It has been quite the turnaround for Dunfermline under Stevie Crawford. Five clean sheets in their last five league games, they’ve taken a maximum of 15 points. Their form is only mirrored by table-topping Ross County.
So what’s behind Dunfermline’s form of late?
If last season’s fourth place finish is anything to go by, then the Pars were certainly under-performing under Allan Johnston. The former Kilmarnock and Queen of the South boss left the club whilst they were languishing in seventh spot.
Now occupying the final playoff spot, the main objective now for the Fifers is to stay there.
Terrific travellers
Their away form is one of the best in the league, with 22 points from 14 matches. Bizarrely, they seem to perform better away from East End Park. They’ve failed to score in 43% of their home matches this season. Away from the kingdom, the Pars have netted in 71% of their away matches.
Having also kept three consecutive away clean sheets, the signing of Ryan Scully looks to be a shrewd piece of business. The only two goals he’s conceded for Dunfermline were in the same game, a 1-2 defeat at East End to top of the tree Ross County.
Hypothetical hopes
There’s no shame in losing to the Staggies. Currently eight points clear of second-placed Dundee United, Dunfermline will hope they can do them a favour. Below the Pars are Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Caley next host the table toppers in another Highland derby.
Should the hosts lose, Dunfermline would remain in the playoff spot and would be a point ahead having played the same matches. With it coming to crunch time in the Championship, the race for that last promotion playoff place is well and truly on.