JIM Jefferies might have thought he had seen it all and done it all during his time in Scottish football.
Just maybe, though, the venerable Dunfermline Athletic manager had never witnessed one of his teams dominate a match, create so many chances and still end up on losing before Airdrie United got the better of his side on Saturday.
It could have such potentially dire consequences, too. Dunfermline must regroup quickly since they are now to fight to retain their place in the Irn-Bru First Division via the play-offs; a double header against Forfar Athletic first up and, should they come through that, another tie with either Alloa Athletic or Brechin City to follow.
Jefferies has been supportive of his young players ever since they were thrust into first-team action as a consequence of the high-profile redundancies brought about in the first days of administration. That was a time when those at the club were crying out for football matters to take precedence over financial ones, although perhaps not quite like this.
"The players have put themselves in [the play-offs] and now they must handle it," said Jefferies. "They will be tough matches for these young boys but they have been in tough matches at Morton and Partick Thistle recently and handled it. We will prepare, be up for it and give it our all."
Jefferies, though, knows his side will have to be more clinical than they were on Saturday. Ryan Thomson, who did score, and Ryan Wallace were the chief culprits as Airdrie showed them how it should be done. Goals from teenager Liam Coogans a minute into the second half and substitute Willie McLaren – who scored from long range with his first touch – did for the Fife side.
"Maybe the only people who will be happy are the administrators because it could give us another couple of home games and a decent crowd," added Jefferies. "There is always a positive."
Perhaps as a result of feeling the sting of relegation himself this season, Jimmy Boyle, the Airdrie manager, offered some words of encouragement for Dunfermline. "I'm sorry to see them in that position but I'm sure they'll be fine in the play-offs," he said.
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