Ashcroft hopes for more than drawing Ayr
Friday, 18th Oct 2019“We need to turn draws into wins and have two tough games to do that.”
Lee Ashcroft is hoping that Saturday will put an end to the Pars eight match run of home league matches without a win.
“It’s about showing character and remaining positive. The fans have been really good with us this season and it’s about sticking together. Once that first home win in the league comes - hopefully this weekend - then we’ll kick on from there.
“If we can get on a run then I believe we have a team that can push right up the table. It is really important that happens sooner rather than later.
“Our away form has been better than our home form and that was the case last season as well. You don’t want that. We want to make East End Park a really tough place to come. We get the crowds here and it’s usually a good atmosphere to play in.
“When things are going well, this is a great place to come and play. It can be hard, too, when things aren’t going right - but it’s just about sticking together. Getting a win to carry on this unbeaten run could be massive for us as we try to kick on and build momentum.
“It’s never easy when results aren’t going your way, there is a lot of pressure at this club. We know ourselves that we should be doing better and, given the fanbase we have, there is an expectation on us to win. We know that as well. It can be tough when there’s a sense of frustration around the place.”
Lee is confident that think things are coming together. There are positives to take from the unbeaten run, but is fully aware that picking up three points is increasingly important:-
“When you look at where we are in the table single points aren’t great - we need to get wins on the board.
“When you are up at the top of the table, a draw can be a good result but, at the bottom, getting that win can be the difference in sitting fifth instead of ninth. We need to turn draws into wins and have two tough games to do that.”
The Pars next two opponents are league leaders both having taken 18 points from their opening eight matches and Lee admitted that there was a bit of pressure on the team to go out and get results in these two games.
“The international break has been alright, although it makes training that little bit harder when you come back!
“It’s always good to get that wee break, it was just unfortunate that we didn’t finish on a win before the break, which would have made it that little bit more enjoyable. We’re eager to get back to it now.
“The Morton game was a bit scrappy and, being on the pitch, I thought if someone nicked a goal then that would be it. I’ve been in games like that before. When you score a goal in the 87th minute, you think you can hang on. We’ve taken that on the chin and we need to move on now.”
Ayr United’s return to East End Park means Ash will be up against two former Pars colleagues in Andy Geggan and Michael Moffat and in addition, as a former Kilmarnock player, he will possibly not be popular with the Ayr support:-
“We’ve all played against each other a couple of times now. It’s always a case of being pals before kick-off, but once you are out there it’s a battle for three points. I know they’ll feel the exact same. It’ll be nice to see them again, I was close to Moff and Geggs when they were here and we still chat. But when the whistle blows, it’s about getting the job done.
“I remember when I first joined Dunfermline and Ayr were in the league too, I got pelters when I went to Somerset Park! It can be pretty enclosed and you hear everything the fans are saying. I got it tight down there. That’s to be expected.
“It’s not been as bad at home but, regardless, I’ll go out there and do my best and, if you walk off as the winner, you can give them a bit back. That’s how it goes.”
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