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).

Stephen Glass

Stephen Kenny today completed his second summer signing as Hibernian midfielder Stephen Glass penned a 2 year contract. The former Aberdeen and Newcastle United star enjoyed a successful loan spell at East End Park during the second half of last season and the manager was always keen to bring him back to the club.

Dunfermline's relegation meant that a deal was in doubt with St Mirren also linked to the 31 year old, but after realising his chances at Easter Road would be limited, he has agreed on a return to Fife to aid the Pars quest for the First Division title and a crack at the UEFA Cup.

After Glass put pen to paper, Kenny commented: "I think Stephen is an excellent professional. He has a calming presence and very good vision as well as a good range of passing.

I think he will be an asset for the season ahead."

More on Glass' arrival can be found on the club's official website, by clicking on the following link.

http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1074324,00.html

Andy Tod

Stalwart defender/striker Sir Andrew Tod of Kelty has signed a one year contract with Fife rivals Raith Rovers following his release from East End Park. Rovers boss John McGlynn sees the 35 year old as a key man as he attempts to guide the Kirkcaldy outfit out of the Second Division next season.

A clearly delighted wee team boss said: "We have been tracking Andy for some time and I know the signing will be worth waiting for.

"Andy brings vast experience to the football club as he has played at the highest level consistently for years both in Scotland and England. I feel Andy can play a big part in our promotion push."

The man known as the Todalinho joined Dunfermline from junior side Kelty Hearts in 1993 as a striker, and became known for his scoring prowess from the bench as he netted 13 goals as the Pars missed out on promotion by one point.

The following season saw the big man deployed as a centre back alongside Norrie McCathie and made 35 league appearances as the Pars again missed out on the title, this time to Raith.

He had made the number 5 jersey his own and helped enormously to help keep it, and the team, together following the tragic passing of Norrie in 1996. He performed heroically with his team-mates, most notably at Tannadice in April, as Dunfermline secured the title at long last. He also scored one of the Pars most memorable goals of that season, an overhead kick to put Dunfermline 3-2 ahead at Dens Park in a game we won 4-2 having been 2-0 down to Dundee.

He carried on his good performances in the Premier League, as Dunfermline survived two seasons before going back down in 1999, after Bert Paton resigned. Dick Campbell installed Toddy as skipper but after Campbell's departure and the arrival of Jimmy Calderwood, Toddy found his chances much more limited.

He was sent on loan to Stockport County in 2000, having made 234 appearances and scoring 38 goals. From there he moved to Bradford City, before loan spells were enjoyed at Dundee United and Hearts before Calderwood, realising how useful a player Toddy was, swooped to re-sign him in 2003.

He made his second Pars debut in a 0-0 draw with Celtic, with Andy absolutely outstanding in snuffing out Henrik Larsson. He made 26 starts and 10 sub appearances that season, including a run out at the Scottish Cup final.

The following season saw Davie Hay take charge and Andy was more often than not deployed as a centre forward, including the 2-2 draw against FH Hafnarfjordour, Dunfermline's first European game in just over 30 years.

As Hay's side stumbled from one farce to the next, Andy emerged as the team's chief goalscoring threat, and ended up as top scorer with 7 goals. He was robbed of a hat-trick against Dundee on New Year's Day by a Dundee player touching a header into the net for him.

Season 2005/2006 saw him remain a key member of the squad, this time under Jim Leishman, and he made 25 appearances but the following season saw him slip further down the pecking order, and after Stephen Kenny arrived, it was clear he was not in his plans.

Towards the end of the season, he was awarded a testimonial for his service to the club, which spanned 11 years over two spells. The Dunfermline V Andy Tod select game was a great spectacle, and it was of course fitting that he should score in the select's 4-1 win.
The select team, full of former Pars starts, managed by the legendary Bert Paton and Dick Campbell and with other famous faces like Ally McCoist, all helped pay a fitting tribute to a man who had done so much for the club he loved.

Andy's last appearance for the Pars was as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat at Easter Road on December 30th 2006. He made 383 appearances for Dunfermline, scoring 50 goals. Not a bad record for a striker cum defender!

The Todalinho was the last of the famous 1995/96 team left at East End, so it truely is the end of an era. He always had time for the fans, and his commitment and passion for Dunfermline Athletic was there for all to see. My favourite memory of him was scoring that goal at Dens Park, while another would be opening the scoring in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Rangers in 2005. But there are equally important goalline clearances, clearing headers or last ditch tackles I have forgotten about.

He was a great servant to the club and a very good player for us, but he will always be remembered fondly by the fans. Though we generally don't want the Wee Team to do well, I and I'm sure all other fans, will wish him well at Stark's Park.

Long live Toddy!

Transfer speculation

As is normally the case, the close season has brought a great deal of transfer speculation. As preparations are stepped up for the new campaign, the transfer rumour mill has gone into overdrive, and I thought I'd share some of the rumours doing the rounds at the moment......

Striker Jim McIntyre has been linked with a move away from East End Park, with St Mirren alleged suitors. The Pars Scottish Cup semi final hero has become a fixture in Stephen Kenny's plans since recovering from a neck injury in January, and struck up a good understanding with Tam McManus towards the end of the season.
So far though, nothing has come of the reputed interest from Paisley, and McIntyre travelled with the Pars squad to their training base in La Manga on Sunday.

One player who seems close to the East End Park exit door is defender Sol Bamba. The popular Ivory Coast under 23 captain has remained in Scotland following interest from clubs in England and France.
Kenny confirmed Bamba could be on his way, saying: "Sol hasn't travelled with the group because the possibility exists that he could be moving.

"There's nothing concrete as yet, but we understand there are clubs, principally from the English Championship, interested."

We await developments with baited breath.

Onto players possibly joining Kevin Harper at East End and rumours are again surfacing that 2 players who were with the Fifers on loan last term, Jim O'Brien and Stephen Glass, could be set to return.

O'Brien returned to Celtic at the end of last season but it seems unlikely that he'll be a first team regular, and rumours are that a return to EEP, either on loan or permanently could be on the cards. Could a deal be struck which would see Bamba going the other way? Who knows. Seems unlikely to me, but you cn never tell.

Glass on the other hand has no future at Hibs and seemed certain to sign for St Mirren. But latest rumours indicate that John Collins is unwilling to sell to another SPL club, leaving the Pars as favourites to sign him. We could see more developments on this tomorrow.

And finally, former Dunfermline loan sensation Adam Hammill, touted for a return to Scotland on loan, is all set to join George Burley's Southampton in the Coca Cola Championship for a season having been handed a new 3 year deal at Liverpool.

Pre-season, don't you just love it!

Transfer activity

Dorus De Vries

Pars goalkeeper Dorus De Vries has finally left the club after signing for Coca Cola League One side Swansea City on a 2 year contract. The hugely popular Dutchman had been expected to leave the club ever since the Pars relegation was confirmed and now the move has happened.

Signed from Dutch side Den Haag after impressing then boss Jim Leishman on the Pars tour of Holland, Dorus quickly established himself as the number one goalkeeper, largely due to an impressive performance on his debut at Somerset Park against Ayr United in the CIS Insurance Cup.

His consistency between the stick made him a firm favourite with the fans, and had it not been for him the Pars may have gone down sooner and may not have reached the Scottish Cup final. Ironically, it was his error against Inverness on the penultimate day which helped condemn the team to Division One.

Dorus leaves East End Park having made 34 appearances and recording 12 shut outs; an impressive achievement for a relegated club.

Everyone at Dunfermline would like to thank Dorus for his contribution to the club and wish him every success in the next stage of his career in South Wales.

Kevin Harper

Stephen Kenny completed his first signing of the pre-season today in the shape of midfielder Kevin Harper. The 31 year old will be best known to Dunfermline fans from his time at Hibernian, his first club.

He then signed for Derby County before enjoying spells at a number of clubs, including Portsmouth, Norwich City, Leicester City and Stoke City, from whom he joins the Pars under freedom of contract.

Kevin is a right sided midfield player and a former Scotland Under 21 international, and should be a good addition to the squad.

