Queen of the South 0 Pars 1

PARS ended their Championship campaign with a flourish as Nicky Clark's stoppage time winner saw off Queen of the South on Saturday.

In a bizarre finish at Palmerston, Dunfermline secured fifth place in the table when the striker headed on Sean Murdoch's clearance and goalkeeper Lee Robinson slipped, allowing the ball to trundle past him and in to an empty net.

It ensured a happy trip home for the 400 plus away supporters and for manager Allan Johnston, whose attention will now turn to planning for a promotion push next season.

There was one change for Dunfermline from last weekend's victory over Morton, with Micheal Paton playing in an unfamiliar left back role in place of the injured Jason Talbot.

The game for much of the opening 45 minutes was played out like a typical end-of-season game with little at stake, and chances were at a premium.

Stephen Dobbie twice came close for the hosts while Athletic's best opening fell to Clark, who could only shoot weakly at Robinson when played in by Kallum Higginbotham.

There was more goalmouth action after the half-time break and Murdoch was soon called into action to deal with a decent hit from Callum Tapping, who was then unfortunate to have a goal disallowed for offside.

Dobbie went down in the area looking for a penalty with 13 minutes to go but referee Alan Newlands said no, and booked the veteran striker for simulation.

Queens' sub Connor Murray stung the palms of Murdoch but, in added time, Clark bagged the winner to ensure the Pars ended their season on a high note.