With this approach Dundee cheated what was a sizeable away support of over a thousand faithful followers. Unless Dundee recognise the importance to their loyal adherents of trying to stay ahead of their rivals across the road, they will fall foul of their fan base. That's all there's left to play for, and that's what we, the faithful, demand.
We were two down in the second half before Dundee had their first shot at goal, and when it came it was Del Rio, a Central defender who pulled an easy save out of Ruitenbeek. Next to have a go was sub Mackay who made the keeper work a bit harder to keep his sheet clean.
Then, suddenly coming to life, we had chances to gain a draw in the last 15 minutes. First Del Rio lashed out wildly at a goalkeeping error but sent his shot high over the bar. Sara missed the best chance of all to bring Dundee back into the game, also lashing the ball off target.
Khaled Kemes made a difference when he replaced Caballero and he had the best effort of all, missing by a whisker from a very tight angle. Near the end the most delicate of chip shots by Gavin Rae narrowly missed the target.
All in all a shocking, laid back performance by a team who had scored 8 times in their last 4 matches, yet didn't trouble Dunfermline until it was too late.
Personally, I feel Javier Artero and Fabian Caballero have had enough chances, but neither player looks to be hungry enough or brave enough to do much damage to opposing defences. They've never fully recovered from illness and injury, but by continually playing them their confidence is fading by the game.
Things improved when they were both replaced by Carranza and Kemes, and as one who doesn't criticise the management too often, they do seem to be favoured above others who the fans feel could do better, given longer spells on the park.
Speroni performed well, Smith gave his usual effort, Del Rio was OK with his partner Lee Wilkie perhaps Dundee's best and bravest player on show. Beghetto took a knock in the first half and had to go off, but played OK.
In midfield Artero did little or nothing. Gavin Rae's time at Dens could be numbered as I felt he was one of our better midfield players today and being watched by scouts from several teams, it could be bye bye Gavin. Temuri lacked support and was surrounded by 3 players every time he got the ball. Because of this he was restricted and didn't get many chances to put his lethal shooting into practice. Kiki Torres blew hot and cold, some brilliant moments, some very casual ones also. Fabian Caballero refused to chase lost causes and never really asserted any presence or authority on the game. Juan Sara worked hard and looked good, though he should have brought us into the game with that one golden chance he missed. Sub Carranza didn't look fully fit yet, and began badly, giving the ball away on several occasions, but when he came onto a game we looked good and his through balls were never far away. Kemes was excellent and so unlucky not to score, he changed the pattern of the game when he replaced Fab up front. Dave Mackay was positive and moved forward at every opportunity, and this young man is some player for the future.
But for me, Lee Wilkie a tall Scot, played in the fashion that this type of game needed. Strong in the air and on the ground, great tackling and headed clearances, battling bravely from start to finish. Can't believe no team thinks he's worth more than £25,000. PAUL WALKER'S MATCH REPORT SHOULD BE ONLINE TOMORROW.
Well done Dunfermline. You've finally made the top 6, and deservedly so. No one can fail to admire your battling qualities. Dundee haven't beaten you since August, 2000, and it is down to these attributes that you have made the top grade this season. I may have been the only fan who did so, but I applauded your success at the end, and I wish you well in the remaining 5 matches.