More details on Kevin's move can be found on the official website. http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1069114,00.html

Gary Mason

It has today been confirmed that Athletic midfielder Gary Mason has agreed to join St Mirren on a free transfer. The out of contract midfielder turned down the offer of a new three year deal at East End Park to sign on with Gus McPherson's side.

Gary was signed for Dunfermline by Jimmy Calderwood in December 2000 from Manchester City and worked his way into the team as the Pars finished 9th in the first season back in the SPL.

From then on, Gary became a mainstay in the team, with his combative performances in central midfield winning the acclaim of the four managers he played under as well as the supporters.

Gary scored 11 goals during his 7 years at East End, the most important of which was the one at Tannadice in 2005 to complete the Pars' Houdini escape act from relegation. His final appearance for the club was the 2-1 defeat in Inverness which saw the Fifers relegated, having been suspended for the Scottish Cup final.

All at DAFC will be sad to see Gary leave and we wish him well in his new career at Love Street.

Tam McManus

Pars striker Tam McManus has today signed a 2 year contract to remain at East End Park to end speculation over his future.

Signed from Falkirk in February, Tam impressed the management and supporters with his wholehearted performances in Dunfermline's failed bid to avoid the drop and scored 2 goals in 7 games, vital winners against Dundee United and St Mirren.

Stephen Kenny spoke of his desire to keep him and will now be unleashed on First Division defences next season, despite reportedly interesting Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

A delighted Tam commented: "I am delighted to sign again for Dunfermline, the manager and fans made it an easy decision for me. They have been great ever since I arrived and I look forward to getting the club back to the SPL."

Director of football Jim Leishman said: "He showed at the end of last season what an important player he is for us."

Leishman also confirmed talks were still ongoing with other out of contract stars, including Gary Mason and Dorus De Vries.

Everyone at East End is delighted with this news about McManus. 'Mon the bam!

Jamie McCunnie

Pars midfielder Jamie McCunnie has left East End Park to join English League One side Hartlepool United. The 24 year old had been reported to have agreed a new deal to stay with the Athletic but has instead joined Danny Wilson's side under freedom of contract. The news will be a blow to manager Stephen Kenny, who had been impressed with McCunnie's performances since claiming a midfield berth.

Speaking on his club's official website, Hartlepool manager Wilson said he was "delighted" to secure the former Scotland Under 21 captain.

"Jamie has a good pedigree coming from Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League," he said.

"He's coming to us on the back of an excellent performance against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final where they were unlucky not to get anything from the game.

"The team didn't really do itself justice last season but Jamie came out of it with a lot of credit and we're delighted to get him signed up."

I'm sure everyone at Dunfermline Athletic would like to thank Jamie for his contribution to the Pars and would wish him every success with his new club.

Season 2007/2008 Fixtures

The fixture list for next season was announced on Thursday and Dunfermline open their First Division campaign with a first trip to New Douglas Park to play Hamilton Academical on Saturday August 4th. The first home match sees Second Division champions Morton visit East End Park, while there are big games away to Livingston on Sunday 19th August and at home to St Johnstone on Sunday September 2nd. Those matches are moved because of Dunfermline's UEFA Cup committments.

For Dunfermline's full fixture list, visit http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1049064,00.html or alternatively http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/fixtures/default.stm

Pars News update

New Contracts

With pre-season not too far away, manager Stephen Kenny has been busy trying to secure several out of contract stars on new contracts.

So far, Scott Morrison has agreed a new deal to stay at East End Park. He has penned a one year extension after battling back from a serious knee injury which kept him out of action for around a year.

Owen Morrison has also been offered a new contract, as has Gary Mason and Tam McManus, but none of the trio have committed yet. The management and fans alike are anxious Mason and McManus will stay, especially as they have been linked to Hibs and Dundee United respectively.

Another player out of contract is goalkeeper Dorus De Vries and although the Pars have offered an extension, it looks unlikely the Dutchman will stay as he is rumoured to be attracting interest from several clubs, including Hibs, Swansea City and Premiership Wigan.

It looks like a case of wait and see over the next week or two.

Pre-Season friendlies

Dunfermline have lined up some pre-season fixtures for East End Park in July. On the 24th, League Two play off winners Bristol Rovers pay a visit while on a Scottish tour, while on Thursday the 26th two time European Cup winners Nottingham Forest, including new signing Neil Lennon, take on the Athletic. A proposed friendly on the 21st with Sheffield United has now been cancelled, while we play a Manchester United XI on August 8th for Scott Thomson's testimonial.
More details on the pre-season schedule will follow.

Fixtures announcement

The new season's fixtures will be announced tomorrow at 10.00am and will be posted on the club's official website at http://www.dafc.co.uk/ and on the BBC Sport Scotland website.

Season 2006/2007 Review: July-December

The season has just finished and the disappointment and relegation and a Scottish Cup final defeat are still raw, but now is a time for reflection on a campaign which started badly, had the potential to be memorable but fell on the final furlong. Here's the story of season 2006/2007 for Dunfermline Athletic......

Part One: July-December

July

As is always the case with the start of pre-season, there is a lot of optimism around East End Park that the Pars could make a move away from the relegation battles which haunted them in the previous two seasons. Jim Leishman certainly shows positive signs as he makes some shrewd signings.

Goalkeeper Dorus De Vries is snapped up from Den Haag in Holland having impressed on the Pars tour there, while also joining the club are Liverpool youngster Callum Woods, striker Noel Whelan from Livingston and central defender Phil McGuire from Doncaster Rovers.

Leishman had spent the entire summer looking for Jim McIntyre to lead the Pars attack and finally secured his services from Dundee United . Unfortunately, he would be sidelined until January with a neck problem.

On their return home, the Pars play host to Gretna, Carlisle United, Osasuna and West Bromwich Albion in friendly matches. They lose to Gretna by 3-1, Carlisle claim a 2-0 win and John Hartson scores for the Baggies in their 1-0 success. Spaniards Osasuna are held in a game noteable for the appearance of Ivorian centre back Sol Bamba, who impresses sufficiently to earn a contract and cult status with the fans.

There is plenty of early optimism for the season opener with Scottish Cup holders Hearts at the end of July but the visitors take an early lead to dampen the Pars fans spirits. A Stephen Simmons equaliser gives Dunfermline hope, but a gilt edged chance missed by Freddie Daquin proves costly as Bruno Aguiar scores the winner for the Jambos from a hotly disputed free-kick.Andy Tod is sent off in a game where Pars fans felt cheated by the diving antics of the visiting players. A good performance in defeat, with plenty to look forward to.

But the game proves to be Whelan's only appearance for the club, lasting only 4 minutes before going off with a cruciate ligament injury.

August

The first game of the month sees Leishman's side travel across the Forth to take on Falkirk in the derby, but turn in a performance totally different to that against Hearts. The Pars didn't turn up and an early Darren Barr header won the game for the Bairns, who were unfortunate to only win by one goal.

There are more encouraging signs as Pars comeback to draw 1-1 with Rangers at home thanks to an Owen Morrison goal before holding Dundee United at Tannadice, with Mark Burchill missing an early penalty. A 1-0 defeat at Aberdeen is followed by a truely shambolic performance in the second round of the CIS Cup, where Ayr United take last year's beaten finalists all the way to penalties at Somerset Park. The Fifers hold their nerve to clinch a 7-6 spot kick win which was barely deserved.

As the transfer window comes to a close, Leishman pulls off what appeared to be a great piece of business as Stevie Crawford returned to East End from Aberdeen. After plenty of rumours the previous season about the possibilty of him returning, the Craw finally made it back after 2 years away. As Jim Hamilton, who Leishman had been chasing all summer, also signed from Motherwell, optimism was high that the Pars would soon climb the table, despite only claiming two points from their opening five games.

September

Kilmarnock are the visitors to East End on the 8th of September as the Pars secure their first league victory. In a game where the visitors played the better football and are ahead twice, Stevie Crawford's homecoming proves memorable as he fires home the winning the goal with four minutes remaining after Darren Young and Gary Mason had struck to counter goals from Danny Invincible and Gary Wales. Many fans wonder if manager Leishman shaving off his famous 'tache for Andy Tod's testimonial fund is the catalyst for the success.

