Can Pars really do it?

Three weeks ago, I would have thought it was impossible. The Pars of Dunfermline, at that time sitting in the relegation spot by nine points, just didn’t look to have any spark, and Hibernian had just won the League Cup, killing Kilmarnock in a nearly Man U-like 5-1 romp. I looked forward to this coming weekend’s Pars-Hibs Scottish Cup semi as a formality, another chance for that big bald head of Hibs captain Rob Jones to knock a few more into the back of the net and get his side within 90 minutes of a cup double. Now I’m not so sure. Dunfermline has brought themselves back from the brink of death, and now sit only four points in the hole with five matches to go, including one against their closest relegation rival, St. Mirren. Hibs haven’t won since their cup final party, including last weekend’s loss to - oops - Dunfermline. Pars know they can do it because they did it, less than a week ago. It wasn’t long ago that I thought Dunfermline was a shoe-in for both relegation and an end to their cinderella cup (in which they have beaten both Rangers and Hearts). Now, they may escape both. If they can pull it off and beat Hibs, they will almost definitely face Celtic in the final. How amazing would it be to go from relegation to not only SPL safety but also a cup victory that includes wins over the #1, #2, and #4 teams in the country? I’m not saying they can beat Celtic. This year, more than most, there is a gulf of quality between Celtic and even Rangers. But, as much as most of their season has been atrocious, Pars are starting to make a believer out of me.

Category: Scottish Premier League

Tags: 2007 Scottish Cup, Dunfermline, Hibernian, Hibs, Pars, Relegation, Scottish Cup semifinals, Scottish Premier League, SPL

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