Mochrie success out of the blocks at Meadowbank

CM: - “We could probably have taken a few more of our chances but for me personally it was a great way to start.

There can be no better a start at a new club than a scoring debut. From the Dunfermline dugout Chris Mochrie crossed the eight lane athletics track to take the field at Meadowbank on Saturday and really hit the pace with his 73rd minute goal coming within ten minutes of taking the baton from Craig Wighton. The nineteen year old who only joined on loan from Dundee United the previous day told the website after the match:-

“It’s the perfect way to start I guess. The team were playing well, we were 2-0 up, Edinburgh were a man down and it was perfect for me to come on to. Thankfully I scored.”

Chris showed great composure in front of goal accepting Joe Chalmers defence splitting pass to cooly take two touches before sending a right footed shot under keeper Robbie Mutch. He described it:-

“I made a run in behind and it was a great pass from Joe. Hopefully I can get in these situations more and more and start scoring more goals.

“I am delighted, I think the team played well today. We could probably have taken a few more of our chances but for me personally it was a great way to start.

“I met the boys on Friday, I think the deal went through on Thursday night so I just came in, trained on Friday and Saturday was just my second time meeting them.”

Deniz Mehmet is the only member of the Dunfermline squad that Chris knows and has played with in the past. The keeper was at Dundee United a couple of years ago when they played together in the Betfred Cup before Chris left for two loan periods at Montrose

“Other than Deniz, they are all new but they have all been great with me, I’m sure I will settle in soon. I was at Montrose a couple of seasons ago so I know the league and it was quite easy just to slot right in. Hopefully I will get settled soon.

“When I was at Montrose the league had stopped, then started again. It was all over the place but hopefully I can get a full season of good football under my belt and hopefully that improves me.”

Chris had knowledge of interest being shown in him from Dunfermline for about a week or two and he added:-

“I was always interested in coming here, it is a massive club and I am delighted to be here. I think Dunfermline can be thought of being near the top of the league this year and that will be good for me, winning a lot of games and improving. They have a great fan base as well so hopefully it should improve me.

“I think as soon as James McPake knew that I was available he was keen to get me in which was great to hear for me. It is a big thing going to a club where the manager is keen to get you in, it is great.”

Chris claims that he is a versatile player who can be of great value to Dunfermline this season:-

“I can play further up in midfield off the wide areas, assist where the manager thinks where I will be best suited. I am happy to play wherever. I am an attacking player, I got the goal from playing on the left and running inside so hopefully I can keep doing that.”

In 2021 Chris gained experience of first team football while making sixteen starts and eight appearances as a substitute while at Montrose. Last season Chris made 11 appearances in the Premiership with United, six of them as starts and 5 appearances in the Premier Sports Cup. He comes to Dunfermline hoping to get game time and gain more experience:-

“When I came back from Montrose I played a few games last year but not as much as I wanted. Hopefully I can continue to keep playing. There is big pressure on us here to win every game pretty much but that is good for me to deal with that kind of pressure and the fans.

“I am still young, I am only nineteen. I can play at a good standard here, hopefully get game time, goals and assists and help the team.”

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