Dunfermline travel to THE bogey ground of them all......
Author: Jason Barber Date: Sunday, 8th Sep 2002After the wheels coming off the good train Dunfermline last week against Rangers, unfortunately in front of a national TV audience, the players have an opportunity to amend against a struggling Hibs team on Wednesday night. Only problem is, Dunfermline have not won there in the league since the days of Jock Stein........
Yes, it was way back on 23rd December 1961 that Dunfermline last came away from Easter Road with all the points. Countless Pars teams have tried and failed since then, with only a handful of draws to show for the efforts.
The longest running sequence in Dunfermline`s history HAS to be broken at some point. This week seems like the perfect time for just that to happen!
A solitary win in the then Skol Cup in 1989 is the only modern day success over Leith way. Pars lined up for the quarter final tie with the following side:
Westwater, Nicholl, Rougvie, McCathie, Tierney, Abercromby, Paul Smith, Rafferty, Jack, O`Boyle and Irons.
The game, in front of a superb crowd of 13,465 saw a classic midweek cup tie played out. Doug Rougvie opened the scoring for the Pars, with Paul Smith and Ross Jack getting the goals that ensured a semi final place.
Norrie McCathie played a blinder at the back and deservedly got the man of the match award. His partnership with Grant Tierney kept Hibs at bay with a fantastic display of defending.
Days after the match, Dunfermline smashed their transfer records by signing Istvan Kozma for £650,000 from Bordeaux. Thankfully the huge fee was justified as a modern day legend started his all too short Pars career.
So, things were rosy back in 1989. Who would have thought that the terrible record in the league would still be in place now in 2002? Jimmy Calderwood should not have to do too much to inspire the players to get back onto winning form. A few will be out to prove that the lacklustre display against Rangers simply a terrible one off.
Hopefully a decent travelling support can be taken through to Edinburgh, the short distance not being a reason not to attend. A loud vocal backing, as per Tynecastle a fortnight ago, can only help the players after all.
Here`s to a good game with Dunfermline getting back to winning ways!
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