Relieved Murdoch targets positive run

Returning keeper keen to build on victory over St Mirren

Sean Murdoch was thrilled to put his injury hell behind him last weekend – but even more pleased that Dunfermline were able to end their pointless misery.

The keeper, virtually an ever-present in the League One-winning side last term, had been sidelined since preseason with a wrist injury that could only be healed by rest.

But the former Hamilton Accies and Hibs goalie returned to the starting lineup for the first time since April in the must-win clash with St Mirren last Saturday.

He said: “You’re always in the stand watching the guys and you want to be out on the pitch. I’m more relieved than anything to be back playing and it was good to cap my first game back with a win.

“When you go five league defeats in a row, it’s tough. When you’re down the bottom of the table, it’s tough.

“But we managed to get the win and we need to try to go on a wee run.

“If you can manage that then you never know you could be back in the play-off positions. It’s incredible, it can all change in a matter of a few weeks.

“We just need to make sure we get more wins on the board and not let things slip again.”

The East End Park men this afternoon come face to face with last season’s rivals for the League One title, Ayr United, and Murdoch fully expects another fierce battle against a side who pulled off a shock 2-1 win over Hibs a fortnight ago.

He added: “For them to go to Easter Road and win is a massive result for a part-time team.

“They’ve got good players, pretty much the same squad as last season but with a couple of additions.”

“We just need to make sure we get more wins on the board and not let things slip again. SEAN MURDOCH

Picture: SNS. Sean Murdoch: returned to the Pars team after being sidelined by wrist injury.