Keeper catches Ladbrokes Award

With four shut outs in four Ladbrokes League One matches earns Sean an award

With four shut outs in the four Ladbrokes League One matches played in October Pars goalkeeper Sean Murdoch has been named as the League's Player of the Month for October 2015. He told this website:-

"I am delighted but I couldn't have done it without my team mates. We have defended really well as a team overall. I have been presented with the award but it was a team effort."

Murdoch and his defence didn't concede a single league goal last month as Allan Johnston's men beat Albion Rovers (3-0), Stranraer (3-0) and Forfar Athletic (4-0) before a 0-0 draw with Cowdenbeath. Dunfermline are a point behind Ladbrokes League One leaders Ayr United as they prepare to face Peterhead at East End Park on Saturday.

Having achieved four successive shut outs, Sean hopes to make that five when Peterhead are the opponents on Saturday.

"Just as long as we win the game, I would take a 6-5! Considering we are the UKs top goalscorers it is unusual that we did not score last week but we are going to get games like that. Teams are going to make it difficult for us and we are not going to get many chances.

"It is the third time that we have not scored this season. As a team we have been great going forward but a shut out for a goalkeeper is as important as a goal for a striker. If you get a shut out you cannot lose the game.

"I go into games doing everything within my power not to concede a goal. The most important thing for me is not being in a losing team.

"It was a tough game at Peterhead and we never got the result we wanted. We are due them one but they are a good team with a lot of experienced players with good attacking options. No one lies down in this league, everyone gives us a tough game."

The 29 year old is now in his second spell at Dunfermline having re-joined on 17th July 2015. Sean is Edinburgh born and bred. He joined the Pars Youth Initiative programme from Hearts Youths playing for a year and a half at Under 15 and 16 levels. He had an excellent season in 2002-03 playing regularly for the Under 19s and 21s and was even called up to the first team squad - featuring on the bench versus Celtic. He was recognised at International level too, playing for Scottish Schoolboys.

At the end of the 2007–08 season Sean left to join Hamilton for a nominal fee of £15,000 for season 2008-09 and then in 2011 signed for League Two side, Accrington Stanley.

Sean returned to Scotland in October 2012 as back up for Ben Williams at Hibs and followed that with a spell in the USL with Rochester Rhinos.The Ladbrokes monthly awards are voted for by members of the Scottish media, with a Manager and a Player of the Month selected for each of the four divisions.