Derby clash could be just what Pars need

Falkirk visit offers chance to correct poor home record

Allan Johnston hopes the frantic derby atmosphere can bring out the best in Dunfermline and help them reverse their dismal home record.

The Pars have won just once since the Betfred Cup group stage, losing five of eight games in front of their own frustrated fans.

Johnston confessed the run is “not good enough” and he came in for major criticism following back-to-back defeats to Queen of the South and Dundee United at East End Park last month.

However, the Fifers boss is hopeful the supporters will get right behind their favourites tomorrow and generate a positive mood to inspire the players to victory.

He said: “We’ve just got to make sure we get the win and improve our home form, which has been a thorn in our side.

“It’s not been good enough – we know that. If we want to be challenging, we need to sort that out.

“But I think Saturday will be an open game and both teams will go for it.

“Falkirk need the points and I don’t think their fans will stand for them just sitting in and hoping to get a draw.

“So, they’ll open up and try to have a go. That should suit us and it should make for an entertaining game as well, because both teams need to win.

“We need the fans to get right behind the team and there’s no bigger game than a big derby to get right behind the team.

“And no bigger game for the boys to put in a performance and get the result, and then hopefully kick on at home as well.”

Dunfermline triumphed 2-0 in the fixture last month, when bottom-of-thetable Falkirk turned in an insipid performance that bemused Bairns boss Ray McKinnon.

However, Johnston has warned the Pars they will be facing a more difficult task this weekend following an upturn in form shown by their bitter rivals.

He added: “In the last couple of weeks they’ve been harder to beat and a wee bit unlucky and sometimes that happens when you’re down there.

“I’m sure they’ll be really fired up for it and desperate to make amends after the last game.

“We can’t take anything or granted. We know how difficult a league this is.

“But if we want to be pushing at the top of the league then we need to be beating the teams at the bottom.”

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We’ve just got to make sure we get the win and improve our home form, which has been a thorn in our side. ALLAN JOHNSTON

SNS. Allan Johnston at East End Park, where Dunfermline have won just once since the summer.