Dunfermline assistant manager Dave Mackay was full of praise for his forward players after a comprehensive win in the Scottish Cup.
The Pars booked their place in Monday night’s fourth-round draw with a 4-0 victory over Forfar Atheltic at East End Park.
Kane Ritchie-Hosler scored on his first start for the club – the first time he has found the net in senior football.
Josh Edwards added the third, with Craig Wighton scoring first and last on a comfortable afternoon for Dunfermline.
Wighton bagged his fifth and sixth goals of the season, the second the pick of the bunch – a lovely dink over a crowd that had formed around the penalty spot.
‘The Wighton we know’
“I thought his overall play was really good,” said Mackay.
“That’s the Craig Wighton we know – when he can get the ball and he can go past players, which he maybe wasn’t too confident with earlier in the season.
“Injuries certainly didn’t help with that.
“The first goal is a really good finish too, but the second one is different class.
“The awareness to see the keeper’s off his line and just dink it into the top of the net. Really pleased for Wighty as well today.”
It took Dunfermline a little while to settle into the game – but they never looked in danger.
Once Mochrie started to drop deep and start attacks, Dunfermline took control and never looked back.
Ankle knock for Ritchie-Hosler
Ritchie-Hosler was involved in the three first-half goals before he was replaced.
The attacker was on the end of a heavy challenge from Andy Munro in the first half and was replaced soon into the second.
“He’ll be fine, I’m sure it’s just a knock,” said Mackay.
“(Andy Munro) came through the back of him. So he’s just feeling his ankle a little bit.
“It didn’t really help it was so close to half-time – it stiffens up during that period.
“I thought he was excellent. Even his build-up play for the third goal shows the qualities he’s got.
“He’s always trying to play on the half-turn, look forward and be creative.
“He’s done himself no harm today.”
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