Johnston still hopeful of third-place finish for Pars

Place in play-offs in reach as Dumbarton visit East End Park

Allan Johnston insists Dunfermline have not given up hope of finishing third in the Championship as they bid to confirm their place in the play-offs this weekend.

The Pars know that anything other than a defeat at home to Dumbarton will guarantee them at least fourth in the table, while defeat could even be enough should Inverness Caley Thistle fail to win away to Morton.

Having missed out on an end-ofseason shot at promotion last year, Johnston admits the play-offs had to be the target this term once the title slipped from their grasp.

And, with the team that finishes third enjoying the advantage of a second-leg at home in the quarter-final, Johnston has urged his team to ensure there are no final-day twists as they seek to clinch third if Dundee United fail to beat Livingston.

He said: “There’s a lot of pressure on all the teams to get a result, but we’ve got ourselves in a really good position and we’ve got to make sure we get into the top four.

“There’s still a good opportunity to finish third as well – if we can win and Dundee United draw. That would be a good achievement.

“But, first and foremost, we’ve got to beat Dumbarton. They’ll come here and be hard to beat, but we’ve got a lot to play for and hopefully that shows.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on ourselves and be fully focused on getting the result we need. Then we’ll have a lot to look forward.

“We wanted to be in the play-offs, that was the target this season. We’ve not achieved it yet, which shows you how tight this league is.

“But there’s still the opportunity to finish third, so we’ve got a lot to play for.

“We want to keep the momentum going, we want to finish with another win, and I’m sure the boys will be fired up for it. It’s great we’ve got ourselves into a good position, and we’ve just got to get ourselves over the finishing line.”

The massive task facing the Championship sides in trying to win promotion was laid bare this week when the SPFL announced the dates for the play-offs.

The teams finishing third and fourth will have to play six times in 19 days – Tuesday, Friday, Monday, Friday, Thursday and Sunday – if they are to earn their place in the top flight.

Johnston admits it is a gruelling schedule but one he would be glad to have the chance to take part in.

He said: “At the end of the day, that’s the dates they’ve put forward and we just need to deal with it. It’s the same for both the teams (that finish third and fourth).

“We’ve just got to make sure we get there first and then take it from there.

“Television is the thing that dictates when the fixtures are going to be. I don’t think there’s much consultation with the clubs.

“It is difficult. But, at the end of the day, if you’re there, it’s an opportunity to get into the Premiership.”

Picture: SNS. Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston says his side must make sure of reaching the play-offs.