The Pars, with Bamba outstanding, put in a good performance but go down 1-0 to the champions Celtic at Celtic Park before taking on St Mirren at home. The Buddies had started the season well and John Sutton gave them an early lead.But Dunfermline came roaring back and an excellent strike from Darren Young levelled the game before Crawford pounced on a St Mirren error to hammer home the winning goal with 14 minutes left. The hitman was already repaying the faith shown in him by Jim Leishman with 2 winning goals in 3 matches.

It was then on to Inverness and what transpired to be a thoroughly insipid game of football. Leishman's men looked like they had done enough to claim a share of the spoils but a deflected Ross Tokely shot deep into stoppage time condemned the Pars to their 4th away defeat of the season and leave them sitting in 10th spot in the EssPeeEll.

The team also exited the CIS Cup with a low key 2-0 defeat to Rangers after a really poor performance. The lack of enthusiasm for the tie was evidenced by the crowd, as only 5,702 bothered to turn out, one of the lowest crowds for a Pars home game with an Old Firm side.

October

After a break for Scotland's famous 1-0 win over France at Hampden and the 2-0 defeat in Ukraine, it was back to league business at Fir Park. Despite Crawford again netting, the Pars lost by two goals to one in a game where we performed poorly for the most part again.

But the following game against Hibernian was to prove quite significant.The Setanta cameras rolled into West Fife for the SPL's first Monday night live game and Hibs, under the leadership of Mark Proctor after Tony Mowbray departed for West Brom, simply demolished the hapless Pars, with Ivan Sproule tormentor in chief. He opened the scoring just before half time and ran the Pars ragged in the 2nd period as goals from Chris Killen then two late strikes from Abdessalam Benjelloun wrapped up a 4-0 win which certainly didn't flatter the Leith outfit.

Leishman and his team left the field to a chorus of boos and only days later, he resigned from his second term as manager of Dunfermline Athletic, with the club lying second bottom of the league. The search began in earnest for a new manager.

The Pars ended the month with a trip to Tynecastle, a notoriously difficult venue for the Fifers to take points from in recent years. There was dressing room unrest at Hearts before the game, with madcap owner Vladimir Romanov threatening to sell the team to "Kilmarnock or whoever will take them" if they didn't beat the Pars.

Sadly, he never carried out his threat as Dunfermline, under the stewardship of caretaker boss Craig Robertson, departed from Gorgie with a hard earned point. An early goal from Andrius Velicka should have saw the Jambos go on to win the game, but we fought hard and deservedly equalised through Jim Hamilton's first Pars goal into the second half.

An encouraging end to what had been a difficult month.

November

The hunt for the Pars new manager was well and truely on, with a variety of names including Bobby Williamson, Craig Brewster, John Robertson and Owen Coyle all linked with the job. As the board conducted their thorough search, matters on the field turned to the visit of the enemy Falkirk to Fife, who had started the season in fine form.

Infuriatingly for the home fans, the team turned in a performance even worse than that in the first game between the two sides at Grangemouth and were duly gubbed 3-0. Falkirk's on loan striker Anthony Stokes, who was proving to be a goalscoring sensation which would win him a transfer to Sunderland, scored a hat-trick after opening the scoring inside 40 seconds of the game starting. He added further strikes after the hour and with 9 minutes left to send the big away support home delirious and send a sorry Dunfermline outfit to the bottom of the league.

Robertson's final match in charge was against Rangers at Ibrox, and Dunfermline's winless record there since 1973 remained intact following a 2-0 defeat. However, there was a much improved performance from the capitulation against Falkirk and it took second half goals from Stevie Smith and Kris Boyd to win the game.

The day before that game was very significant however as it saw the announcement of the Pars new manager, and it was a surprising choice. Irishman Stephen Kenny, formely of Derry City, was announced as the new boss. His record in Irish football with Longford Town, Bohemians and Derry, in league and cup, was very impressive and first caught the eye in August as his Derry team took Gretna apart by 7-3 on aggregate in the UEFA Cup en route to the 1st round proper.

He was introduced to his new public before the match with Dundee United and settled into the stand for the game, which the Pars came from behind to win. Scoreless at half time, the new man went to the dressing room to speak to the players but they fell behind to a Barry Robson goal on 53 minutes. But late goals from Greg Shields and Gary Mason gave the Pars their 3rd league success of the season and ensured the likeable Irishman got off to a dream start.

Aberdeen were next up but the game ended in disappointment for Kenny, as his attack minded formation failed to pay off as Aberdeen hit the Pars with 3 sucker punch goals, all stemming from individual errors.

December

A bad start to the month saw Dunfermline crash 5-1 to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, despite Stevie Crawford netting a 12th minute equaliser. A bad day was made worse as Sol Bamba, on as a sub, was red carded for a push on Steven Naismith. Kenny admitted post match that he had perhaps gone "a bit too attacking" and paid the price.

The following day he was back in Ireland to lead Derry City into their FAI Cup final with St Patrick's Athletic at Lansdowne Road. In a thrilling contest, the Candystripes edged it by 4 goals to 3 after extra time to take the cup home to the Brandywell and provide Kenny with a fitting send off.

The gaffer knew he had to make changes and installed Declan Devine as first team coach. Declan had worked with Stephen for 2 years at Derry City and agreed to follow his former boss to Fife in a bid to revive the club's fortunes.

Some improvement was shown as Celtic were made to work hard for victory, winning by 2-1 as Stephen Simmons netted a consolation deep in injury time. Not for the first time during the season, Dunfermline played well but lacked a cutting edge up front.

Another addition to the backroom team was announced on the 12th of December as Colm O'Neill was appointed as Sports Scientist. The fitness, or lack of, was identified early on as a key problem by Stephen Kenny and he sought to get the team fitter by hiring Colm, changing training methods, changing eating habits and introducing regular swimming sessions and ice baths. As the weeks progressed, the change in the team's fitness was extraordinary.

An already crucial game followed the following week in Paisley, where the Pars played out a scoreless draw with St Mirren, recording only their second clean sheet of the season. A 3rd followed against Inverness at East End, in a game which the Pars dominated but couldn't breach a well marshalled visiting defence. Stevie Crawford harshly saw red for two bookings as frustration at not finding a winner got to the team.

Another home fixture on Boxing Day saw Motherwell rob us blind and escape with 3 points. The Pars created a barrowload of chances but, as would be the case for much of the season, simply could not stick the ball into the back of the net. Mark Fitzpatrick scored in the first half before a Scott McDonald breakaway with eleven minutes remaining won it for Motherwell. Jim Hamilton became the second Pars player to see red in as many games for a reckless elbow on Stephen Craigan.

The year ended with a trip to the capital to take on Hibs and despite playing well and holding out for an hour, a Chris Killen double including a penalty saw off the Pars challenge. As the last hours of 2006 ticked by, Dunfermline sat bottom of the league but the change in the style of play was evident, and the team were becoming much harder to beat. Despite being quite a few points adrift of St Mirren, the fans were still confident the team could turn it around.

Season 2006/2007 Review: January-May

As we entered into 2007, Dunfermline sat at the bottom of the league with 14 points, and nine adrift of second bottom St Mirren. Many had the Athletic written off as relegation certainties but could the Pars come back from the brink? Here is part two of the Season Review.........

January

A New Year, but the same old story for the Pars as they go down to Hearts by a goal to nil at East End. Stephen Kenny's men once more played well in spells but simply couldn't put the ball into the back of the net. Mark Burchill having a perfectly good goal disallowed for a foul added to the fans misery.

It was evident that major surgery was required if the Pars were to have any chance of getting out of the mire and Kenny's first move was to bring Republic of Ireland under 19 international Jim O'Brien on loan from Celtic. The manager wanted to build a young and entertaining side and the fact O'Brien could play on the right side of midfield and up front would ensure he was a valuable signing.

