It may only be the first game of the season but Dunfermline winger David Graham believes their opening SPL clash with St Mirren has already been branded a relegation battle.
He feels it is vital that the Pars get off to a good start as they look to survive their return campaign back in the top flight following a four-year exile.
The East End Park club have been tipped to fall straight back down to the first division even though history is on their side. Only Gretna have failed to retain their SPL status at the first attempt in the last 10 years.
The Buddies finished second bottom last season and Graham who will be looking to claim a place for the opener by putting in a good performance in tonight’s final pre-season friendly against Huddersfield Town hopes Jim McIntyre’s side can lay down an early marker with victory in Monday’s televised encounter.
“St Mirren are being tipped as one of our rivals to go down so there would be no better way to get going than to get one over on them,” he said.
“People will probably be labelling this a relegation battle due to where St Mirren finished last season but I don’t think they’ll be too chuffed at being described that right away.
“It’s the games against the teams that will be near us that we need to focus on taking maximum points from. You have to get a good start and give yourself a platform to build on.”
Photo David Wardle.