| That’s the promise from defender Eric Paton, the man who will be wearing the captain’s armband for the Dark Blues. Saturday’s late equaliser for Ross County was a major blow to hopes of catching First Division leaders St Johnstone, but Paton believes that, even with just seven games to go, an eight-point gap can be closed.
And, while six regulars are set to be missing against the Pars, he feels a second win of the season at East End Park is on the cards.
“Losing a goal right at the end like we did on Saturday was very disappointing and a blow to our chances, but nothing is settled yet,” he said.
“Anyone who watches the First Division knows that everything can change within the space of just a couple of games, so, with seven left, a lot can still happen. We are certainly not giving up and, as long as it is mathematically possible for us to go up, we will be fighting to do it.”
Tonight, Paton will be turning out despite taking a leg knock at the weekend, while missing are Paul McHale, Gary MacKenzie, Craig McKeown, David Cowan, Giorgos Efrem and Andrew Shinnie.
Colin McMenamin is now expected to recover from a blow to the head and take his usual place, and, whatever the line-up, the skipper feels there are enough resources to take three points.
“At the weekend, Mark Gilhaney and David O’Brien came in and did a good job, despite not playing for a few weeks, and there are others who will come in at Dunfermline,” he added.
“We have enough quality here to get a result and we will take confidence from winning there just after the gaffer took over. It was 1-0 that day, but it might have been more comfortable if we had taken our chances and, if we play the same, we can win again.”
With Jim Lauchlan the only experienced centre-back available, teenager Kyle Benedictus is set to return to the starting XI. at the ground where he played a starring role back in November.
Once again, for boss Jocky Scott, tonight will be all about getting a result.
He said, “Saturday was a blow to us, a big one, but nothing has changed and what we need are victories between now and the end of the season. It’s important we keep going and try to catch St Johnstone and, even if that does not happen, we have to aim to get above Partick Thistle and into second.”
After five defeats in six league games, the home side need points to stay above the relegation zone, though, in a tight league, a win tonight and in their other game in hand against St Johnstone could see them as high as third by next midweek.
They will be without injured quartet Simon Wiles, Andy Kirk, Graeme Holmes and Kevin Harper. Greg Shields may return. |