His Pars debut was certainly a baptism of fire; a Scottish Cup 3rd Round clash with Rangers. The media gave the Pars absolutely no chance in the game. They were bottom of the league, hadn't scored a goal in5 games and had failed to score first in a game all season.

Paul Le Guen had also resigned and so it was assumed the Ibrox men would have an easy passage into Round Four.

But the Athletic hadn't read the script and secured a win which was just as famous as the 2-0 triumph over the same opposition in the cup in 1988. They ripped into the visitors from the start and burst the scoring first hoodoo as Jim Hamilton brilliantly volleyed the Pars ahead from 6 yards after 18 minutes.

The Pars dominated and it was soon 2-0 as Stephen Simmons swept home after an Owen Morrison cross caused havoc in the Rangers penalty area.

Amazingly, a minute into the second half it was 3-0 as Phil McGuire leapt like a salmon to majestically head past Allan McGregor. Hamilton then spurned a decent chance for 4-0 before Kris Boyd pulled one back. He then made it 3-2 with 20 minutes to go and although Barry Ferguson hit the bar late on, the Fifers held on for a famous and morale boosting victory.

The draw for the fourth round was made immediately after the match and the team's reward was another home tie, this time against the cup holders Hearts. Not the easiest of starts to a Scottish Cup campaign.

It was then announced that Noel Whelan had left the club following the injury picked up on the opening day of the season while Bobby Ryan, another midfielder, was brought in from Irish champions Shelbourne.

Ryan was handed his debut against Falkirk and in a truely awful game played in monsoon conditions, Dunfermline deserved a share of the spoils but Alan Gow raced clear 4 minutes into stoppage time and slammed the ball past the hopeless Roddy McKenzie at his near post to steal a victory for the Bairns. Certainly one of the most painful defeats of the season.

There was further movement on the transfer front as Liverpool youngster Adam Hammill arrived at East End Park on loan. The England under 19 International was brought in to give the Pars much needed width and skill on the left hand side. Little did the fans know what a good player had pitched up in West Fife.

Hammill made his debut in the league game with Rangers at East End Park but the Pars couldn't quite repeat their Scottish Cup exploits, despite another good performance. With Walter Smith now at the Ibrox helm, his team proved much more difficult to break down and Charlie Adam's early goal was enough to claim the three points.

Two more players arrived in the form of experienced midfielder Stephen Glass, on loan from Hibs, and defender Jamie Harris, signed from Shelbourne. Glass made his debut at Tannadice and performed well as Pars earned a point in a dull 0-0 draw.

January however brought some sad news as it was announced that Jimmy McConville, who had served with the club for 36 years, had died aged 91. Jimmy served as director, secretary and honorary secretary and DAFC hasn't known a greater servant. Truely sad news about a remarkable man and Pars legend.

February

Scottish Cup action resumed at the start of the month as Hearts rolled into town. A huge crowd of over 9,500 piled into East End to create a tremendous atmosphere and see a cup tie which failed to come into life until the second half, from which point it was real end to end stuff.

But one man stole the show, and that was young Adam Hammill. All afternoon he teased and completely tormented Hearts full back Karipidis to the point he was subbed, before going on to give his replacement the runaround. He created a gilt edged chance but there was no Pars player there to take it before tugging a good shot wide with 10 minutes left.

Scott Wilson had again performed heroically at the back and with the tie heading for a replay, the DA won a free-kick on the right hand side deep into injury time. Hammill swung the ball in and Wilson met it with a thumping header to send the Pars into the quarter finals amid scenes of absolute delirium. It was quite fitting that the best 2 players on the day combined for the winning goal.

While the cup form was excellent and exciting the fans, the league form was anything but as Dunfermline slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Pittodrie. It was Dunfermline's 9th league game without a goal, though the gap to St Mirren was now only 8 points.

The following week saw Dunfermline end that long barren spell as Crawford netted from the spot against Kilmarnock after Steven Naismith had opened the scoring. The Pars played against 10 men for the second half after Simon Ford was dismissed for a foul on Hammill which led to the penalty but the Athletic could not get a winner, which many fans thought would prove costly.

League form was once again put to the back of minds as Dunfermline geared up for their quarter final tie. They were at home to First Division Partick Thistle, the opponents when Dunfermline won the cup in 1968 and reached the final in 2004, both of which were at the same stage.

Many in the media were predicting Thistle would prove to be the banana skin for the Pars but Stephen Simmons early header eased the tension for the big and expectant home crowd. The Maryhill Magyars huffed and puffed but never threatened to blow the Fife house down and our semi final spot was secured with four minutes left as Simmons headed home an O'Brien cross.

Sadly for Simmons, he was booked for the second time in the competition for smoking an imaginary cigar in front of the travelling Weegie hordes and so missed out on the semi final. The draw was made after Celtic squeezed past Inverness Caley and saw Dunfermline drawn to take on Hibernian at Hampden. To reach the final, the Pars would certainly have had to do it the hard way.

March


The next league game brought disappointment, though not unexpected, as the team went down 2-1 at Celtic Park. But Adam Hammill enhanced his growing reputation by scoring a stunning goal from a full 30 yards out to give the loyal band of fans in Glasgow's East End some cheer.


The Celtic game was also noteable for the inclusion of striker Tam McManus on the subs bench. Released by Falkirk, Tam was offerred a deal until the end of the season after impressing Stephen Kenny in reserve outings. Numerous fans, myself included, questioned his signing but the boss once more showed what an astute man he is.


Focus then turned to Pars next home match, with St Mirren at East End Park. 9 points behind, Dunfermline knew victory would breathe new life into their survival bid and a tense, fraught encounter was anticipated.


With a point deemed a good result, Gus McPherson set his team up in a very defensive minded, counter attacking formation to frustrate the Pars, and it worked. Despite dominating the game and creating a few chances, Dunfermline couldn't stick the ball in the back of the net and the Paisley side held on for a scoreless draw. Many fans thought that our time in the SPL was up.


It was to Inverness, and Kenny handed McManus his full debut, partnering him with Jim McIntyre up front. Despite going behind to a goal from ex Cowdenbeath player Markus Paatelainen, Dunfermline roared back in the second half to record their first SPL win in 15 games.


A double from Stephen Glass and Jim McIntyre's first for the Athletic sealed a 3-1 victory, which closed the gap on St Mirren to 6 points.


Hopes were high that the Pars could gather a bit of momentum and travelled to Fir Park with confidence after the break for Scotland's EURO 2008 qualifiers. Despite a travelling support of around 1300 willing them on, the team didn't perform and the 'Well wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 victory. But April was to be a fantastic month.


April


As we entered into the business end of the season, Dunfermline had battles on two fronts. Not only was the survival bid still alive, we also had a place in the Scottish Cup final at stake and at the start of the month met Hibernian on successive weekends.


The first clash was a league game at East End, and it was a game the Pars totally dominated, spurning golden chances through McManus and McIntyre before Phil McGuire bulleted home a header from an Adam Hammill free-kick with six minutes remaining to win the game.

Hibs had been in poor form since their CIS Cup final triumph and reports of a players revolt after the game and dressing room anarchy became public knowledge. However, the magnitude of the victory could not be dismissed as Kenny's men warmed up for the semi final in terrific fashion.


Hampden was bathed in sunshine on April 15 as both teams took to the field, eager to book a final date with Celtic. The 25,000 plus crowd, including 7,500-8,000 Pars fans, were treated to an exciting game where both teams created chances. Jamie McCunnie hit the post for the Pars and Gary Mason fired a good effort over the bar in the second period. With Hibs rallying in the second half, the Pars had to hang on and in the end deserved a replay. Unfortunately, Scott Wilson was booked and would miss the return date at the National Stadium.


The Pars by now were playing some good football and results were finally starting to come good, and confidence was high ahead of in form Dundee United's visit in the first match after the split. Dunfermline completely dominated and Tam McManus' first goal for the club after a well worked move was enough for victory as United offerred little up front.


