A Craig Wighton goal from a set-piece was what separated Dunfermline and Falkirk on Saturday.
The win extended the Pars’ lead over their rivals to seven points, with Edinburgh in second and six points off the top.
James McPake surprised many with his approach to the match and Falkirk failed to respond to it.
It wasn’t the greatest game in terms of quality but the tense atmosphere and the significance of the match made it an intriguing watch.
Now that the dust has settled Courier Sport looks at some of the talking points.
Huge psychological boost
James McPake will continue to toe the line that nothing is yet won, and that’s true.
However, this is objectively a massive step towards where Dunfermline want to be and the result will be a significant blow to all concerned at Falkirk.
Given their respective starts, there was less pressure on the Pars gong into this one.
John McGlynn’s side have the added pressure of this being their fourth season in Scotland’s third tier.
With Edinburgh losing again to what appears to be their bogey team, Dunfermline now enjoy a six-point gap at the top of League 1.
Game plan
It is something Courier Sport has pointed out a fair few times but McPake has shown he can successfully switch the set-up of his side – in matches or for them.
For this one he not only switched to a back four, McPake did something he hadn’t tried so far this season: let the opposition have the ball.
This was maybe partly motivated by the first meeting started between the sides this season.
Falkirk flew out the traps that day but on this occasion they were stumped.
The Pars also worked on specific set-pieces for Saturday’s victory, one of which won the game.
McPake said afterwards that while he can devise a game plan, it means nothing if his players don’t go out and execute it.
Under the radar
The Pars boss was one of many managers to not quite get his own way in the summer transfer window and refused to sign players just to make up numbers.
It looked slightly worrying at one stage but McPake stuck to his principles and it is reaping rewards.
Versatility is priceless within smaller squads and Aaron Comrie is one of the players who has exemplified that.
He started versus Falkirk on the right of a back four – a position he started the season in.
His block at 1-0 evidenced how reliable he has been this seson.
Comrie’s block:
He was also excellent earlier in the season when he became part of a back three and thrived after that when pushed on to wingback.
His first match back in that position saw him open the scoring at Alloa and draw praise from his manager.
Not one to steal the show, Comrie is quietly putting in excellent performances week after week.
Fans
Just unbelievable. The away end was looking a little sparse minutes before kick-off as many of the near-2,000 away supporters queued to get in.
They were in full voice for the entire 90-plus minutes – and the celebrations afterwards.
Uninterrupted goal celebrations 👌 pic.twitter.com/vqrFcufB0S
— Craig Cairns (@craigcairns001) November 5, 2022
McPake said they got his side “over the line” in a tense end to the game and noted that they’d been right behind the team since the summer.
There have been moments, understandably and especially at home, when there is clear frustration – but backing like this makes such a difference.
Similar ’12th-man’ impacts have been noticeable in the previous match versus Falkirk, the recent win over Kelty Hearts and the draw with Airdrie.
