the latter part of the match, but was denied by goalkeeper Steve Phillips twice. All in all, a good workout for the Pars against a decent side.

Dunfermline: McKenzie; Shields, McGuire, Thomson (Muir 84), S.Morrison (Woods 73); O.Morrison, Glass (Phinn 73), Simmons, Muirhead (Williamson 60); McManus (Hamilton HT), Crawford (Burchill 60).
Sub not used: Murdoch (GK).

Goals: McManus (17, 40).


Dunfermline Athletic 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Two time European Cup winners Nottingham Forest were next to visit East End Park on Thursday night and in their squad was a certain Neil Lennon, he of taking the huff spectacularly during May's Scottish Cup final fame.

For Stephen Kenny and Dunfermline however, it was all about playing well in their final friendly before making the trip to New Douglas Park in a week's time. Scott Wilson and Kevin Harper, missing from the Bristol Rovers match, returned to the line up while Sol Bamba made a surprise appearance on the subs bench.

The home team kicked off but Forest almost opened the scoring within a minute from a corner, but fortunately Roddy McKenzie was able to save Julian Bennett's header well.

The opening periods of the game were dominated by the Reds, who enjoyed a fair amount of possession while threatening the Pars goal on occasion, such as a Lewis McGugan effort from 18 yards which flashed wide.

Dunfermline gradually worked their way back into the game and good play involving Stephen Simmons, Mark Burchill and Stephen Glass saw the creation of a chance for on form Tam McManus, the blonde haired dynamo's shot was well blocked by Paul Smith in the Forest goal.

However, the home fans didn't have to wait long to see their side hit the front. McManus sprayed a pass out to Harper, whose cross was cleared to Glass at the edge of the box. The midfielder chipped the ball into the area and Burchill was there to head home.

Glass was impressing again and only two minutes later fired a stinging shot towards goal but Brendan Maloney bravely blocked for Forest, who were soon on level terms. A great run by Grant Holt, scorer of a hat-trick of penalties in a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, down the left saw him shoot for goal. Though Wilson blocked the shot, the ball fell kindly for Emile Sinclair to score past the helpless McKenzie.

Burchill had a penalty claim for a push ignored by the referee while McManus saw an effort saved by Smith. Kris Commons and Holt then went close for Forest before McManus again was unlucky with a shot which went narrowly wide.

Scott Thomson and Callum Woods came on for Greg Shields and Phil McGuire at half time as the manager ensured as many of his players got some more match practice. But it was Forest sub, and ex Scotland misfit Scott Dobie who almost grabbed the headlines.

The former West Brom player diverted a McGugan cross goalward, but McKenzie somehow managed to get to his left and palm the ball away to safety.

Scott Muirhead then went on a solo effort to put the Pars back in front. His first effort saw the ball flash wide from 20 yards out before he had another shot easily saved by the keeper.

As both sides continued to make changes, chances were created at both ends though Phinn almost scored a spectacular long range strike but the ball again went just wide. Boos reverberated around the ground with eleven minutes to go as Lennon came on for the visitors but the home side were to grab the winner with a minute to go.

Morrison made space for himself before firing in a great shot from 20 yards. So the Pars end their pre-season unbeaten in five games, having scored 12 goals and conceding a mere five. Roll on Hamilton!

Dunfermline: McKenzie; Shields (Woods HT), Wilson, McGuire (Thomson HT), Muirhead; Harper (Williamson 79), Simmons (Bamba 60), Phinn (O.Morrison 75), Glass; McManus (Hamilton 75), Burchill (Crawford 60).
Sub not used: Murdoch (GK)

Goals: Burchill (22), Morrison (89).

Dumbarton 1-5 Dunfermline Athletic

A Stevie Crawford double helped Dunfermline on their way to a comfortable pre-season victory over Third Division Dumbarton this afternoon. Futher goals from Scott Thomson, Owen Morrison and Jim Hamilton ensured the Pars racked up a convincing scoreline at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

Following the midweek win over Brechin, Stephen Kenny made six changes in order to keep players fresh and to give others some match practice. Sean Murdoch started in goal ahead of Roddy McKenzie, while Scott Wilson was rested in favour of fit again Jamie Harris. Morrison, Hamilton, Callum Woods and Scott Muirhead also landed starting berths.

Though the visitors started reasonably well it was the home side, with their first real attack, who opened the scoring. A through ball opened up a hesitant Dunfermline defence and David McFarlane placed the ball past Murdoch into the corner of the net.

