CONSOLIDATION was achieved but Michael Moffat admits that missing out on promotion has left the Pars squad frustrated.

However the hitman wants them to use it as motivation to make a real go of being involved in the mix at the top end of the Championship and a potential Premiership place next season.

Moffat, 32, grabbed his sixth league goal of the campaign during Saturday's win over Morton that, as long as they avoid defeat at Queen of the South on the final day, will ensure a fifth-place finish.

Ending firmly in mid-table and, in the end, well clear of relegation worry has to be seen as a credible first season back in the Championship for last season's League One winners, but the Dunfermline number nine couldn't help but feel they should have been closer to the promotion play-offs.

Speaking after the game Moffat, whose contract expires at the end of the month, said: "It is always nice to win your last home game of the season. We have beaten Morton three times and that`s nine points that we have taken off them this season.

"We have lost elsewhere and if it had not been for the bad start to the season, we feel that we would have been right in there with a great chance.

"Fifth place is going to be tough because Queen of the South can still get there as well, but we have done alright to consolidate in this league. We hope to push on next season and we have got to aim for the play-offs.

"With the team that we have got, we feel that we should be right up there. We have done well against Morton, alright against Hibs but we have not really taken points off Falkirk and Dundee United.

"When you go on a run like we did, unbeaten for so many games and not to get closer, is obviously disappointing. After we won the first league game we went five without a win. That has put us in that position."

Moffat, whose goal was his third against the 'Ton this season and his 27th for the Pars in total, was delighted to sign off at home with a goal, added: "It was a great ball from Higgy, you couldn`t really miss from four or five yards out. That`s the ones you like – the easy ones."