Despite the decision to stage the replay at Hampden with the same ticket prices, the Pars went in good heart and I was among the 8,500 crowd, around 2,500 were supporting the DA. We outsang the Hibs fans all evening and those of us who were there were treated to an enthralling cup tie. It was end to end, with both teams having efforts cleared off the line, goalmouth scrambles and fine goalkeeping.


But two fine pieces of individual skill won the game. Hammill, an ever present torment, turned Chris Hogg inside out and was felled in the box with three minutes left. Referee Craig Thomson was in no doubt and awarded a spot kick.


Jim McIntyre took responsibility and as the fans looked away and prayed, he stepped up and, cool as you like, chipped the ball straight down the middle to fire the Pars to the final and back into Europe. The celebrations at the end of the game were amazing as the fans hailed their black and white heroes. Stephen Kenny had led the team to the Scottish Cup final after only 5 months in charge. Legendary status was being achieved.


But the celebrations couldn't last for long as the following Monday, Dunfermline took on St Mirren at Love Street in their biggest game of the season. Four points seperated the teams and a win for the Pars would give them a huge chance to pull off the great escape with 3 games left. A draw would make it unlikely, and a Saints win would virtually condemn the Pars to the drop.


With so much at stake, a huge crowd of over 10,000, including 3,000 travelling fans, attended in spite of TV coverage to create a wonderful atmosphere inside the Paisley ground. The game was predictably nervy and low on quality but Dunfermline created the best chance of the first half, but Sol Bamba shot wide after a surging run forward.


But after the break, the visitors started to play football and took the game to Saints. McManus had the ball in the net but was ruled out for offside but a goal was coming and duly arrived on the hour. Scott Muirhead's shot was blocked into the path of McManus, who fired home to earn the team a priceless victory, and how they knew it. The gap had been closed to one point, and Dunfermline looked to have the kinder fixtures before the final day.


May

May saw the battle at the bottom heat up with just three minutes to go. As Dunfermline prepared to take on Motherwell at home in another Monday night clash, St Mirren journeyed to Tannadice to play Dundee United. The Pars fans thought Craig Levein's team could do them a favour but the Saints bounced back from their defeat to the Athletic in style by winning 2-0, increasing the gap again to four points and heaping the pressure back on the Fifers.

With victory essential, a large turnout of 6,500 Pars fans, including a pathetic 200 from Lanarkshire, witnessed Dunfermline's biggest win of the season and arguably their most impressive performance.

Jim O'Brien set the ball rolling after only six minutes as he rifled home an Adam Hammill cross at the back post for his first Pars goal. And 1-0 soon became 2-0 as Scott Wilson headed home from 8 yards.

The Pars were at times oozing class and made it 3-0 just after the break as Stephen Glass converted a penalty after a foul on Jim McIntyre. The game however exploded in controversy with 4 minutes to go as Wilson uppended Ross McCormack in the box. The referee said penalty and sent the defender packing for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Scott McDonald converted before getting himself sent off for a wild lunge on Scott Muirhead.

Although Jim Hamilton made it 4-1 in stoppage time, the red card to Wilson took the gloss off a polished performance while McDonald's red seemed like it could also have a costly effect going into the penultimate round of fixtures.

And so it was north to Inverness. For Dunfermline, the task was simple. Win and hope St Mirren slip up to have our destiny our in own hands going into the final day. A defeat was unthinkable while a draw might not be any use if St Mirren win. A day of high drama was anticipated and a large travelling support of around 1700 made the long trip to roar on their favourites.

Dunfermline certainly started well enough, and created chances through Adam Hammill and Tam McManus before taking the lead eight minutes before half time. A high ball from Mason was flicked on to Jim McIntyre, who volleyed home from just inside the area. Cue pandemonium in the away end, and that joy soon turned to euphoria as news came through that Motherwell were leading St Mirren.

Half time came and went and a minute into the second period, the word was that it was 2-0 at Fir Park. As things stood, Dunfermline would go into the final day 2 points clear of the Buddies. But as soon as John Sutton pulled a goal back for St Mirren, it started to go horribly wrong. Within 3 minutes ex Par Billy Mehmet had levelled the score, but the Pars knew victory would send them a point clear.

But it was not to be. With just 13 minutes left and the Athletic looking increasingly nervous, a free-kick was awarded to Inverness and though Hastings' shot was straight at Dorus De Vries, it slipped through his fingers and into the net. His only mistake of the season but it was huge.

And it got worse. With six minutes left, St Mirren had wormed their way ahead by 3-2 at Fir Park, so a draw now was no use to us. We had to go for it but sadly a McAllister shot was deflected by Bamba past De Vries as he tried to block and in, condemning the Pars to relegation.

It was such a cruel way to go and the fans and players reaction was of disbelief and sorrow. Kenny's men had given absolutely everything but just couldn't quite pull off the houdini act. It was a very long journey home back down the A9, but everyone had to try and lift themselves for the forthcoming Scottish Cup final.

But before then, arch rivals Falkirk visited in what was now a meaningless game and the atmosphere reflected that. The first half was a total non event, but Falkirk took charge in the second and dished out their second 3-0 beating to a shadow and completely uninterested team. Spirits were naturally low ahead of Hampden.

But as the week progressed, relegation was forgotten as the Pars fans began to get up for the cup. 15,500 fans journeyed to Hampden in hope that Stephen Kenny could mastermind yet another cup triumph and bring the famous trophy back to West Fife for the third time.

And, for much of the half, the Pars gave as good as they got. Though their best chance was through Mark Burchill early on, they restricted Celtic in terms of clear openings and were easily winning the midfield battle. Adam Hammill delighted the Fife contingent by lobbing the ball over Neil Lennon's head before racing away from him, just before the Celtic skipper was hooked.

This change however, coupled with the Pars tiredness and changes in personel, began to give the Hoops the upper hand and after Beattie missed a glorious chance, Perrier-Doumbe scored a scabby, toe poked goal with six minutes left to break Pars' hearts and give Celtic a cup win they barely deserved over 90 minutes.

And so the dream was ended, but Dunfermline to have UEFA Cup football to look forward to next season. A season which had so much promise and started badly came so close to ending in fairytale fashion. Ah well, there's always next year for fairytale endings.

The Pars will be back.

The Tennent's Scottish Cup Final; Dunfermline 0-1 Celtic

A disappointing season for the Pars climaxed with a Scottish Cup final appearance at Hampden Park on Saturday and despite hopes being high that a historic third cup win would be recorded, Dunfermline supporters were left heartbroken once more.

Unlike the preceeding matches in the Athletic's glorious cup run, the final itself turned out to be a bit of a damp squib, with neither team able to produce a thrilling spectacle like there was in the 2004 final. Certainly, the Pars gave as good as they got and definitely deserved extra time on the balance of play but in typical fashion the champions, despite being nowhere near their best, conjured up a scrappy goal to win the game.

There was a great sense of occasion around the National Stadium as 15,500 Pars fans took their seats in the capacity crowd, and the excitement and tension was incredible. The Fifers had beaten both Edinburgh clubs, Rangers and Partick Thistle en route to Hampden and were full of belief that this would be their year. And the noise escalated into a crescendo as Stephen Kenny and Gordon Strachan led out the teams.

Stephen's line-up was hampered by a number of enforced changes. With Tam McManus, Stephen Glass and Jim O'Brien not allowed to feature and Gary Mason suspended, the gaffer surprisingly chose Mark Burchill to partner Jim McIntyre instead of playing Jimmy Mac on his own up front, while there were also starting places for Darren Young and Scott Morrison. Phil McGuire was surprisingly left on the bench as Kenny kept faith with the Scott Wilson Sol Bamba centre back partnership.

As the game kicked off, it was clear to see that Kenny's men were intent on winning the game and started brightly, creating the first real chance after only three minutes. Good play saw the two front men link up, with McIntyre releasing Burchill on the left hand side of the Hoops box, but his shot skewed well wide of Artur Boruc's goal, who was to have a quiet afternoon despite the Pars' endevour.

The former Celtic man went over in the box minutes later and the fans howled for a penalty, but referee Kenny Clark rightly waved away the appeals after the innocuos challenge by Paul Hartley.

