Manager on Thursday

28/12/17: AJ - "Every kind of mistake seems to be punishing us at this moment in time.

Allan Johnston was delighted to take the three points from last Saturday`s home match against Brechin City. He felt that it had been a long time coming and told the media:-

"We know that have been on a poor run so it is finally good get over that hurdle with a win again. Hopefully now we can build on that and go on a run ourselves."

Losing a goal just before the hour mark when two ahead had made the team look a little edgy but the Pars manager felt that could be expected:-

"When you have been on a run like ours and then they score a goal out of nothing into the top corner from 25 yards. You could just see the players, the crowd, everybody just got really nervous instead of just relaxing and playing since we were still winning.

"The first half was really encouraging but we can`t play like we did in the second half. We need to show a bit more composure that that, so hopefully we can produce that at the weekend."

The win should provide a welcome boost of confidence ahead of the next two matches against opponents from the south side of the Forth.

"We needed to grind out that win, it was massive because they have played well in some games and then lost really cheap goals. Every kind of mistake seems to be punishing us at this moment in time. They probably felt that was going to happen again."

The manager watched Saturday`s opposition, Livingston control the game as they defeated Dumbarton 4-1 on Boxing Day:-

"They really dominated from start to finish. They created a lot of chances and we know that with three centre halves who are solid at the back, they will get the ball forward really quickly. They play off the big striker and they create a lot of opportunities as well.

"So they are a hard team to play against. They are good in the middle of the park and they are up on second balls. That is the way they play, with good energy and pressing all over the pitch. We know that we are going to have to be at our best."

Doing the ugly side of the game will be important for his team said AJ:-

"You have to pick up second balls and make sure that you compete but you still got to have that bit of composure and be able to pass the ball as well. We have to try and get two v ones on the outside and try to pass the ball through them quickly.

"Hopefully we can go there and put in a good performance, I`m sure that we will take a decent crowd there and get the three points that we are all looking for."

Mindful that the points that Livi picked up on Tuesday lifted them three above Dunfermline, the manager agreed that it was important that the gap did not get any bigger.

"There is a long way to go, the season is only at half way. We know that we need to improve on the last quarter, it was nowhere near good enough. We need to start this quarter really well and none more so than in the games against Livingston.

"It was always going to be difficult after the really good first quarter that we had. Now we just need to make sure that we start this quarter really well. There are a few games in a short period of time, big games against teams round about us. If we can get results it does make a massive difference."

Suspension for Callum Morris means that there will be at least one change in the starting line up. The manager suggested that players who have been waiting patiently for an opportunity might just be called upon to come in and do well.

"It is all about taking your chance when you get it and put in a good performance to put others under pressure and try and stay in the team."

The manager admitted to a couple of players carrying "niggles" but claimed that he would have to wait until nearer the game on Saturday before knowing if they were going to be fit. He also talked about new signings but gave little away:-

"Especially with a game in a couple of days time just after the first one, if there is any doubt we will just leave them out.

"We are trying to bring in players but the second of January is probably going to be too soon. We do need to bring in a few players and we are trying our best to do that.

"There are a few people we have been linked to and a few that we have had watched over the last few months. There are people who are under contract, there is people maybe not in the plans at other teams. We just have to wait and see.

"There are positions that we are needing to fill in key areas, it will depend upon injuries as well."

Note to travelling fans:

The Almondvale Suite at Livingston Football Stadium and will be putting on pre match hospitality for both home and away fans on Saturday 30th December.

Open before the match from 12pm with hot food and drink available to fans. They will also be showing the Rangers vs Celtic game on their big screens.

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