Andy Geggan insists Dunfermline won’t press the panic button despite losing ground in the race for the title.
The League One championship favourites are now three points behind leaders Ayr United after Saturday’s draw with surprise package Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill.
Geggan headed the Pars into the lead but the home side, bossed by ex-East End Park star Darren Young, earned a share of the spoils thanks to Josh Mullin’s howitzer.
Ayr cruised to a 3-0 win at home to Airdrieonians but midfield ace Geggan isn’t worried about the gap just yet and feels the Fifers can hunt them down.
He said: “There is disappointment that we haven’t come away with three points as we had a lot of chances during the game.
“I thought the boys worked really hard. The pitch wasn’t great but we can’t blame it (the result) on the pitch. I just think we need to be more clinical.
“There was nothing we could do about their goal it was a great finish.
“We’re not concerned at all. These are the places where you have to come and get three points but there are 21 games and plenty of time left in the season.”
Dunfermline will today begin preparations for Saturday’s Scottish Cup third-round tie with Ayr, who are unbeaten in 14 league games, at Somerset Park.
And Geggan knows the match will be an intriguing dress rehearsal for when the sides meet in the league on December 12.
Geggan opened the scoring in the 14th minute when he headed home Ryan Wallace’s corner, but Mullin equalised with a crisp volley from a free-kick which was only partially cleared by Dunfermline’s defence.
The Pars were on top for long spells after the interval but some dogged defending from the Coatbridge team ensured it would be a frustrating afternoon.
Disappointed Pars gaffer Allan Johnston said: “I thought we had a lot of possession in good areas but it was just the final ball that was lacking. We never worked their keeper enough.”
Rovers player/manager Young said: “We’re delighted to get a point. I think the only people we haven’t surprised this season with how well we’ve done is ourselves.”