No prisoners for Lee Ashcroft

“When somebody makes a mistake it is about pulling them out of jail.

Dundee United probably merited their win conceded Pars captain Lee Ashcroft:-

“In the last couple of weeks the results have not been great but I feel as if, especially against Queens and Alloa, we should probably have won the game.

“I think that is probably the first time that I believe we did not deserve to win. They were the better side.”

Things started to go badly wrong when United’s Paul McMullan headed them into a 24th minute lead, Lee continued:-

“The first goal is massive in this league, especially when the last couple of weeks have not been great. When you lose the first goal I think confidence can go in a lot of boys.

“We went in at half time and knew that it was the same at the start of the season, 1-0 down. We came out and ended up battering them in the second half but it wasn’t to be. To be fair to them they looked better second half and it looked as though there was only going to be one team going to win it.”

It was back to back home defeats for Dunfermline, two matches in which they failed to score. Chances were created and even Lee had a couple of shots at goal. He said that he tries his best while knowing that he is not a natural finisher.

“On another day I could probably have got one of them on target at least or it could fall to somebody who would. That is just not happening just now.

“I pride myself in not conceding goals and those round about me try and help me not to concede goals. Recently we have lost some sloppy goals and we definitely need to stop that happening.”

It was a lapse in defence that allowed Dundee United to consolidate their advantage with Billy King netting their second on the hour. A disappointing defeat for both players and fans. Lee stressed how everyone needs to stick together acknowledging that it is only those on the park who can put it right.

“I understand the fans are frustrated, there is nobody more frustrated than ourselves and the back room staff as well. We need to get the fingers out ourselves and put this right, hopefully we can do that on Tuesday.”

Lee pointed out the solution to defensive weaknesses and looked forward to the next opportunities to get back on track at Inverness and then Alloa on Saturday:-

“When somebody makes a mistake it is about pulling them out of jail. I just feel that we are not doing that just now. That is a big part of it.

“We need to make sure that we pick ourselves up because that is not good enough. It is good that the games come thick and fast and hopefully we can put it right. Our form away from home has been better recently so hopefully we can take a bit of confidence from that, go up there and pick up a couple of results.”

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