Dunfermline Athletic 1-1 Clyde

Published on Saturday 9 May 2009 20:02

Dunfermline Athletic 1 Graham 43 Clyde 1 Higgins 27

DUNFERMLINE came from behind to earn a point against demoted Clyde to finish the season third in the First Division.

In a game where it would have been easy for the visitors to throw in the towel after their fate was sealed in the penultimate fixtures last week, the Bully Wee took the lead in the 27th minute when Chris Higgins headed in from close range.

Jim McIntyre's side levelled when David Graham powered a low drive through the legs of David Hutton minutes before the break.

Driving rain and an unseasonal chill added to the apathy surrounding this East End Park encounter in which the Pars supporters bade farewell to departing duo Scott Thomson and Scott Wilson, and the Bully Wee waved goodbye to First Division football.

After 11 years in a black and white jersey, former captain Thomson was told during the week that he would not be offered fresh terms at the age of 37, while current captain Wilson is heading for sunnier climes after signing a pre-contract with Australian side North Queensland Roar.

Injury deprived both players of a swansong but the home faithful duly paid tribute to the long-serving duo prior to kick-off.

Underfoot conditions were far from ideal but the pitch put up a strong resistance despite the incessant rain battering the surface.

This allowed the Pars to get the ball down as they sprayed passes around during the opening minutes with a confidence that suggested they would sign off on a high.

The Pars fashioned the first chance after ten minutes when Greg Ross found Nick Phinn in the box but the midfielder's tame header from ten yards was collected by goalkeeper David Hutton.

Clyde served notice of their ability to cause problems when former Dunfermline youth team player Pat Clarke broke free but his attempted chip of Paul Gallacher from 18 yards was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Growing in confidence, Clyde took the lead in the 27th minute when Higgins angled a header into the net from close range after connecting with Willie McLaren's corner.

The weather played its part in Dunfermline levelling two minutes before the break. Graham was allowed to run at the Clyde rearguard before unleashing a powerful drive from 18 yards that skidded on the slippery surface under Hutton.