Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies has challenged his players not to drop below the benchmark they set in Saturday’s comprehensive victory at Airdrieonians.
The Pars recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Diamonds at the weekend and three points have now given Jefferies’ men a valuable four-point cushion in second spot over their nearest challengers.
“Some of the passing and movement was great and if I had to criticise them, which I am not going to do, they had an opportunity to score six or seven goals,” Jefferies said.
“But three is fine and we will maybe save the other four or five for another day. Our team can play at a high tempo and that should suit the Astroturf surface, and the players proved that.
“I would say it was as good a performance as you can get and I told the players that. We have set a standard to live up to.”
Jefferies has found it difficult to add to his squad due to the club’s ongoing financial situation, not to mention the transfer embargo on signing players over the age of 21 which will not be lifted until January.
Clyde players Scott Ferguson and Stuart McColm were in training with the Pars last week, although Clyde boss Jim Duffy has stressed there was nothing to read into that.
“Clubs like ourselves have to rely on picking up players from lower divisions and we have already had a couple of lads in to train with us,” he said.
“When the embargo is lifted we would maybe look at 26 or 27-year-olds who could give us two or three good years that would help the young players, but that won’t be easy to get.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ryan Scully was forced off early in the second half of Saturday’s win due to injury but Jefferies confirmed he suffered a dead leg and should be available for this weekend’s visit of Brechin.