Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford has lamented setplay defending as he praises the signing of Ewan Henderson from Celtic.
The Pars were 2-0 up against Dundee on Saturday before the Dee came back to win 3-2 in the Scottish Championship, Crawford frustarted with how they defended crosses that resulted in goals.
Defending disappointed the Dunfermline boss. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group via Getty Images)
He said: “We got off to a terrific start. We were front foot. Knowing that coming to Dens at some stage you are going to come against a spell in the game when it is not going your way. I was disappointed with the reaction to the first goal because there were a couple of chances to clear it.
“It was important that we went in at half time ahead in the game. But in the 10 minutes after half time we seemed for some reason to go on to the back foot. The thing that we have been good at all season was our Achilles heel. We didn’t defend the setplays well enough.”
Celtic loanee Henderson made his debut in this match after signing for the Pars on Friday. Crawford says it’s a player he has chased for some time: “He is a player who has caught my eye for a number of years. We tried to get him earlier in the window in January as well.
Henderson has arrived at Dunfermline from Celtic. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
“We declared an interest to Celtic but at that point but it wasn’t happening. We have kept at it and he is a great addition to the squad for the remaining seven games now. You could see his qualities when he came on the park on Saturday. He adds to the competition for places but it is not just competition for places, we need to get points.
“I think with the experience he has got, he will bring an edge with his play but he will also bring an edge to the other boys as well. He sees a pass going forward, he is not afraid to take the ball.
“He has good vision, knows when to get out of tight situations and also knows when to move the ball. He also knows how to ask questions, he has a great weighted longer pass as well which we saw on Saturday night. He put in a couple of crosses that had the keeper or defenders scrambling.
“I am delighted that the club have backed me on that one to bring Ewan in. He will help us over the coming games now.”
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