Three Is The Magic Number

Following Scottish Cup and SPFL Trust Trophy exits to Championship sides, Dunfermline Athletic returned to league business last weekend against Clyde at the Fountain of Youth Stadium, home of Hamilton Academical, on Match-Day 21 for the Pars in SPFL cinch League One.

3 certainly was the magic number on Thursday, two days prior to the Clyde game, as left-back Josh Edwards signed a new deal which will keep him at KDM Group East End Park until the summer of 2024.

The highly-rated full-back was top of the priority list of `must-keeps` from a fans perspective and it seems like Manager, James McPake agreed in this sense too.

3 is always the magic number when it comes to kick-off and Saturday was no different; both the Bully Wee and Athletic were looking for a victory which would aide their targets this campaign: to try and avoid relegation for Jim Duffy`s men, while those of a Black & White persuasion were hoping to – as a minimum – maintain their 7 point gap at the top of the table.

Third played Second as the same time – FC Edinburgh vs Falkirk. All eyes in the away end remained focused on the game they were at but the occasional glance at their phone would bring them goal updates from Meadowbank Stadium. However, it was McPake`s side who seemingly took their eye off the ball early on, as Martin Rennie struck after just 4 minutes.

The former Lochgelly Albert forward prodded home and Erik Sula shot from close-range, as then rock-bottom Clyde took a shock lead.

3 was once again the magic number, as Edwards came to the rescue for Dunfermline. The wing-back had already saw a shot dribble narrowly past the post while Matty Todd also had a few digs at goal.

But, with six minutes to go until the break, Edwards took it upon himself to drag Athletic back into the match: he collected a diagonal ball from Breen before taking on Barry Cuddihy, who was turned inside out by Edwards before a low shot deceived Neil Parry in the Clyde goal as the equaliser came.

It was hoped that elusive victory would emerge in the second-half, but Duffy`s men held firm to frustrate the Black & White. The Pars` led is now down to 5 points at the top of League One, as Falkirk defeated FC Edinburgh 2-1.

As was predicted at the start of the campaign, the title would be fought out between McPake and McGlynn`s men and that is becoming clear from every passing Match-Day. 3 will once again be the magic number this weekend, as a win for both Clubs in crucial from their own viewpoints.

A win is imperative for Dunfermline Athletic against Montrose in West Fife, while the Bairns also travel to this area of the country, as they take on Kelty Hearts just a few miles away. All focus will remain on the task at hand, but Pars fans hope when they take a cheeky glance at the scores throughout the 90 minutes, John Potter`s men are doing them a favour to boost the mood around KDM Group East End Park once again.