Gordon Strachan's team hadn't got into their stride and although Shunsuke Nakamura had the ball in the net, the goal was disallowed for a foul on Dorus De Vries. But Pars escaped on the half hour mark.

Great play from Scotland star Kenny Miller saw him wriggle away from both Scott Muirhead and Morrison before flighting a ball into the box which was met by Jan Venegoor of Hesselink, which the Dutchman sent inches past the post.

But that was the closest Celtic came in the first half as a well drilled Dunfermline side, led brilliantly by Young and McCunnie in midfield, hunted down their opponents and refused to let them have any time and space on the ball.

Not that they didn't go forward. With Adam Hammill operating on the right and Muirhead on the left, the Pars had potent options on the flanks and Muirhead and Morrison combined with seven minutes until the break, but Morrison's long range effort went harmlessly wide of the post.

A scoreless half time was just about right and the optimism of the large Fife contingent grew. The long it remained goalless, the more chance we'd have as Celtic would become frustrated.

However, Celtic, no doubt after a half time tongue lashing, came out for the second half in menacing mood and created another golden chance six minutes into the half.

The quiet Aiden McGeady, who had been policed magnificently by Greg Shields, finally found some space and delivered a cross straight onto the head of Miller, who's header was straight at De Vries.

Just on the hour mark, De Vries was called into action once more, holding a comfortable Lee Naylor drive from range before Hammill provided an outragous piece of skill to leave the Athletic fans drooling.

On the halfway line, he controlled a ball from high in the air and as Neil Lennon came towards him to tackle, the 19 year old simply lifted the ball over his head and ran forward, leaving the Celtic man desperately trying to turn as quickly as the Ark Royal.

That was to be Lennon's last moment as a Celtic player as Strachan replaced him with Caldwell. He, nor the Celtic fans, liked the decision as evidenced by booing and Lennon marching straight up the tunnel, but the truth was that he was being run ragged by Young and McCunnie in midfield and, in my mind, the switch turned the match in Celtic's favour.

The animated Stephen Kenny, never one content to sit back and wait for something to happen, replaced Morrison with Stevie Crawford, switching Hammill to the left and Muirhead to left back in the hope a new attacking threat would develop.

With eleven minutes remaining, Dunfermline breathed a huge sigh of relief as the game's best chance was spurned by the Glasgow side once more. Nakamura found substitute Craig Beattie, whose driving run took him into the box and from an angle, hit a shot which went inches wide of the post. You began to think this could well be Dunfermline's day.

McIntyre was replaced by Jim Hamilton as the Pars team began to tire after putting in so much effort and with just six minutes to go, they cracked after a really scrappy goal. Beattie played the ball in from the right and a deflection off Scott Wilson saw the ball break to Jean-Joel Perrier Doumbe to stab the ball right into the corner for his first Celtic goal in his first Scottish Cup tie.

It was a cruel goal to lose as it looked like the Pars had done enough to hold on for extra time and despite trying in vain to mount last gasp attacks, they failed to carve out an opening and it was left to Celtic to claim their 34th Scottish Cup.

A disappointing result but what an effort from the Pars players. They gave their all and despite not creating too many openings, certainly deserved extra time. It was a sad end to a sad season where its a case of "if only". If only Stephen Kenny had arrived earlier, if only Tam McManus, Stephen Glass, Jim O'Brien and Gary Mason had been available for the final.

But, with European football returning to East End Park and hopefully the majority of the squad will want to hang around and help us bounce back up. It will be an interesting summer at EEP but we look to the future. Onwards and upwards, the Pars will be back.

Match Stats

Dunfermline Athletic: De Vries; Shields, Wilson, Bamba, S.Morrison (Crawford 72); Muirhead, Young, McCunnie, Hammill; Burchill (Williamson 89), McIntyre (Hamilton 80).

Subs not used: McKenzie, McGuire.

Celtic: Boruc, Perrier Doumbe, McManus, Pressley, Naylor, Nakamura, Lennon (Caldwell 66), Hartley, McGeady, Miller (Beattie 56), Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Subs Not Used: McGovern, Riordan, Bjarnason.

Goal: Perrier Doumbe 85.

Official Tennent's Lager MoM: Darren Young (Dunfermline)

Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Soleymane Bamba

Attendance: 49,600

Referee: Kenny Clark

Dunfermline 0-3 Falkirk

The Pars rounded off a depressing league season with a dismal performance against bitter rivals Falkirk. Even though 8 changes were made to the side, Dunfermline should have performed a whole lot better than they did but instead three second half goals saw the Bairns secure 4 wins out of 4 against the Athletic this season.

Stephen Kenny's team selection was clearly influenced by next weekend's Tennent's Scottish Cup final with Celtic. Dours De Vries and Jim McIntyre had slight knocks so were not risked, with Roddy McKenzie and Mark Burchill coming in. With Adam Hammill on England under 19 duty and Gary Mason, Jim O'Brien, Tam McManus and Stephen Glass all unable to play next week, the gaffer included Darren Young, Stephen Simmons, Stevie Crawford and Freddie Daquin, while Scott Wilson returned from suspension as the defence looked like being the one which will line up at Hampden.

The 12.30 kick off did little for crowd numbers but those who did attend were intent on creating an atmosphere, as the Pars fans hit back at taunts about the drop by reminding their rivals we're in the UEFA Cup next season; something which Falkirk have never achieved.

But for those who did attend, they must have wished they had stayed at home during an absolutely atrocious first half which would have got football stopped. Both teams looked like they couldn't be bothered fulfilling the fixture and, as a result, there was very little in terms of chances.

Simmons saw a shot blocked by Vitor Lima while McKenzie produced a smart block to deny Carl Finnigan at the near post. And that was it for the first half, apart from Scott Muirhead and Russel Latapy firing free-kicks over and straight at the goalkeeper respectively.

At half time, Kenny withdrew Muirhead after picking up a knock and subbed the ineffective Daquin for Jim Hamilton and Callum Woods as the Pars looked for a pre-cup final boost.

However, they didn't get going in the second half either and just 4 minutes had gone in the second half when the visitors took the lead. With the ball bouncing loose in the box and no Pars players willing to clear, the ball eventually broke to Steven Thomson who lashed the ball home past McKenzie.

Latapy, who ran the show for the Bairns against the Pars yet again, went close with a chip which went just over the bar before he orchastrated the second goal. The veteran played a one-two with Alan Gow, who placed the ball past McKenzie for the second goal.

This was truely poor stuff from the Pars but they seemed to pick it up a bit thereafter, with Young and Shields firing good efforts just over while Crawford stung the arms of Kasper Schmeichel with a fierce drive.

A Crawford cross was then met by sub Tam McManus, but his header came crashing back off the crossbar and it was evident it was not to be the Pars day. To rub salt into the wound, Pedro Moutinho thumped home a third goal from 25 yards in stoppage time.

A desperately disappointing way to say farewell to the SPL, but the team will be much changed and in a different frame of mind for the big one next week. We have nothing to lose, we can do it! 'Mon the Pars!

Match Stats

Dunfermline Athletic: McKenzie; Shields, Wilson, Bamba, Muirhead (Woods 45); Daquin (Hamilton 45), Simmons, Young, McCunnie; Crawford, Burchill.
Subs not used: Paterson, McGuire, Ross, O'Brien.

Falkirk: Schmeichel, Ross, Scobbie, Barr, Milne, Lima, Thomson, Craig (O'Donnell 81), Latapy (Moutinho 74), Gow (John Stewart 86), Finnigan.
Subs Not Used: Lambers, Uras, Mcstay, Twaddle.

Goals: Thomson (49), Gow (57), Moutinho (90).

Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Scott Wilson (Also the WDTHR Player of the Year)

Attendance: 5,087

Referee: Eddie Smith

Pars lose fight for survival at Inverness

Dunfermline Athletic's brave fight to avoid the drop to the First Division ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday after a 2-1 defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The defeat itself was cruel, but the manner in which it occurred, along with St Mirren's victory at Motherwell, made it a painful journey home for the large Pars following.

