The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Pars defence must get mean: Johnston
Manager desperate to see team return to winning ways
Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston has watched his defence go from being the best to the worst in the Championship, but hopes a clean sheet in the Irn-Bru Cup is a step in the right direction.
The Pars conceded the least number of goals in the second tier last season after having their rearguard breached 35 times.
It is a different story at the start of this campaign with the Fife outfit having shipped 12 from the opening four league matches – the most of any of the 10 teams.
However, the Pars kept English nonleague outfit Boreham Wood at bay last weekend before progressing from the tie on penalties and Johnston is hoping his defence has rediscovered their mean side.
Johnston, whose team host Alloa tomorrow, said: “We said before the game that we needed to get back to basics and defending well.
“Last year we had the best defensive record but for some reason we have been losing poor goals recently. We had to tighten up.
“We defended well but on the other hand we need to start taking chances and we need to be clinical.
“The trip to London was not just good for the confidence and the belief, it’s the togetherness as well and spending a bit of time going away.
“It’s always good to get the boys together, especially when results have been poor in the last few weeks.
“It has given us time to work on things and improve the defending and hopefully we can improve the other side and start scoring.
“It’s always good to win and to go through on penalties.
“The fans got right behind us and turned up in their numbers so it made it a worthwhile trip.”
After winning their first five games of the season in all competitions, Johnston – whose team languish in eighth, six adrift of early leaders Ross County and only a point clear of the Wasps – is desperate to get the team back on track.
He added: “We started the season well and beat Dundee and Dundee United away from home and have probably been better away from home.
“It’s up to us to put it right. We’ve got good players and I’m sure we will be up there at the end of the season.
“Alloa have been in every game and we know they will be tough. They pass the ball and we’re well aware of their good players. You can’t take anything for granted and you can’t predict games in this league.”
Meanwhile, Johnston hopes right wing-back Ryan Williamson can shake off a minor niggle to face Alloa after the player sustained a knock in last Thursday’s Euro 2019 qualifying victory over Andorra for the Scotland Under-21s.
Williamson was an unused sub as Scot Gemmill’s side recorded a memorable win over the Netherlands in Arnhem on Tuesday.
Johnston added: “Ryan has come back but we just need to see how he is because he picked up a wee niggle so hopefully he will be okay.
“It’s great for the squad. Individually, for your confidence, it’s brilliant as well when you go and play for your country and do well and get a result.
“I’m sure that will give him a massive boost. I spoke to him a few times and he enjoyed it.”