Dunfermline boss John Potter is determined to see the club put their disappointing end to 2014 behind them when they host Peterhead this afternoon.
The Pars have not had their problems to seek of late and lost their last three competitive fixtures of the year, which included Potter’s first game in charge against Stranraer following the departure of Jim Jefferies.
Despite that though, the Pars are still well and truly in the title race as 2015 gets underway and Potter is keen for his team to kick on, starting against the Blue Toon at East End Park today.
“Result-wise, it was a really disappointing first game in charge for me, but I was happy with everything else,” he commented.
“The build-up and the performance was good, but when you get to first team football it’s all about results and we need to pick a win up quick.
“We were disappointed the game against Brechin was called off last week but we’ve got another game to look forward to.
“At the start of the year, it’s good to be playing in front of our home crowd and would be great to pick up a win to start 2015 but we know it’ll be another difficult game.
“We’ve had some intense games against them this season, if you want to call it that, but we’ve had them watched.
“We know the way they play but I’m concentrating on us this week and the way we can play.
“If we go and do that, then we’ll do well.”
Potter’s use of the word “intense” is perhaps putting it mildly, as the Pars have been involved in what could only be described as battles against Blue Toon so far this term.
The first game in particular was fiery to say the least, with Peterhead ending their trip to Fife with just eight men as Jamie Redman, Steven Noble and Jordon Brown all saw red as the Pars ran out 3-0 winners.
Whether or not there is still a bit of needle between the teams remains to be seen, but Potter is convinced his team are focused on the football side of things.
“I think we’ve handled that quite well,” he continued.
“In the first game I thought we kept our composure well and in the second game I thought we were excellent for 75 minutes probably the best we’ve played I think.
“But again, we didn’t put the ball in the net when we had to and lost a late equaliser.
“They are a threat and have got players who can cause a few problems, but so have we and I think it’s about concentrating on us and getting our jobs right.
“If we do that then I’m confident that we can do well.”
Only defender Ryan Williamson remains out with a knee injury, with everyone else expected to be fit for Peterhead’s visit.