Football can so often be full of little ironies and Saturday was no different. As the Pars fightback from the brink began with a 3-1 victory in the Highland capital in March, it is all the more galling that it was finally killed off there thanks to a howler from goalkeeper Dorus De Vries and a deflected Rory McAllister goal.

But for so long the journey north looked as though it would have a happy ending. After a nervous start, the visitors took control of the match and went close twice through Adam Hammill before storming into the lead. A high ball from Gary Mason was flicked on by Tam McManus to Jim McIntyre, who crashed a stunning volley high into the net from 12 yards.

The travelling army were in raptures. News then came through that Motherwell were leading St Mirren, and continued to do so at half time. With just 135 minutes of the season remaining, Dunfermline were 2 points clear of St Mirren.

And as news came through that Motherwell led 2-0 just after half time, the fans dared to believe that Stephen Kenny was going to pull off a houdini act even better than the one his predecessor had achieved in 2005 at Tannadice.

But news of a goal for St Mirren dampened spirits but the Pars still remained on top. Darren Dods almost diverted a Jim O'Brien cross into his own net, while Sol Bamba saw a header flash wide.

McManus, as well as having a shot saved, should have hit the net on the hour mark as Caley keeper Michael Fraser dropped a Hammill cross, but the striker elected to take a touch and the chance was gone.

More bad news followed with a St Mirren equaliser, but Dunfermline were still just 13 minutes away from heading into the final day with a one point lead and their destiny in their own hands. But disaster struck.

A foul by Bamba gave Inverness a free-kick at the edge of the box. Richard Hastings' shot was straight at De Vries but, unbelievably, the big Dutchman let the ball squirm through his hands and over the line.

Dorus has been a model of consistency this season and has simply been immense in goal, but that one mistake will haunt him for the remainder of his Athletic career. With news coming in that St Mirren led, a draw would require a 5 goal swing in the final game so Kenny threw on Owen Morrison and Mark Burchill in an attempt to grab a winner.

But it was not to be. A foul by Barry Wilson on Morrison on the halfway line went unnoticed by the referee and the ball was played to McAllister, whose shot was heading straight for De Vries only for a wicked deflection off Bamba to send the ball the other way and in.

The fans expressions told you everything. There was no way back for the Pars and although Gary Mason struck the post with a header, their time was up and First Division football beckoned.

It was such a cruel way to go. The team had given everything over the last 2 months but 2 cruel, flukey goals sealed our fate. As the players collapsed onto the sodden turf, the fans applauded and cheered their heroes while choking back tears; they knew the team had come so close and were extremely unlucky.

We now say farewell to the Premier League against the old enemy Falkirk on Saturday before Kenny tries to raise spirits ahead of the Scottish Cup final. We may be down, but we are certainly not out. In Stephen Kenny, we have a very talented young manager who can do great things for our club and, perhaps most importantly, he has given the fans a team we can be proud of.

Roll on the cup final. We may be going down a league, but we'll be taking a trophy down there with us.

Match Stats

Inverness CT: Fraser, Tokely, Dods, Munro (McAllister 76), Hastings, Hart, McBain (Sutherland 69), Black, Paatelainen (Wilson 61), Bayne, Dargo. Subs Not Used: Ridgers, McCaffrey, Duncan, Rankin.

Goals: Hastings (77), McAllister (89)

Dunfermline Athletic: De Vries, Shields, Bamba, McGuire, Muirhead, O'Brien (Burchill 81), Mason, Glass (Owen Morrison 81), Hammill (McCunnie 66), McManus, McIntyre. Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Young, Hamilton, Woods.

Goal: McIntyre (37)

Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Jim McIntyre

Attendance: 6,464

Referee: Mike Ritchie

Dunfermline Athletic 4-1 Motherwell

And so the two way dogfight has a new member. Motherwell are now looking anxiously over their shoulder following a thrashing in front of the Setanta cameras at East End Park on Monday. With two games to go, the Steelmen sit just 5 points clear of Dunfermline and take on St Mirren on Saturday, which has the makings of a huge match. Motherwell have now failed to win in ten matches and it is difficult to see how under pressure Maurice Malpas can lift his side to get them over the safety line.

For the Athletic, the win hauled them back to within a point of St Mirren before the trip north to face Inverness on Saturday. A win was required, but the emphatic nature in which it was delivered was most impressive as the Pars racked up their fourth win on the spin.

But the game was soured somewhat with three red cards which saw the visitors end with nine men. Mark Reynolds was ordered off for deliberate handball as Jim McIntyre attempted to race in on goal while Scott McDonald was sent packing for a wild lunge on Scott Muirhead. They will miss the St Mirren game barring appeals which could yet be bad news for the Fifers, whose night was dampened only by the dismissal of Scott Wilson which led to Motherwell's consolation penalty.

After the win in Paisley last week, the Dunfermline fans flocked to East End in numbers and were still streaming into the ground as the Pars surged into a two goal lead inside the opening ten minutes.

And the opening goal typified the Pars play; patient build up and good passing. Tam McManus gathered the ball and played a lovely ball in between two Motherwell defenders to find Adam Hammill on the left, who crossed the ball to the back post and found Jim O'Brien, who took a touch before firing home his first Dunfermline goal at the near post.

A bad start for the 'Well got worse as they went two down four minutes later. Stephen Glass' long free-kick looked harmless enough but with the visiting defence and goalkeeper static, Wilson gobbled up the opportunity to power home a header for his second goal of the season.

East End was positively buzzing thereafter, with the Pars controlling possession well but they did have a major let off after one lapse of concentration. Brian Kerr played the ball through for McDonald, but the Celtic bound striker slid his shot just past the post as Dorus De Vries rushed out to meet him.

The one way traffic continued in the second half and after Graeme Smith had saved a McManus free-kick, the deserved third goal duly arrived via the penalty spot. Another good move saw Gary Mason slid the ball through for Jim McIntyre who was bundled to the ground by Paul Quinn as he and Reynolds came to meet him. Glass stepped up and converted the spot kick to leave the 160 odd Motherwell fans wondering why they bothered making the journey.

Malpas' post match assessment of "we were never at the races", while correct, does a disservice to Stephen Kenny's side who put in as controlled a performance as they have done all season. All over the pitch they worked tirelessly and refused to accept a 3-0 win, evidenced in Reynolds going off for handball as McIntyre attempted to burst through and grab a fourth goal.

But Kenny was displeased with conceding a first goal in five matches. "We got sloppy and were casual at 3-0- that's disappointing" he said. This is to be expected of the quiet and likeable Irishman who wants the maximum from his players each week. But even he couldn't fail to be impressed with the way his side passed their visitors off the pitch and cut them open at will.

Though Ross McCormack did sting the fingers of De Vries, Motherwell's goal was against the run of play and McCormack was involved, going down when in on goal after a slight tug by Wilson. Referee Dougie McDonald deemed it enough to merit a sending off, though it seemed harsh.

While McDonald scored the penalty, he lost the plot just after the restart as he flew in to a tackle on Muirhead and scythed the Pars full back down, receiving a straight red card.

But the scoring was not over. The home side took advantage of Motherwell's nine men as Mark Burchill, lucky to receive only a yellow card after a poor challenge on Jim Paterson, crossed the ball for fellow substitute Jim Hamilton to head home in stoppage time, putting the gloss on a fine win.

A fine win for the Pars which keeps them firmly in the fight to avoid the drop going into the penultimate weekend. As for Motherwell, all might not be 'Well come the end of the season on this evidence.

Match Stats

Dunfermline Athletic: De Vries, Shields, Wilson, Bamba, Glass, O'Brien (Daquin 74), Mason, Muirhead, Hammill, McManus (Hamilton 84), McIntyre (Burchill 71).
Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Woods, McCunnie, Young.

Goals: O'Brien 6, Wilson 11, Glass 58 pen, Hamilton 90.

