We can make play-offs, says Pars boss

ALLAN JOHNSTON believes his Dunfermline side are now genuine play-off contenders after stretching their unbeaten run to eight matches with a clinical victory at Somerset Park.

Nicky Clark and Andy Geggan grabbed the goals as the Fifers continued to gather momentum after initially struggling with the transition to the Championship.

Johnston said: ‘There is an air of confidence in the squad after a hard start to the season.

‘Some people thought we might be involved in the play-offs at the other end but we always felt we had the quality to get into the top four and that remains our aim.

‘Once we got the ball down and started passing it, we looked a good side. It’s really tight in this league but if we keep playing the way we have been, we have every chance.’

There was an element of good fortune about the opening goal in 25 minutes. Michael Moffat had made an excellent break down the right side but his cross into the box was behind Clark.

However, Jason Talbot had joined the attack and was able to drive the ball back into the area where Clark finished clinically, finding the corner with a right-foot strike.

Less than eight minutes later, the Pars had a second goal. Kallum Higginbotham’s swinging set-piece was not properly cleared and Geggan was quickest to react, volleying into the left corner.

Ayr’s lack of a proven goal-scorer was apparent as they spurned opportunities that may have earned them something from the game.

Alan Forrest, Gary Harkins and Paul Cairney all had chances but lacked composure.

Kevin Nisbet was unlucky with an excellent header in 50 minutes that seemed destined for the net but Sean Murdoch pushed the ball over for a corner.

Forrest then missed from close range in 60 minutes after being played in by Nisbet and boss Ian McCall knows things must improve.

He said: ‘I thought we would be a top half team but we’re in a dogfight now.’