Pars boss Jim McIntyre has admitted the sight of his team topping the first division table with the same games played as title rivals Raith Rovers has given his squad a psychological boost.
Having said that, the dynamic of what is now surely a two-way fight for promotion has not actually changed as a result of the Kirkcaldy side’s draw with Cowdenbeath at the weekend.
McIntyre, Irn-Bru Phenomenal Manager of the Month for March, said, “Both teams know that if they win all their games they’ll win the league, so the carrot is still the same in that regard.
“But of course it’s a boost to see us in the lead at the top. There’s no danger of us getting ahead of ourselves though.
“It’s still one game at a time, starting with Queen of the South on Saturday.
“Other people might be looking forward to Raith the week after but we won’t be.”
Falkirk’s defeat to Partick leaves them needing a minor miracle to muscle their way back into contention.
McIntyre admitted, “It’s not mathematically impossible for them but it will be very difficult. They’ll keep believing until there’s not enough points there for them to win.”
The Pars began last month with a home defeat by Morton to fall six points behind Raith.
However, three wins and three draws later, Dunfermline ended the month at the summit and McIntyre was rewarded for leading that turnaround.
The 38-year-old was at pains to play down his role, though, saying, “It is always great to receive an award and, whilst it has my name on it, it really is for the players. They have been fantastic throughout a month with a lot of tough games in a very tight league.”
Andy Kirk has returned to light training but it will be later in the week before it is known whether the Northern Irishman, Calum Woods, Nick Phinn, Graham Bayne and Neil McGregor will be available against Queens.