Sent Off: Wilson (86)

Motherwell: G. Smith, Corrigan, Reynolds, Craigan, Quinn, Vadocz, Kerr, D.Smith (Fitzpatrick 71), Paterson (Keegan 80), McDonald, Clarkson (McCormack 54).
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Kinniburgh, McBride, McGarry.

Goal: McDonald 87 pen

Sent Off: Reynolds (68), McDonald (89)

Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Gary Mason

Attendance: 6,662

Referee: Dougie McDonald

Dunfermline Athletic V Motherwell Preview

The relegation battle is hotting up, and on Monday Dunfermline Athletic face another must win game in the fight for survival. After the high of last Monday, St Mirren's victory over Dundee United on Saturday re-opened the 4 point gap between the sides and it is up to Dunfermline to make sure the gap is reduced to a solitary point again with just 2 matches left.

A defeat for the Pars in Monday's live Setanta clash is almost unthinkable, so positivity is the key. Stephen Kenny would always have been looking at this game as a must win anyway, so that has not changed. But there is no margin for error but Dunfermline handled that superbly last week and must do so again against a Motherwell side who aren't entirely safe yet themselves.
Motherwell could still go down if they were to lose their remaining matches while both Dunfermline and St Mirren win theirs, but it is extremely unlikely.

Maurice Malpas brings his side to West Fife aiming to protect a 100% record against the Pars this season but they have hit another rocky spell of results, combined with the loss of Scott MacDonald and Brian Kerr to Celtic and Hibs respectively on pre-contracts.

In those previous meetings this term, Motherwell triumphed by 2-1 and 2-0 at Fir Park. In the first encounter, Stevie Crawford had levelled with 19 minutes left but the home side hit back for a crucial win, while Stephen Kenny's team flopped 2-0 in front of a large travelling support in March, which is the Pars' only defeat in their previous 8 games.

While Motherwell had deserved those victories, the same could not be said of the 2-0 defeat on Boxing Day. Dunfermline dominated the game from start to finish, wasted several good chances and were undone by two sucker punches from that man MacDonald. He will be the main threat to the Pars once again and we will have to keep him quiet.

Dunfermline however go into this game with confidence after recent results, and in Jim McIntyre and Tam McManus, we have strikers working well together and who have given us a goal threat. I don't envisage many changes from the St Mirren game, with the only one being the inclusion of Phil McGuire in place of either Sol Bamba or Stephen Glass. We can also point to our last post split victory over the Steelmen last season, when we won 3-2, if we're looking for more positives.

The penultimate home game of the season could not be more important. With prices set at £12 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for kids, Pars fans have a great opportunity to be at East End Park in numbers and give the team great support. As we proved last week, a big and noisy support can make a difference and it could prove vital on Monday.

Come on ye Pars!

Tennent's Scottish Cup final- Ticket information

The countdown is on to May 26th as the Pars return to Hampden for the Scottish Cup final with Celtic. Dunfermline have been allocated 17,000 tickets, as was the case for the 2004 final, and sales have passed 5,000 already.

Season ticket holders, Supporters Clubs, Shareholders, Club Sponsors, Lounge members, Pars Online registrations and holders of ticket stubs from the Hibernian semi final and St Mirren matches have PRIORITY for tickets until Saturday, 12th May with a maximum of 4 tickets per person.

Ticket prices for the final are as follows:

South Stand Lower- Section P1- £40

South Stand Lower- Sections P2/P6- £35

West Stand- £28

West Stand Family Section- Adult: £24
Child- £10 (under 16s only and MUST be accompanied by an adult)


Tickets can be bought via the following methods.

From the East End Park Ticket Office: Open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm (open until 6:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday)

Saturday, 12th May: 9:00am-12:00pm

The ticket office will also be open on Monday, May 7th from 9:00am to 5:00pm and from 5:30pm to 7:45pm.

Tickets can also be purchased via telephone on 0871 200 1560

St Mirren 0-1 Dunfermline Athletic

And so the Pars bandwagon moved on to Paisley on Monday for a crunch relegation battle with St Mirren. Victory for the Paisley club would mean almost certain relegation for the Pars, while a draw would leave them an uphill struggle. Victory would cut the defecit to one point with three games left.

From the victorious cup side, out went the banned Phil McGuire for Scott Wilson, while Tam McManus and Stephen Glass were recalled; Darren Young and Jamie McCunnie the players sacrificed.

A crowd of over 10,000, including 3,000 Pars fans, packed into Love Street creating a tremendous atmosphere as a sea of beach balls were hurled from the travelling support in celebration of the team reaching Europe. After the inital fun and games, it was down to the serious stuff as the game got underway and the Pars looked menacing enough early on, with McManus and Jim O'Brien buzzing around trying to make things happen. O'Brien sent the Fifers' first attempt over the bar with a fourth minute free-kick.

The home side were as nervous as the Pars and while John Sutton sent a header narrowly wide, not too many chances were created in a first half littered with mistakes and tackles. St Mirren full back David Van Zanten earned the wrath of the away support following a late, reckless lunge on Adam Hammill which produced a yellow card.

Amazingly, moments later, he got away with another appalling challenge on Hammill on the touchline, with referee McCurry deeming he had played the ball. The referee himself wasn't immune to criticism, as Saints defenders were constantly getting away with climbing on McManus and Jim McIntyre and preventing them from making a challenge for high balls.

The Pars though did carve out a glorious chance on the half hour and it came from the unlikliest of sources. Sol Bamba charged forward from halfway and, after playing a neat one two with McIntyre, fired a shot wide from 16 yards as the ball seemed to get caught beneath his feet.

Five minutes before the break, Hammill sent a shot just wide of the post but the Pars went into the break desperately seeking a goal and despite having the better of the half, had not hit the form they had shown in previous games.

Whatever Stephen Kenny said to his side at half time clearly worked as the team poured forward at the start of the second half and began to pass the ball a lot better. They forced a corner on 49 minutes and a header from McManus at the near post forced Chris Smith into a wonderful reaction save and he then dealt with a Hammill shot from the rebound for good measure.

The keeper was beaten though on 52 minutes but the linesman's flag saved his side. A Hammill free-kick was played to McIntyre, who laid the ball off for Scott Wilson and the defender's shot was diverted in by McManus. TV replays suggested the Pars striker was unfortunate not to see the goal given.

Smith again saved Saints when he saved with his feet after Hammill had burst through and you sensed a goal was coming for the Athletic, and it duly did moments later.

A Glass pass to McIntyre saw the striker find the impressive Scott Muirhead on the left. The full back strode forward, played a one two with Hammill and hit a shot which was blocked by Kirk Broadfoot. The ball however fell kindly for McManus eight yards out and this time he made no mistake as he sent the huge visiting support wild.

This seemed to wake the home side up and they responded by launching high balls for Sutton and Stewart Kean at every opportunity, which was easy meat for Shields, Bamba and Wilson. With Gary Mason excelling in defensive duties, the Buddies failed to create a clear cut chance and the Pars should have wrapped the game up with nine minutes to go.

As St Mirren attacked, Dunfermline broke forward through O'Brien down the right and his cross found McManus again at the back post, but the goal hero could only head wide with the goal gaping.

Saints continued to pile high balls into the box but the closest they came to a goal was a goalmouth scramble where Shields hacked the ball away. The Pars held out to record a valuable victory and players,management and supporters celebrated together. A great win for the magnificent support to enjoy, the battle has only just begun, starting with Motherwell on Monday.

Match Stats

St Mirren: Smith, van Zanten, Potter, Broadfoot, Maxwell, Brittain (Corcoran 64), Murray, Brady (McKenna 85), Reid (Mehmet 77), Kean, Sutton.Subs Not Used: Hinchcliffe, Malone, Mackay, Lawson.

Dunfermline Athletic: De Vries, Shields, Wilson, Bamba, Glass, O'Brien (Young 90), Hammill (McCunnie 78), Mason, Muirhead, McIntyre (Hamilton 89), McManus.Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Burchill, O.Morrison, Woods.

Goal: McManus (58)

Walking Down the Halbeath Road MoM: Gary Mason

Attendance: 10,251

Referee: Mike McCurry