Dunfermline’s biggest home crowd of the season celebrated at East End Park on Saturday, the Pars ending a memorable season with a victory over Peterhead, followed by a lavish on-field ceremony as they were presented with the League One trophy.
The occasion proved to be especially sweet for two of the Dunfermline players who had experienced a variety of highs and lows throughout the past nine months.
Defender Craig Reid began the season in the Premiership with Motherwell before being loaned out to St Mirren for a few months.
He returned to Fir Park only to find he was surplus to requirements, then made the move to Dunfermline at the end of the January transfer window.
“This is fantastic,” said a delighted Reid amid the post-match celebrations.
“I’ve been with three clubs this season, but that’s football; you just don’t know what’s round the corner.
“Its great to be here. Dunfermline are a massive club with a great support trying to get back to where they belong.
“I’m sure they’ll do well in the Championship, especially if they can keep most of the current squad together, and I hope that I get the chance to be part of it.”
Also reflecting on a season of ups and downs was fellow defender Brad McKay, who signed for St Johnstone last summer after helping Hearts win the Championship but who, like Reid, had difficulty making an impact at Premiership level.
“Its been a rollercoaster season for me,” acknowledged McKay.
“Things didn’t work out the way I’d planned at St Johnstone so it was the best thing for me to come here.
“Dunfermline needed a defender and I needed game time, so it’s worked out well.
“That’s two medals I’ve won in two seasons – not bad at 23 years old.”
Amid a carnival atmosphere, Dunfermline took the lead early on, Joe Cardle rattling home his 16th goal of the season after latching on to a superbly threaded pass from Ryan Wallace.
Peterhead keeper Graeme Smith was then fortunate to avoid a red card after fouling Wallace on the edge of the penalty area; referee Alastair Mather deemed a booking to be sufficient.
With striker Rory McAllister missing through suspension following the red card he received for violent conduct in last week’s clash with Ayr United, there was little to generate excitement among the 40 or so Blue Toon fans who made the journey.
Jim McInally’s men now face the prospect of two more games against the Honest Men in the play-off semi-finals, which begin tomorrow night.