Dunfermline defender Lee Ashcroft admits he celebrated last weekend’s clean sheet like a striker would celebrate a goal.
The Pars kept the opposition at bay for the first time in 11 outings when they fought out a goal-less Championship draw at Ayr United.
And Allan Johnston’s side will look to build on that solid defensive display when they welcome Queen’s Park in this afternoon’s Irn-Bru Cup last-16 tie.
The Fife outfit were disappointed they did not leave with all the spoils at Somerset Park but former Kilmarnock players Ashcroft insists he was encouraged by their performance.
He said: “It was definitely good to get a clean sheet because, as a defender, that’s what I want more than anything.
“It’s like a striker, they want to score goals and I want to get a clean sheet.
“It was good to get off the mark with that in the league.
“I think it was overdue, to be honest.
“A few wee things didn’t go our way in the games before that.
“The whole team defended well and I think we were unfortunate not to get the win.
“Still, it gives you a bit of confidence and hopefully we can kick on now.
“After this cup game, we have two big games in the league (against Falkirk and Hibs).
“Hopefully, we can keep clean sheets and then score because obviously it’s better if you get that win.
“I don’t think we’ve been outplayed in any games but silly mistakes have gone against us so hopefully that’s the turning point now and we can start picking up more wins and clean sheets.”
Dunfermline are wary of a Spiders side that have already taken the scalp of Morton in the competition and Ashcroft insists they will not take the part-time outfit lightly.
He said: “We’re the favourites going into the game, which is never easy.
“When you’ve got underdogs coming to play against you, sometimes they’re harder games.
“Their players will come here with no fear because a lot of the time they’re not expected to win.
“It’s one we’re looking forward to.
“If we win this we’re into the quarter-finals so it’s a big game for us.
“A few of the boys said they would have liked to have played at Hampden but we’re happy with the home tie.”
Pars manager Allan Johnston, who is set to be without John Herron after the midfielder picked up an ankle injury against Ayr, has poured over footage of Queen’s Park in action and has a fair idea of what to expect.
He said: “They don’t lose a lot of goals and sometimes they play five at the back and hit you on the counter.
“We’re going to have to be patient and move the ball quickly.”
