Edwards in buoyant mood as Pars prepare for ‘special visit’ to Ayr

Josh Edwards admits his topsy-turvy form last season did not merit a regular starting berth for Dunfermline.

However, the in- form defender is determined to enjoy a happy homecoming today after emerging as Mr Consistency for the table-topping Pars.

The 20-year-old lives in Ayrshire and represented both Kilmarnock and Ayr United as a gifted schoolboy before beginning his senior career at Airdrie, ensuring the visit to Somerset park is always a special one.

And Edwards will take to the pitch in buoyant mood as one of just two Dunfermline players to have played every minute this term, along with skipper Euan Murray.

That is night and day from his maiden campaign at East End Park last season, when he made just 19 appearances, 14 of which as a starter.

“I didn’t play much last year and I had my on and off games,” said an honest Edwards.

“It was fair enough that I didn’t play every game.

“It wasn’t great last year but this season I feel that I have hit the ground running. I have done what I have needed to do during the games, defended well and I feel that I am helping the team out.

“As soon as the first

competitive game came I just hit the ground running. It sort of clicked for me and I feel that I have been playing well and that we are quite solid at the back.

“I am in a good place at the minute and I’m enjoying it – it’s is hard not to when you have won all six games!

“I definitely want to be more consistent than I was last year. The goal for me is to keep the jersey at the minute, just keep going, keep playing the way I am, hopefully results keep coming and I keep my place.”

As well as the familiarity of the surroundings, local lad Edwards will go up against a former schoolmate and an exteammate when he lines up

against the Honest Men this afternoon.

“I went to school and played boys club with Michael Hewitt who plays there now,” he continued.

There are quite a few new people there but I also know big Innes (Cameron) from when I was at Killie. He is on loan there now.

“So, playing Ayr is quite a big game for me, especially as I haven’t lost a game against them!

“It is quite a happy hunting ground for me. We did alright last year down there, we won 1- 0 and I started the break for the goal.

“Ayr is always a tough game but I just always feel that we have the beating of them and hopefully we can keep that going.”

Josh Edwards has played every minute this season.