Managers post Raith Rovers

05/12/20: Link to audio of both managers post match comments

Stevie Crawford admitted that from 2-0 down it was a point gained :-

“I would take that. I think today the reality is that we were a wee bit off it in the first half. That is not having a go at my players. I thought Raith Rovers were excellent in the first half and we did not cause them enough problems.

“What they did very well was having their wide players come into the middle of the pitch and then their rotation with the three that caused us a lot of problems. We have also watched that is the way they play and it can be difficult at times to deal with that.

“At half time we spoke and I told them that for the first time this year that I felt that we needed to get out there and get in people’s faces. Their attitude has been terrific and they have had a lot of plaudits, and I think we started the second half spritely. I was disappointed that we lost the second goal in the manner that we did but I think the players showed today what it felt like to play for Dunfermline.

“When we got the first goal we then went on to get that second goal that gave us something to come away with today. Earlier in my management we came here in a Scottish Cup tie, albeit we had a man sent off in that tie, but we went away with our tail between our legs at 3-0.

“We have continually improved in the transfer windows since I have been here. The boys have stepped up to the mark and credit for that.”

The substitutes made a difference?

“I thought we started the second half better. We managed to get further into their half of the pitch and we then put Ryan Dow further back into the middle of the park and I thought he showed his experience, his calmness and started getting us further up the park to become more of a threat to their defensive line.

“When the game goes to 2-0 we thought we now have to really get somebody up there to support Declan as well. Kevin O ‘Hara came on with a freshness and we have managed to get the two goals to come away with a valuable points.”

The two goals were great goals?

“They were and it is something that I have seen in Fraser Murray since he was a young boy playing at Hibs - on that left hand inside cutting on to his right foot. For as much as he put it in with a bit of pace he was also very calculated with a lot of good technique in the finish.

“Ryan Dow did brilliantly down the right side, puts in a great delivery and I think Declan (McManus) shows his experience, rather than just trying to smash the ball, he just makes a good connection with it.”

Hitting the net in the goal in front of the stand that would normally have been full of Dunfermline fans, what would that have been like for them?

“There would have been great scenes from the Dunfermline supporters. It was a great advert for Fife football. Raith Rovers, Paul (Smith) and John (McGlynn) deserve a lot of credit because they have boys who play football in the right manner, theyare exciting to watch.

“Was I happy with the first half? No, I am not going to kid myself on. They caused us problems and I think what happened during the second half, we managed to fix our problems rather that going away and watching on video. That goes down as credit to the characters that we have.

“I’m sure John and Paul will be the first to say that they are disappointed to come away with a point. Equally Dunfermline deserve credit for showing that fighting spirit. If you are going to take something from a derby that is the qualities that you need to show.”

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