Lewis on top in Academy reunion

Lewis in win over an opposition with no fewer than four of his Rangers colleagues - Rhys Breen, James Maxwell, Ciaran Dickson and Dapa Mebude

When not absent on international duty with Scotland Under 21s or when absent through suspension, Lewis Mayo has been in the Dunfermline squad for every match this season. He has now made 18 starts and five substitute appearances since arriving at East End Park.

In the absence of injured club captain, Euan Murray and centre back Paul Watson, Saturday saw Lewis deployed in his preferred position alongside Lithuanian internationalist, Vytas Gašpuitis and it was a combination that ensured a big win for Dunfermline under mounting pressure. Lewis felt it was a result that had been overdue:-

“I think we got the reward for our persistence in recent times. I think performances have been strong in terms of effort but on Saturday we found the quality to get the three points and I’m delighted.

“Hopefully we can use that as platform for the next two games, we executed the game plan very well and I thought we looked very dangerous throughout the game.”

The on loan Rangers player was pleased to see his teammates knock in three goals against Queen of the South and he feels that is a big positive:-

“I think it will breed confidence, we’ve got a lot of quality up front. We got the reward for going and being brave.”

Lewis’ starting debut for Dunfermline was at full back and a great many starts have been in midfield demonstrating his great versatility but he was very comfortable to fill the boots of Euan Murray at centre half:-

“As a young player I’ve always been profiled there, that comes more naturally. I’ve enjoyed my roles playing everywhere, it’s a good learning experience for me. I was at centre half on Saturday and I was delighted that we defended well and got the win. It was a little frustrating to lose that goal but on the whole I thought that we looked solid.”

In Euan Murray’s absence Lewis formed a new central defensive partnership with Vytas Gašpuitis another step in what he identified as an important ingredient in his development:-

“As a young player you need to come in and fill the role that an experienced player would. You come in, you command, you talk to players around you and you can learn from experienced players as well. I have certainly learned from playing alongside experienced players before and here, I am enjoying that.”

Everyone that witnessed the win over Queen of the South enjoyed watching Dom Thomas’ electric performance. Lewis is well aware of what Dom is capable of since he has to come up against him in training:-

“Dom’s got good feet and he’s tricky, he’s a quality player. You look at the way he handles the ball. I think on Saturday he really went and expressed himself and I think he can go home happy with himself.”

Lewis could also go home happy as part of a side that defeated an opposition with no fewer than four of his Rangers colleagues. Rhys Breen, James Maxwell, Ciaran Dickson and Dapa Mebude all started for Queens and Lewis commented:-

“There was quite a lot of them out there and I obviously know them quite well. I’ll have the bragging rights for the next time that I see them. The chat in the build up was quite quiet but the next time I see them I’ll have the upper hand.

“James got the goal, he’s a good player and he showed his quality at times as well. They’re all good players with exciting futures ahead of them.

“We’ve all spent a lot of time in the academy getting ready and individually it’s about going and getting what you need, playing competitive games but all being a part of a team that needs to be competitive and standing up to the pressure of having to perform.”

There is no doubt that being a Dunfermline player at this stage of the season is great experience for the 21 year old. He is clear about what is required in the next two league games:-

“The play-off spot is the aim and we’ve not been quiet about that all season. The past month has been disappointing but we’ve given ourselves an opportunity to finish strongly.”

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