Chairman Ross McArthur has urged the Dunfermline fans to stick with the team after boss Allan Johnston claimed negativity from the stands can make home games feel like away matches.
After Saturday’s nervy 2-1 win over the Championship’s bottom side Brechin City, Johnston criticised supporters for “getting on the backs” of his players as they struggled to hold on to their narrow lead.
The Pars had gone seven league games without a win before the weekend success against City and the run has seen them slip 12 points adrift of leaders St Mirren.
But, after narrow defeats on the road against Dundee United and the Buddies in recent weeks, McArthur is hopeful that with the backing of the faithful the East End Park men can get themselves back into the promotion hunt.
He said: “After a good start to the league campaign, our results in the second quarter of the season have been disappointing, particularly when I feel that no team has looked superior to us.
“I thought the recent away performances at both Tannadice and Paisley deserved a better return but undoubtedly our recent home performances are the main reason why we have slipped down the table, despite a tremendous run of results at home at the start of the season.
“The fans who travelled to both Dundee and Paisley were magnificent and really got right behind the team, albeit the players’ intensity and level of performance lifted them, and I do accept it is a two-way thing.
“However, I would appeal to all of our supporters, particularly at home, to continue to encourage the players.”
In a festive address to supporters, he added: “As a fan myself, I know how frustrating it can be when things are not going our way but that happens during a long football season.
“However, getting on the backs of our own players is counter-productive and lifts the opposition. We all need to stick together, particularly during periods like this.
“We are always stronger when we do so, and that along with improved performances on the park will help us back into contention for the play-offs.”
