Manager Offers Insight on Raith Rovers
Manager Neil Lennon has called for improved consistency from his players as they prepare for a crucial William Hill Championship derby against Raith Rovers. With only one victory in their last six matches, the stakes are high for Dunfermline Athletic, who currently sit sixth in the league, just a point behind their Fife rivals in fifth.
Team Performance and Inconsistencies
Dunfermline’s recent record includes a Scottish Cup win over Queen of the South, but concerns remain regarding their overall performance. The team has lost too many games, and Lennon is eager for them to improve their consistency. He noted a Jekyll and Hyde performance recently, where the team only found their rhythm after falling behind at halftime.
Key Insights from Neil Lennon
Lennon expressed his frustration, emphasizing, “We need to eradicate mistakes and play better, positive football.” He mentioned assistant manager Iain Brunskill’s intervention at halftime during their last match, stressing that players must not settle for subpar performances.
- Recent results: one win in the last six matches.
- Current standing: sixth place in the league.
- Concerns about slow starts: nine matches with goals conceded within the first ten minutes.
Preparing for the Derby Against Raith Rovers
The upcoming derby is crucial, with both teams targeting a top-four finish. Lennon hopes his players will learn from their past mistakes, particularly from the previous match at Starks Park, where they started poorly. He believes they can replicate their strong home performance from earlier this season when they won 2-0 against Raith.
Strategies for Improvement
To succeed, Lennon emphasizes the need to return to the fundamentals of the game. The team must earn the right to play by establishing dominance in matches. He commented, “You have to earn the right to play, and we didn’t do that.”
Looking Ahead
With the possibility of play-off contention and an upcoming cup tie against Hibernian, there is still hope for a successful season. Lennon is confident that if his team raises their game consistently, they can turn the season around.
“We still have a chance at the play-offs, and if the players step up, it could still be a great season,” he concluded.
