ALLAN JOHNSTON was delighted with his side’s battling victory in Paisley – but is not content at stopping there.

The Pars boss was full of praise for his players after they moved eight points clear of the rock-bottom Buddies thanks to Nicky Clark’s first-half goal, which moved them up to eighth.

It was Dunfermline’s first success in the league since they beat the same opposition seven games prior, and Johnston wants his team to continue to build momentum that he feels is gathering pace.

They face the team directly above them, Ayr United, at home a week on Saturday, but before that they have a tricky Scottish Cup third-round tie at Highland League leaders Buckie Thistle to negotiate this weekend.

Johnston told Press Sport: “Training has been really sharp and it’s amazing to get back winning again, but as I’ve said before, there’s a lot of big games coming up over the next few weeks. That was the start of it, so hopefully we can build on that and give ourselves a chance of working our way back up the table.

“Sometimes you’re maybe focusing a wee bit more on the defensive side and stopping goals, but there’s a fine line between attacking and defending and we’ve got to get that right. We still need more of a goal threat and, even though we had chances to score a couple more, with the creative players we’ve got I think we can do even more going forward. I think we will.

“You can’t fault anybody because they all worked very hard. They’re not happy with where they are just now either and it was good to give the supporters something to shout about because it’s been a difficult season so far for them.

“It’s a big win but it’s not just one win you need, it’s five or six wins. We’ve done the first part but we’ve got to work even harder.

“Saturday is a big game and we’ve got to approach it right. We got the win against St Mirren but we’ve got to keep gaining a bit of momentum, get used to winning, start scoring some more goals and a clean sheet would be nice.

“Buckie are banging in a few goals and their front two are very lively, so it’s going to be a tough test. Everyone expects you to go up there and win but football’s not like that. We’ve all been involved in games where you slip up, so the last thing we can do is underestimate them.”

Johnston confirmed that Andy Geggan remains out with an ankle injury sustained in training last week, while David Hopkirk (ankle) and Gavin Reilly (groin) will also be absent for the trip north.

Meanwhile supporters can pay at the gate for tomorrow's game, with prices set at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.

The Scottish Cup trophy will also be making an appearance at the ground, allowing fans the chance to have their snap taken with the holy grail of Scottish football.