Failure to chalk up a win at Peterhead has left Dunfermline on the brink of missing out on the play-offs, but Pars boss John Potter insists they will keep believing.
With just four games of the League 1 season remaining, Potter’s men find themselves seven points adrift of fourth-top Brechin, who defeated title-chasing Morton at Cappielow.
Potter said: “It’s a tall order, I know that, but I won’t give up and neither will the players.”
“We have got to keep believing as we have got Brechin to play and Airdrie.
“It will be difficult and it is a long shot but we will give it everything.”
Dunfermline’s visit to Balmoor started well, with Michael Moffat opening the scoring after 18 minutes.
The Pars were never troubled in the first half.
However, Peterhead improved after the break and deservedly drew level in the 77th minute through Andy Rodgers.
Potter continued: “I was pleased with the first half. We played more direct with our two strikers getting on the shoulders of the Peterhead defenders, which caused them problems, and we scored a good goal.”
“The second half we never started properly and we became too deep, which allowed Peterhead back into the game.
“They took chances and Rodgers came on and caused problems.”
We were screaming at the guys to get up the park, so it is disappointing to come away with a draw.”
Ross Millen delivered a fine cross for Dunfermline’s goal.
The full-back picked out Moffat at the far post and he guided a cushioned 10-yard header in off the opposite upright
A quick burst from David Hopkirk in the 38th minute caused panic in the Peterhead defence. After he flashed a low cross in from the left, the ball broke for Kyle McAusland but his shot was blocked behind for a corner.
Ryan Scully was a virtual spectator before the interval, but the goalkeeper found his defence camped in front of him for much of the second half as the Pars sat back on their lead.
Gary McDonald twice went close for Peterhead before they drew level with 13 minutes remaining.
Steven Noble drove to the byline and fired the ball across for substitute Rodgers to slot home.
In the end, Dunfermline were grateful for a point after Millen was fortunate to go unpunished for a handball in the penalty area.
Their quartet of remaining fixtures are surely now all must-win, but could hardly be tougher. They are all against teams above them in the table, starting with leaders Stranraer at East End Park on Saturday.