Kelty Pulling On The Heart Strings

It was Match-Day 30 for Dunfermline Athletic in SPFL cinch League 1 on Saturday, as they faced local rivals Kelty Hearts for the fourth and final time this campaign, at KDM Group East End Park.

The previous matches were all tight, ending 0-0 in the opening match of the term between James McPake and John Potter`s men, before two narrow 2-1 wins for the Pars.

The match at the weekend wouldn`t prove to be a classic with neither team possessing the quality required to break the deadlock. Despite being in control for virtually the whole match, Athletic just couldn`t find a way through a packed Kelty rearguard, with Darren Jamieson rarely troubled in the Maroon Machine`s goal.

In saying that, Deniz Mehmet was even quieter, with the goalie most active in the final seconds of the encounter, as he sprawled himself out across the turf in anguish as Paul McGowan shot over the bar from 20-yards out.

The anguish probably stems from the fact that Falkirk also drew their match at the weekend, away to Clyde: this provided the West Fifers with an opportunity of title glory in Grangemouth next Saturday. But, alas, it wasn`t to be – Dunfermline needed to win to put that scenario from dreams into reality, with the goalless stalemate being more frustrating due to this fact.

Experienced midfielder McGowan – on-loan from Dundee – has only been at the Football Club a short period of time, but his nous and game intelligence, as well as being in this position before of pushing to win the title, knows what is required against the Bairns this weekend.

Full focus must remain on the task in hand and not provide any late encouragement to John McGlynn`s men.

Another experienced midfielder is now retired Marc Millar; he returned onto the KDM Group East End Park pitch on Saturday as part of the `Half-Time Entertainment`. Millar was known for his successful spot-kicks during his time wearing the Black & White, and he took part in a Charity Fundraiser alongside a fellow Athletic supporter, to see who really IS penalty king, The duo faced DAFC`s Under-18`s goalkeeper Aidan Meikle:

Dunfermline Athletic may not be able to win the title at Falkirk this weekend, but not losing will see them put into a position of near-immediate glory thereafter, with midweek matches for both top and second in the division. Montrose host Falkirk next Tueaday evening, while Dunfermline travel to Peterhead...

Assuming the Pars win against the Bairns this weekend, it is all down to McPake`s men and the title would be theirs with a win at Balmoor Stadium. However, a draw this weekend wouldn`t alter Athletic`s requirements, but it`d come with the caveat that McGlynn`s men must drop points against former Par Stewart Petrie`s side.

A loss for the Pars this weekend and they`d drop to 8 points clear with 15 points remaining, therefore delaying what seems to be the inevitable. But, there`s no title talk within the changing room, with full focus purely and simply on the 90 minutes ahead of the team in Grangemouth this weekend.