Manager Post Arbroath

21/12/13: JJ - "Since getting through to the cup tie you can sense a great feel good factor about Dunfermline Football Club just now.

MATCH PICTURES
                                 
Listen to these Jim Jefferies Post Match Comments at Arbroath

Jim Jefferies classed his team's performance against Arbroath as "excellent". It was a very pleased manager who spoke to the media after the 3-0 win:-

"Credit goes to both teams, it must have been hard to play football out there in blustery wind like that. You could see how difficult it was. Probably a wee but easier to play against it than with it.

"We started the game very very well and were a bit annoyed not to get a penalty in the first minute when there was definitely contact in the challenge on Ryan Williamson. Then another time when he was pulled down in a similar situation.

"We got a couple of goals ahead in the first half. Arbroath started quite well in the second half and I thought 'here we go, they are maybe going to find it a bit easier against the wind as well' but once we got into the game you could see that we were always a threat going forward.

"Williamson had another outstanding match at full back. When you look at my back four with Callum Morris being out today with an Achilles problem so we didn't risk him' so we had a 17, 20, 17 and a 20 year old as the back four. It is marvellous; the spirit, the way they go about it and try to play. It was an excellent performance today in very very difficult conditions. It is not an easy place to come as everybody knows to come and get a result."

The result was important with Rangers being the next opponents. They have not brought their match against third placed Stranraer forward like all the other teams in League One.

"If Rangers do win as fancied at home, then we cannot lose because if they (Stranraer) take points off Rangers it helps but if they lose we can go into that game against Rangers (on Monday) with nothing to lose. We can have a right go since we have a little bit of leeway. We wouldn't lose our place, we would still be in front.

"All the pressure is on Rangers; they know we gave them a really good game that went against us with a penalty decision. It changed it in their favour. We have got them at home and we know Rangers have quality and strength but if we play as we can then they will know that they are going to be in a game. We have nothing to lose, we will have a right go and I think it will be a cracking match.

"I am glad its on TV and we want the crowd through the turnstiles to create a great atmosphere for television and also for the players. I think that's the least they deserve because in the last twelve games now we have won nine, drawn two and had one defeat to Rangers. It has been a great November and we are hoping for a good December as well."

Given the hard and difficult times in 2013 it has been fantastic that Jim and his team have kept their spirits up:-

"We have had to deal with a lot and the players had to deal with a lot at this time last year. Since getting through to the cup tie you can sense a great feel good factor about Dunfermline Football Club just now.

"We are out of administration, we have a good young side, good form and Pars United people have been great. They have got all the players sorted out in terms of plans that we wanted in place. The supporters deserve a lot of credit too and there is a right feel good factor and Dunfermline Football Club is a great place to be at the moment.

"It is hard to say that after what we have been through but hopefully this is the start of something. Starting again re-building the club and we certainly have a great young side with a great support behind them. There is plenty back up support coming from everybody. It is absolutely terrific."

Listen to Arbroath manager Paul Sheerin's Post Match Comments