Dunfermline boss Jim McIntyre thinks the league title has been opened up by Dundee’s weekend defeat to Airdrie United.
The shock result for the Dark Blues coupled with Dunfermline’s second derby success against Raith Rovers now leaves the Pars only three points behind Dundee, with the Fife side having played a game more.
McIntyre told Courier Sport that the closing weeks will be interesting, but just wants to concentrate on each game as it comes.
“With Dundee losing at the weekend it gives everyone else a wee bit more hope,” he said.
“But there’s teams with plenty of games in hand so all we can do is try to win the game ahead — that’s the way we’ll approach it.”
McIntyre said he was pleased to complete the double header against Raith Rovers with two wins, but is expecting a tough game against Partick Thistle tonight.
“It was a great result on Saturday,” he added.
“It’s always a difficult game against the Rovers and we were delighted to come away with the three points.
“We always have close games between us (Partick). The last game was a one-off when we won 4-1.
“We were excellent that day but Partick are always a threat, they always make chances.
“They’ve good, experienced defenders at the back and a good goalkeeper, along with a good manager so we know how they will play. They’ve been struggling lately for results but by all accounts they have been creating plenty of chances.
“However, it’s important that we try to get the three points.”
Nicky Phinn has played an integral role in the Pars’ rise up the league but he is also taking one game at a time.
“The league is wide open and should make for an interesting finish,” he said.
“Obviously we’re not favourites but you never know what could happen. Dundee are still in pole position but we will just concentrate on each game.
“It was great to beat Raith Rovers twice in a week. We’re going into the Partick game on a decent run of form so hopefully we can take that into the match.
“We know we always get a hard game against Partick but hopefully we’ll get a result against them.”
Midfielder Steven Bell is eligible after being suspended against Raith Rovers, but Willie Gibson is suspended due to his points tally.
Thistle, meanwhile, are beginning to fear that loan signing Greg Shields may return to his American side Carolina Railhawks next month without playing for the Jags again.
The former Pars defender has not played since the end of February because of a hamstring injury.
Ian Maxwell, who is assisting manager Ian McCall said, “Greg’s injury is taking longer to clear up than we had hoped.”