The Sons went close again minutes later, with Murdoch producing an excellent save to deny a Tommy Coyne header. But the Athletic gradually started to come back into proceedings and equalised in the 34th minute. Scott Muirhead sent over a whipping cross and although Sons goalkeeper Peter Shaw saved Hamilton's header, he could only push it into the path of Thomson who had the simple task of tapping in from close range.

The Pars were by now getting into their stride and went ahead two minutes before the interval. Hamilton's pass sent Crawford in on the left hand side and he made absolutely no mistake from 15 yards out.

Greg Shields, Stephen Simmons and Nick Phinn all came on at half time and soon after the Pars were 3-1 ahead. A diagonal ball from Thomson found Owen Morrison on the left, who cut inside before firing in a beautiful goal into the top corner of the net.

Stephen Kenny's men were in cruise control by now and goal number four duly arrived with twenty minutes remaining. A delightful move saw Phinn and Thomson combine to play Shields in down the right, and the full back's cross found Crawford who tucked the ball into the net.

The one way traffic continued and there was one more goal for the travelling fans from Fife to cheer at the death. Dumbarton defender O'Byrne brought down sub Ian Williamson in the box and after a fight for the ball with Hamilton, the veteran stepped up and slotted the ball away to complete a resounding pre-season success.

Dunfermline team: Murdoch; Thomson, McGuire, Harris (Shields HT), Muirhead (Muir 65); Woods (Phinn HT), Young, Glass (Simmons HT), O.Morrison; Crawford (Williamson 75), Hamilton.
Sub not used: McKenzie.

Goals: Thomson (34), Crawford (43, 70), O.Morrison (54), Hamilton (Pen 88).

To view a full match report, visit the official website http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1076591,00.html

Pre-season fixtures

Here is a full list of Dunfermline's remaining pre-season fixtures:

Dumbarton V Dunfermline Athletic, Saturday July 21. Kick off 2pm.

Prices:

Adults- £6

Concessions- £3

Dunfermline Athletic V Bristol Rovers, Tuesday July 24. Kick off 7.30pm.

Prices:

Adults- £10
Concessions (Inc under 18s)- £5

Dunfermline Athletic V Nottingham Forest, Thursday July 26. Kick off 7.30pm.

Prices:

Adults-£10
Concessions (Inc under 18s)- £5

Linlthgow Rose V Dunfermline Athletic, Sunday July 29. Kick off 2.30pm.

Brechin City 1-3 Dunfermline Athletic

Dunfermline's pre-season matches commenced with a winning start against Second Division outfit Brechin City at Glebe Park on Tuesday evening. Goals from Mark Burchill, Stephen Simmons and Stephen Glass sealed a comfortable success as preparations are stepped up ahead of the First Division kick off at Hamilton on August 4th.

Manager Stephen Kenny named a strong line-up, with Kevin Harper making his debut. Slight injuries to Scott Morrison, Scott Muirhead and Jim McIntyre meant that they were not risked as Mark Burchill started up front alongside Stevie Crawford.

The home side started the match well, with Roddy McKenzie called into action early on to block a Chris Geddes effort. But the Pars gradually began to take control and though a Harper effort went high over the bar, they took the lead on the half hour mark.

A short free-kick from Simmons was played to Harper down the right, who crossed for Burchill to nod home from 8 yards. That should do the hitman's confidence the world of good following his barren season last term.

Dunfermline continued to press and 11 minutes later it was 2-0. Good play from Scott Thomson saw him lay the ball to Darren Young, whose cross was only partially cleared by the home defence. Burchill then played the ball back across goal and Simmons was there fire home.

And soon after the restart it was 3-0. Burchill and Harper were again involved, with the latter taking Burchill's pass and crossing for Glass to finish off. 2 assists on his debut suggests Harper could be a key man in the coming season.

Brechin though refused to give in and pulled one back on the hour mark as Darren Smith fired home past Roddy McKenzie in the Pars goal.

And that, barring a David White header going narrowly over for Brechin and Pars having a Crawford goal disallowed for an offside against Jim Hamilton, was that. A worthwhile workout for Kenny's team, who next venture to Dumbarton on Saturday.

To view a full match report, visit http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1074592,00.html

Pars team: McKenzie; Shields, Wilson, McGuire (Woods 69), Thomson; Harper (Williamson 60), Young (O.Morrison HT), Simmons, Glass (Phinn 88); Crawford, Burchill (Hamilton 64).

Sub not used: Murdoch (GK).