The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Four-goal Clark gets Pars off to flying start
Former Rangers frontman and team-mate Kallum Higginbotham prove deadly
As any striker at any level of football will confirm, it’s important to get off the mark as early in a new season as possible to generate confidence and Dunfermline striker Nicky Clark started the current campaign in dramatic style as he netted four times in the Pars’ 6-0 Betfred Cup demolition of Elgin City in the East End Park curtain-raiser.
“I suppose you could call it a flying start,” said a delighted Clark after the game.
“We played some good football today and I was really pleased to get four goals, especially as three were from headers.
“I scored 18 last season and I’ll be looking to beat that total this time round.”
Clark was quick to acknowledge the contribution of team-mate Kallum Higginbotham, who set up three of his goals and whose forceful wing play was a source of constant threat to the hardpressed Elgin defence.
“Kallum’s been quick to remind me that he had three assists today,” said Clark as he clutched his man of the match award. “I had great support from him today. “He puts some great balls into the box and as a striker that’s all you can ask for.
“It’s up to me to finish them off and today it all worked out for me.
“It’s good to have guys like him and Joe Cardle in the wide areas but overall we have a very good squad.
“The manager is looking to bring more players in and we’re going to have a real push to get back into the top division.
“It’s a great start but we need to work hard and keep it going.”
Dunfermline were dominant from the early stages of the game, teasing the visitors with some slick passing movements and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 10 minutes, Clark outjumping the City defence to send a powerful header past goalkeeper Marc Waters.
The former Rangers frontman made it 2-0 10 minutes later, this time taking advantage of a superbly placed cross from Ryan Williamson before beating Waters with another fine header.
Michael Paton then made it 3-0 just after the half hour, the midfielder pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area then driving home from 15 yards out and Clark completed his quickfire hattrick two minutes later with a glancing header from Higginbotham’s cross.
Any thoughts of the Pars taking their foot off the gas in the second half were dispelled when Clark made it 5-0 two minutes after the restart, netting from close range after Higginbotham’s corner had fallen at his feet, and substitute Callum Morris completed the rout with an injury-time strike.
“It was a great start to the season,” said Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston.
“We passed the ball well today and showed some real quality.
Nicky’s finishing was different class – that’s why we brought him here – but it was a good overall performance from the whole team.”
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC 6 ELGIN CITY 0