Simon says it is time to live dream
Spiders hero targeting another promotion after sinking Pars
SIMON MURRAY is convinced Queen’s Park can now dream of back-to-back promotions after his dramatic winner plunged Dunfermline into the relegation abyss.
After three hours of nervous football had failed to separate the teams, Murray struck with just a minute to go to seal a last-gasp victory.
The goal had wildly different consequences for both clubs, with the Pars now contemplating life in League One and Murray and his teammates eyeing the Fifers’ place in the Championship.
He knows they will be up against it in the final against free-scoring Airdrie.
But the former Hibs and Dundee United striker insists it is time for the Spiders to believe.
He said: “This is massive. I know it was massive for Dunfermline as well but we had a lot riding on it.
“We’ve put everything into trying to get promoted. As players you try to do the best you can and sometimes you don’t get the rewards.
“But Saturday was a nice reward to take us to the next step in the final. It’s a great opportunity. Airdrie are a good team as well and it will be a good game.
“But we’re in it - and if you’re in the final you’ve got a good chance. All the form from the season goes out the window and it will just come down to who wants it the most.”
After a goalless first leg, Dunfermline overcame early nerves to take a firm grip on the tie and swarmed around the Queen’s Park goal relentlessly before the break.
But the momentum swung in the League One side’s favour 12 minutes after the interval when Murray was brought down at the edge of the box by Efe Ambrose.
Referee Craig Napier deemed it a goal-scoring opportunity and the former Celtic and Hibs defender was given his marching orders.
The one-man advantage finally told when Bob McHugh bundled his way to the bye-line before drilling in a cross that Murray thumped into the net from close range.
Six minutes of injury-time were not enough for Dunfermline to save their season but Murray knows Queen’s Park are now close to taking another step on their ambitious journey.
Murray added: “Pressure? As soon as you get out on that pitch, the pressure’s not there.
“The club aren’t pressurising us to go up or anything like that. You have pressure on yourself to win, no matter what sort of situation it is.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play at great clubs and score some nice goals but this goal is a special one for me. I’m just buzzing with it.”
The Dunfermline supporters made their feelings clear at fulltime and directed much of their anger at manager John Hughes.
He took over from the winless Peter Grant in November but an upturn in fortunes was not enough to cling to their Championship status.
Hughes has indicated he wants to stay for a promotion push next season but the fans who chanted at full-time about his background with rivals Falkirk will think otherwise.
As for the players, skipper Graham Dorrans has confessed he is one of a number whose future is now up in the air following relegation.
He said: “Everyone is devastated. It is never easy when you get relegated. It is very raw.
“Nobody ever likes losing a game and nobody likes going down at the end of the season.
“I’m under contract but we will sit down over the next couple of weeks and speak to the gaffer, speak to the club and see what’s going on.
“We have to let it sink in. We will have our meetings in the next couple of weeks and we shall see whatever happens from there.”
(AGG: 0-1) ALAN MARSHALL AT EAST END PARK