The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Strikers can fire Pars’ title push
Allan Johnston is convinced Dunfermline’s attacking options can shoot the club to success this season.
The Pars have netted 28 times in just 10 competitive outings this term, with four different scorers getting in on the act in last weekend’s 4-0 hammering of Dumbarton.
As well as goals from wide-men Joe Cardle and Kallum Higginbotham, the Fifers saw substitutes Andy Ryan and the returning Nicky Clark find the net.
With 17-year-old Callum Smith making a massive impact in recent weeks, summer signing Declan McManus scoring against rivals Falkirk and David Hopkirk bagging a goal against Inverness, Johnston has the benefit of stiff competition up front.
And he is hopeful the choices available at his disposal can keep the East End Park men on the up and up.
He said: “Obviously there’s still a long way to go but I would rather be in this position.
“The team’s playing with a lot of confidence just now and we just need to make sure we keep doing the things we’ve been doing.
“I think we can keep the level of performance up – we’ve done that in the majority of games this season.
“If you look at our strikers, we’ve got loads of options up front. If one’s maybe off-form or suspended or injured, there’s always somebody there.
“There’s great competition, so hopefully we can keep them all fit.
“You’ve got guys like David Hopkirk, Andy Ryan and Nicky Clark on the bench.
“They’re all scoring goals at this moment in time, which is great to see. I’m sure that will push us on, in terms of performances as well as results.”
Meanwhile, Johnston is intent on utilising his squad for tomorrow’s trip to Buckie Thistle in the Irn-Bru Cup.
He added: “We’re going to make a lot of changes, because it’s important that the boys are ready to play when they get a chance.
“It’s a great game to change the team and put people in to give them an opportunity.”