Allan Johnston: Dunfermline fans have been unbelievable

It’s been quite a season already for Dunfermline, and manager Allan Johnston says the fans are very much a part of that this term as the club look to win the Ladbrokes League 1 title this season.

The Pars have seen over 3000 fans pile in at every home game so far this year, with over 4000 heading through the turnstiles at East End Park to witness the 7-1 league win over Cowdenbeath in August.

Speaking to Ladbrokes News, Johnston said: “The fans have been unbelievable. The amount of fans we get week in week out, they’re really behind the team so that makes a massive difference when you get that support behind you.”

The attendances are similar to some sides in the Ladbrokes Premiership, and Dunfermline fans are certainly getting value for money this season, with the Pars netting just shy of three goals a game on home soil.

Joe Cardle and Faissal El-Bakhtaoui have been at the forefront of the Pars’ attacking exploits this term, and Johnston has been more than happy to let the pair take on more responsibility this season.

Speaking on Cardle, who has more goals already this season than last, Johnston said: “He’s a goal threat but he also creates goals as well. He’s started the season on fire and he’s obviously scored a lot of goals, he’s got great movement, good pace and he’s a handful. You’ve seen that even playing against the Premier League teams (in the cup) what a handful he is, and the quality he’s got.”

El-Bakhtaoui only began playing 11-a-side competitive football less than four years ago and his manager is keen to see just what the future holds with the 22-year-old enjoying his first real season as one of the first names on the team-sheet.

“I think he was more of an impact player over the last couple of years, coming off the bench but this year he’s started the season really well. He’s playing with a lot of confidence and you can see with his touch and awareness that he could be a really big player for us.”

Johnston, wisely it seems, seems to adhere to the theory that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and was quick to pay respect to the entire team for their exploits thus far this term.

“We’ve got good players, it’s just not Joe and Faissal. Obviously they’ve hit the headlines for scoring a lot of goals but you don’t get to play as well as a team and obviously put in as many good performances without everybody chipping in with performances as well.”

The Pars are 4/7 to beat Stranraer this weekend and maintain their presence at the sharp end of the table.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.