Murdoch wants more of the same

Sean Murdoch hopes Dunfermline can start next season in the same manner they have finished this one.

The Pars keeper was in top form at Palmerston on Saturday with his side wrapping up a fifth-place finish in their first season back in the Championship.

An injury-time goal from Nicky Clark was enough to sink Queen of the South after Murdoch pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the Doonhamers at bay.

Pars boss Allan Johnston will now beef up his squad and safe hands Murdoch insists they have what it takes to mount a push for promotion.

The 30-year-old said: “I think on our day we’re as good as anyone in this division but there are maybe teams with a wee bit more quality than us.

“I thought Hibs were a class above everybody else but I think we’re on level terms with Falkirk and Dundee United. There hasn’t been much between us.

“I think we’ve got a good team. If the manager wants to release some players and bring some boys in, that’s his call; he’s the manager.

“I’d be more than happy with the lads that we’ve got to go for a promotion push next season. We have lost a bit of ground this season by drawing too many games.

“Even if you turn two of the draws we’ve had into wins then that is an extra four points. That could have taken us towards the play-offs. A good start to next season is really important.”

Murdoch earned his wage packet with impressive stops to twice deny Stephen Dobbie and also Callum Tapping as Queens looked to pip Pars to fifth.

Dunfermline’s winner came from a long clearance by Murdoch with Clark nicking in ahead of Chris Higgins to guide the ball past Queens keeper Lee Robinson who slipped.

Pars gaffer Johnston said: “I feel the club is heading in the right direction. We just need that bit more quality.”

Sean Murdoch insists Pars can mount promotion challenge.