Pars look for strong December

Dunfermline boss James McPake is targeting “three or four” early Christmas presents as they kick-start the month with the visit of Queen of the South to East End Park.

The Pars sit seven points clear at the top of League One and also booked their spot in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, with McPake capping off a fine week by being awarded the manager of the month award for November.

Ahead of welcoming the Doonhamers, McPake said: “I’m quite pleased for Wullie Gibson that they have picked up in form, though I hope that doesn’t continue this weekend.

“He’s a young manager and I spoke to him when we were down there and at that point their form hadn’t been great, so I’m pleased Queen of the South have stood by him and he’s turned it around with a couple of fantastic results.

“Ultimately though they are our opponents and we want another three points and take the game to them.

“We’ve certainly looked into their improved league form, and have done our normal analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.

“We need to make sure it’s the best Dunfermline

Athletic team that turn up on the day.

“We’re in a good place, but we need to continue that. If we could give them three or four early Christmas presents then I’d love to do that.

“We will just take it one game at a time and hopefully send them home happy on Saturday night.”

Paul Allan, Lewis McCann and Kevin O’Hara continue to miss out, while Rangers loanee Kane Ritchie-Hosler looks set to be fit despite taking a knock against Forfar last weekend.