Equaliser in the Nick of time

“I just managed to get across my marker and it was a good header across the goal.

Nicky Clark felt that his team made it hard for themselves on Saturday but he was delighted that his 21st goal of the season was a crucially important, added time equaliser. He told this website:-

“We got off to a great start then they got a free kick that looked a bit soft and we never reacted from that. We came out in the second and never really got going. They scored another goal and it was backs to the wall although we knew we had to get a goal to get it back into our hands. Luckily enough we got it in the last minute.”

The second half stoppages for several head knocks had caused six minutes to be added at the end of the game. Nicky and his team mates had clearly heard that announced by the stadium announcer. The time was fast soaking away from a possible Pars comeback.

“We were also keeping in touch with the referee” revealed Nicky, “asking how long was left. I knew that it was literally nearly the last kick of the ball so it was an unbelievable feeling. It was great for the fans who made the long journey up.

“I just managed to get across my marker and it was a good header across the goal. It took a wee bounce and it was a good movement.

“We are a threat at setpieces when you see the size of the boys we have got. I was just delighted that it was me who got on the end of it.”

The mood at the final whistle was of two kinds. Total devastation from the silenced home fans and the jubilation from the Fife followers who celebrated Nicky’s equaliser like a match winner. It was a huge result in that Dunfermline were only a point away from a guaranteed play off place and Inverness were left hoping for away wins at Livingston and Morton coupled with a Defeat for the Pars at East End Park.

“We were glad to get our destiny back into our own hands. We know what we need to do now next week at home to Dumbarton. We will take that game as seriously as we have taken all our games, we know that we need to play well and get a good result.”

Nicky was paired with a new striking partner as Andy Ryan started in place of Declan McManus. He commented:-

“He has done well, he came on last week and scored a really good goal. He has trained really well and although Decy has been great, he has been unlucky in front of goal. He works his backside off and does the dirty side of the game.”

Strikers thrive on goals and lack of success has possibly dented Declan’s confidence. In contrast there cannot be many of the Pars squad who are as confident as Andy Ryan in front of goal.

“When you see the goal he scored at Inverness, there are not many better than him.”

Andy Ryan had put the Pars ahead early on on the game only for Caley Thistle to hit back four minutes later and take the lead early n the second half. The late late equaliser created an eruption of great emotion and Nicky confessed to have thoroughly enjoyed the euphoria of the moment:-

“It was a great feeling, as soon as it hit my head I knew it was going in. It was a great turnout from the travelling support, they have supported us all season and hopefully we can do what we need in the last game to get into the play offs.”

Related Stories

• Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2 Dunfermline 2
• Manager Post Inverness Caley Thistle
• Players join Young Pars at Bowls night
• Dunfermline 4 Brechin City 0