Today is the Day

Today is the day. It is D-Day. Decision-Day. The final day of the SPFL Cinch Championship campaign for season 2021-2022. Will it be `Dunfermline-Day` ?

It is outwith the hands of the Pars, to an extent at least, whether they finish 8th or 9th following this evening`s matches.

The Match-Day 36 results will confirm whether Athletic remain safe, or go into a Relegation Play-Off with Airdrieonians, Montrose and Queen`s Park; 2nd, 3rd and 4th in SPFL Cinch League One.

If it isn`t the Dunfermline Athletic in the Play-Offs, it will be Ayr United, and it is they, the Honest Men who have the advantage. DAFC lost 1-0 away to Partick Thistle last Saturday, while Ayr drew 1-1 with Queen of the South. Euan East opened the scoring for the Doonhamers, but his own-goal confirmed relegation to Scotland`s third-tier for the Dumfries Club, while Ross Docherty`s strike in Maryhill has all but secured the Jags place in the Promotion Play-Offs.

An almighty swing in Goal Difference would be required for Ian McCall`s men not to finish 4th and continue in the race for promotion to the SPFL Cinch Premiership. Mathematically, all they would need is 1 point to be out of reach of 5th placed Raith Rovers, but a win for Lee Bullen`s side at Somerset Park would give John McGlynn`s men hope if they were to score big against confirmed Champions, Kilmarnock.

A win would secure the safety of the Ayrshire Club in the Championship for next season, no matter the score-line of the Pars. Athletic know they must better the final result of Ayr or John Hughes`s men will face the dreaded Play-Offs.

A draw for Dunfermline should be enough to secure safety, but that would mean Ayr would lose at home to Partick Thistle. If Ayr draw, the West Fife side would need to win against already downed Queen of the South to overcome the Honest Men. It will be a night filled with twists and turns and one which is certainly not to be missed.

Tickets are selling well but there are plenty seats remaining for anyone who has yet to confirm their attendance at East End Park this evening. And of course, for anyone unale to attend, the match will be broadcast live via ParsTV, with special Co-Commentator Kevin Rutkiewicz talking supporters through the match alongside Lead Commentator Jordan Burt. The Live Video Stream is also still available to purchase, with the match on sale at ParsTV.co.uk for £12.

The Player of the Year award winners have been announced, with the home supporters this evening hoping to see more magic from their Centenary Club Lifeline Player of the Year, Dom Thomas.

However, the winger has already admitted to the Football Club`s In-House TV Channel that the biggest award this season will be Dunfermline Athletic remaining in the SPFL Cinch Championship next term and I am sure come full-time, if objective is accomplished, there will be scenes of relief and joy on and off the pitch around the stadium.

After a struggling opening to the campaign, Peter Grant was relieved of his duties and John Hughes was brought in as Manager. Form has improved since, particularly at home, which has saw an ever increasing number of fans slowly return to games on a regular basis.

The nucleus of a squad is already under contract and the feel good factor is progressively returning to those with Black and White running through the blood streams. A prosperous future under Hughes, with the help and guidance of the German Investors; the return of the Club`s very own Youth Academy and the Football Club`s very own Training Ground, means the future is bright and the future is Black and White...

Today is the day. Today is D-Day. Let`s make sure today is `Dunfermline-Day`.

Hopefully for the final time this season...

Let`s get right behind the team, COYP!!!!

Guest Reporter.

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