DAN PYBUS has urged his Pars pals to show their Championship credentials when they play the first leg of their play-off semi-final this evening.
The 24-year-old, who was named won the Players' Player of the Year and the Management Team Player of the Year in the club's Centenary Club Lifeline awards, also acknowledges the importance of a good result to take back to East End on Saturday.
Queen's Park, who finished fourth in League One, await at Firhill tonight after Dunfermline were consigned to second bottom spot last Friday night.
A win for Pybus' former club, already relegated Queen of the South, was immaterial as Ayr United, who started the evening a point clear of Athletic and the play-off place, defeated Partick Thistle to secure their survival.
The midfielder, however, felt that Dunfermline's second half showing, which saw the Doonhamers come from behind, was unacceptable, and said he understood the supporters booing the team off at full-time.
Attention now turns, however, to trying to overcome the Spiders and set up a final next week with either Montrose or Airdrieonians, with the former holding a 1-0 lead following last night's first leg at Links Park.
Speaking to Press Sport yesterday (Tuesday) ahead of the game, Pybus reflected on Friday's loss, and felt it isn't too simplistic for supporters to have expected the Pars to do their bit and win the game.
"Every football game you're playing, you're there to win, regardless of what happens elsewhere," he said.
"You could be middle of the table, but you're not going in at half-time asking what another score is, so that should still be the same come the end of the season.
"We let the supporters down massively which isn't acceptable.
"The goals aren't acceptable, the way we played is unacceptable, so we need to get that of our system as quickly as possible.
"There's 36 games played and we deserve to be second bottom, that's why we're there, but all the boys know that tomorrow is one of two legs, but we need to go there and get a result.
"Our home form's been good. I know the away form's not been great but, listen, that goes out window now. It's play-offs; anything can happen.
"Most of all we need to make sure we're in the tie.
"At the end of the day, we're the Championship side, and we need to make sure we show them why we're in the Championship. It's where they want to strive to be, so we need to go out tomorrow and put on a performance and show why we're the Championship side and how good we are."
When asked about the disappointment felt by the crowd, but whether they still have an important role to play, Pybus continued: "100 hundred per cent but I'll put myself in their shoes.
"If I'm a Dunfermline fan going to watch that second half, I'd be booing as well. It's not good enough.
"You don't want to see your team losing, but it's when you're getting beat like that, and you're getting passed around, it's not acceptable at any level of football.
"I totally agree with them booing at the end. It's not what you want to see, but that's for us to go and put right now, put on a show on Wednesday, then Saturday at home, then replicate that the following two games and make sure we stay in this league.
"That is the bare minimum this group of players can do for the fans because there's no way Dunfermline should be getting relegated out of this league."
Tickets for tonight's game remain on sale, online, by clicking here.
They are priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions (65+), and £5 for concessions (15 and under).
Meanwhile, the other award winners from the Centenary Club Lifeline awards have been confirmed.
Dom Thomas was named as the Centenary Club Lifeline Player of the Year, as voted for by the fans, and the Goal of the Season award, for his effort against Raith Rovers.
Matty Todd was named as the Joe Nelson Young Player of the Year, and received the Management Team Young Player of the Year.
Ross Lindsay, Lifeline chairman, said: "It has been another difficult season for the Pars, but it was no surprise to see that Dom Thomas was voted for by the fans to be our Player of the Year.
"Dom has always been a fans favourite with his dashing runs, great deliveries and, of course, great goals. He deserves this accolade.
"Likewise, we all like to see young players come in and develop and Matty Todd winning the Young Player of the Year was a virtual no-brainer.
"He has never let the team down and despite being moved around the team he always gives his best and he has the potential for a great future in the game.
"Well done to both players."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here