Johnston urges Pars to prove they can be title contenders

Allan Johnston saw Dunfermline overlooked as title contenders before a ball was kicked this season – but has urged them to prove they can be in the mix when the final whistle blows on the campaign.

The Pars have taken seven points from their opening three games and have put both newly-relegated Inverness Caley Thistle and rivals Falkirk – who finished runners-up last term – to the sword at home.

Beating Inverness 5-1 and the Bairns 3-1 has ensured the Fifers are tucked in behind league leaders Dundee United as teams jockey for position at the start of the race.

United manager Ray McKinnon believes as many as six teams could challenge for the title and the one automatic promotion spot in a tight Championship.

Johnston is desperate to ensure Dunfermline are the ones who prevail.

He said: “It doesn’t matter who’s favourites. It’s all about getting results on the pitch.

“I don’t think we were quoted amongst the top teams at the start of the season, the ones expected to be pushing for promotion.

“But we finished fifth last season and we want to improve again.

“We want to be challenging up at the top of the league.

“I think the league’s going to be that close this season it doesn’t matter who you’re playing against, whether that’s Falkirk or Inverness or Dumbarton.

“There are no easy games, no games where you can say we’ll definitely get a win there.

“But we’ve started the season really well. We’re creating chances, we’re scoring goals, we’re defending well and you can see the competition we’ve got for places as well.

“So, hopefully that will push on for the remainder of the season.”

After proving their attacking prowess on home soil in recent games, Dunfermline face a different challenge altogether when they travel to face Dumbarton tomorrow.

The Pars could be boosted by the return of striker Nicky Clark.

Allan Johnston hopes to see the Pars challenge at the top.