Dunfermline penalty hero Paul Gallacher has admitted the Pars will take time to adjust to the pace of the SPL.
Gallacher operated at premier league level for St Mirren before moving back to East End Park in the summer, so he knew what to expect in the opener against his former team on Monday.
Indeed, he was the star man for the top-flight newcomers, saving a spot-kick from striker Steven Thompson that proved crucial in securing a draw.
They may have tucked away a point, but the hosts found it hard going against an energetic and enterprising St Mirren side who created and missed several chances.
Gallacher recognised it was a difficult night for Dunfermline, but is optimistic they will settle into life in the big time.
“We have some boys in the squad who don’t have SPL experience, so it’s a learning curve for them,” said Gallacher.
“A few of them maybe got a wee fright at the jump up. It is actually a massive step up, but I think we have a platform that we can build on.
“I thought it was a decent game, even though we know we can play better. We kept a clean sheetm so there are positives there.”
Gallacher revealed he won a battle of wits against Thompson, who he knows from their time at Dundee United at the start of their respective careers.
The striker recalled scoring a penalty against the keeper when at Rangers so tried to avoid placing the ball in the same place.
However, a smiling Gallacher joked, “Maybe the big man shouldn’t think too much. There were so many things going through my head.
“It worked out well, though, and it is nice to make saves like that.”
A Gallacher spotkick stop came to the rescue of another former St Mirren man, defender John Potter, who had fouled Thompson.
“I thought it was soft and that he did well in the game overall,” said the goalie. “It was an extra bit special to be facing your old club so soon after moving on so we’re happy to get through it.”
Photo David Wardle.