Wighton at the double as Pars’ new signing makes instant impact

DUNFERMLINE 2 ALLOA ATHLETIC 1

The on-loan acquisition of striker Craig Wighton from Hearts looks like turning out to be a master stroke by Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford.

The frontman marked his debut for the Fifers, who he has agreed to join on a permanent basis at the end of the season, with two goals to secure victory over a battling Alloa side, enabling the Pars to leapfrog rivals Raith Rovers and reclaim second place in the Championship table.

Having been designated as surplus to requirements by Jambos boss Robbie Neilson, Wighton is now looking forward to kickstarting his career at East End Park and, although he made the perfect start with his double strike against the Wasps, it is a measure of his ambition that he feels he could have done even better.

“It was great to get out there and play a full 90 minutes” he said.

“And while I was delighted to get the two goals, I should have had a hat-trick. I’m annoyed about that.

“Having said that, it couldn’t have worked out better. It was a good three points against an Alloa side who I think are one of the best footballing teams in this league.

“They just seem to be struggling to score goals just now, which is maybe why they’re in the position they’re in.”

Wighton was quick to highlight the contribution of team-mate Fraser Murray, the midfielder providing the assists for both of his goals.

“Fraser’s a good player and I’m sure that won’t be the last goal he gets me this season,” said Wighton. “He makes some great runs and puts in some good deliveries. I’m looking forward to playing with him a lot more.”

In a first half which was, for the most part, dominated by the home side, Wighton gave his new club the lead early on when his subtle touch on Murray’s cross eluded Neil Parry in the Alloa goal.

The Pars continued to dominate but were stunned when the visitors levelled the score just before the interval.

Lucas Williamson’s superbly struck shot was saved initially by Owain Fon Williams but the ball then fell to Kevin Cawley and his deflected effort crept past the unfortunate Welshman.

Wighton then showed why he is so highly rated by Crawford when he made it 2-0 with a glancing header from Murray’s precise cross just before the hour.

From then on it was a backs to the wall performance by the Dunfermline defence as Alloa pushed unsuccessfully for what would have been a deserved equaliser.

Wighton went on to praise his defensive team-mates for the part they played in the victory.

“Alloa really came at us towards the end,” he said.

“It was important that we held on and the boys at the back defended well.

“It’s a tough league we’re in and every game’s not going to be a pretty victory.”

Craig Wighton scored twice on his Dunfermline debut.