By David Buick
Dunfermline ran riot at East End Park this afternoon as Partick Thistle felt the wrath of former player Kevin Nisbet as his four goals helped the Pars on their way to a thumping victory.
Ian McCall’s side were their own worst enemies in the opening exchanges as they conceded two penalties and had their captain sent off on their way to going in four goals down at the break. A first-half hat-trick for Nisbet along with a well-taken goal from Lewis Martin had the Pars in cruise control after the first 45.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Nisbet added to his tally early into the second half making it five for the Pars, before being replaced to a standing ovation as Gabby McGill came on in his place. Reece Cole scored a wonderful free-kick for Partick and whilst it was no more than a consolation, it’s worth viewing again in the match highlights.
The second half petered out with Dunfermline content with their afternoon’s work, a damaging defeat for Thistle who will need to lick their wounds and dust themselves down before their next game. A great result for Dunfermline who go to Ayr on Tuesday with a spring in their step once again.
Kevin Nisbet’s form continues
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The Dunfermline striker was in red-hot form as he bagged four this afternoon, two well-taken penalties as well as two smart finishes from inside the box. That’s Nisbet now scored seven in his last three home games and brings him up to ten league goals for the season.
Given the lack of goalscorers Stevie Crawford had at his disposal last season, he’ll be delighted his summer signing is doing the business and hitting serious form as the Pars enter a busy period of games.
No doubt Nisbet will be attracting attention from clubs in January if he maintains this form, and whilst Dunfermline fans will be well aware that this form will come at the cost of interest from bigger clubs, they will be hoping Nisbet can help propel the Pars up the league table.
Change in home fortunes a welcome turnaround for Stevie Crawford
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That’s four home wins on the bounce for Dunfermline who have scored 12 goals in that time, conceding only twice. Having previously not won in the league since March before that, Stevie Crawford will be delighted that his side have turned their fortunes around at home and are now looking to relish playing at East End Park.
Making East End Park a difficult place to come for opposition teams has been a big priority for Crawford since taking charge as Pars boss and that seems to finally be coming to fruition with Ayr, Arbroath, Queen of the South and now Partick all being well beaten at East End Park in recent months.
With Morton visiting East End Park next Saturday, Dunfermline will be heading into the game in fantastic home form.
Thistle shoot themselves in the foot defensively yet again
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Conceding a penalty and having your captain and centre half sent off after three minutes isn’t the ideal start for any side. However, its even worse when you have been shipping goals far too easily all season long and you’re at the bottom of the league it is even more of a disaster.
To then go on and concede five goals compiled a miserable afternoon for Partick.
Against Dunfermline alone, the Jags have conceded eight goals in two games this season and that statistic just sums up their season so far. Ian McCall will be incredibly frustrated with his team’s defensive showings and will no doubt be looking to address that area of his team when the transfer window opens in January. Their defending will have to improve if they’re to stand any chance of staying up this season.