First Quarter Review

The First Quarter has been completed in the SPFL cinch Championship for Dunfermline Athletic, with a relatively positive opening to life back in the second-tier of Scottish football, despite this not being fully reflected within the league table.

Notoriously, the Championship is a tough division and it has proven so already this term, with multiple `shock` results throughout the nine game-weeks. For the Pars, they have won 3 matches, drew 2 and lost 4; scoring 9 goals, conceding 10.

James McPake hasn`t half had his troubles to seek! Numerous long-term injuries to key players has disrupted the squad, the consistency of team selection and the numbers available to him on a weekly basis. From goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet, to centre-backs Rhys Breen and Kyle Benedictus, to Kane Ritchie-Hosler and Matty Todd, the long-term injury situation has not been one of envy for other managers in the division.

On this basis alone, it has been a decent return to the Scottish Championship, with other positives shining through, too. Sam Fisher and Ewan Otoo have proven how excellent their additions have been since their permanent move to KDM Group East End Park in the summer, while Ben Summers and Owen Moffat have proven astute loan signings. Lewis McCann and Kyle Benedictus are just the latest players to have signed up to the long-term project in West Fife, which can only provide stability going forward.

On the park, there has been plenty impressive displays, with scorelines not truly reflecting the performances in some matches during the First Quarter. However, the home match with Greenock Morton was likely the highlight of the opening 9 league fixtures, with McPake`s men running out 3-1 winners. Athletic travel to Cappielow to face Dougie Imrie`s men at the start of the Second Quarter this Friday, with another dominant performance and 3 points being the perfect tonic to a good weekend for those of a Black & White persuasion.

Dunfermline Athletic, due to postponements, have still to play Arbroath this campaign – having now played Raith Rovers twice in the opening quarter of the season. 5 home matches, if you include the Scottish Gas Men`s Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers too, are to follow in November, after the match against the Ton, which gives the Pars plenty positive opportunities to wrack up points in front of their own fans.

With the long-term injuries seemingly set to return, the future is looking brighter by the day for Dunfermline... COYP!!!

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