Pars have turned a corner after Palmerston thriller, says Ashcroft

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH 2 DUNFERMLINE ATH 3

Lee Ashcroft believes Dunfermline’s thrilling victory over Queen of the South shows their season is back on track.

The Pars moved up to fourth place in the Championship thanks to the big central defender’s late winner at Palmerston on a day when they scored all their goals from corners.

An eventful afternoon saw Gary Oliver put the Doonhamers in front but Gabby McGill and Danny Devine netted before the break to turn the contest on its head.

Ashcroft was penalised for a challenge on Stephen Dobbie in the box in the 59th minute and it was the Queens striker himself who converted after referee Craig Napier pointed to the spot.

Such decisions could have had major consequences but the Pars rallied and made it back-to-back wins when a corner from on-loan Kilmarnock ace Dom Thomas was powerfully headed home by Ashcroft.

“We knew it was going to be a battle and for them to go 1-0 up and us to come back and get the win is great and shows the character of the boys,” Ashcroft said.

“A month or so ago, we might have struggled, but we know we are more than capable of coming to these places and winning.

“I think these victories can give us some momentum. We went on a poor run but it’s two wins out of two now and we have a wee break now before our next game.

“We’ve not had many goals from corners so we’re delighted and I’m sure the backroom team will be delighted as well as it’s something we work on.”

Ashcroft was less than impressed with Napier’s decision to give Queens a penalty and judging by the reaction of his team-mates towards the referee, neither were they.

He stated: “For me, it’s just a ridiculous decision. I spoke to Dobbie and Oliver at the time and they said they didn’t know what he’d seen there.

“I was booked. I was angry and I maybe said something I should probably not have said. I just had to keep my head after that and it was nice to get the winner and put it right.”

Dunfermline have strengthened in the transfer window with Celtic loanee Jonathan Afolabi enjoying a bright debut alongside keeper Owain Fon Williams, who joined on loan from Hamilton Accies, while Thomas has already made his mark.

Ashcroft added: “It’s always good to see new boys coming in and they have done really well so far.”