THE Pars’ goal-shy players are set to be taken out of the firing line with concerns that missing chances is messing with their minds.

Boss Jim Jefferies has promised changes for the home game with Stirling Albion after giving the misfiring stars one more chance at Stenhousemuir.

The subsequent 1-0 defeat at Ochilview left the Athletic fans frustrated and furious after a run of just two points from a possible 12 and four league matches without a win.

Jefferies will now ring the changes and said, “We’ve created enough chances to win the matches, we’ve just not taken them.

“It doesn’t matter how long you train, the players have to have the composure to finish it. We can’t do it for them.

“But they’ve maybe felt the pressure of the situation, trying too hard to score and they’re snatching at the chances, you get a lack of belief and confidence does get affected.” Athletic have netted just 16 times from 13 league matches, only two teams in League One have scored less, although the goals against record is by far the best, with just nine conceded.

The players have been given extra shooting practice but Jefferies said the mental preparation was just as important.

He said, “It’s up to us to look at it and analyse what’s gone wrong.

“We’ve given them two or three games but it’s not happening for them so maybe a change will freshen it up and lift everyone.

“We don’t think we’re far away from turning it around.

“It’s a phase. A good win and a few goals can change the whole picture.

“That’s what the aim is and the fans have to be patient. It’s times like this the team needs their support more than ever.” He added, “We won’t panic. We’ve been there before and know we have to stick with it.

“Every game, when you’re not winning, becomes more crucial but there’s a long way to go.” Jefferies kept the faith ahead of the Warriors match and explained, “I said I’d keep the same team as they’d been playing well and there was no lack of effort but that it couldn’t go on if they weren’t winning.

“It’s just not happened and the under-20s have given me a lot to think about after beating Dundee 5-0 and now Ross County 3-1.

“You can only let it go on so long.” He added, “Our goals against record this season is far better than last season but when you’re not scoring and the other team get one opportunity and take it, that can win it.

“Last season we were losing silly goals but it wasn’t such a problem as we were scoring more. It’s a thin line.” The goalscoring conundrum is troubling the boss and he said, “Anyone that saw the training last Thursday, it was one of the best sessions we’ve had and they were all banging the ball in the net for fun.

“But there’s no pressure in training. Last year Michael Moffat scored lots of goals, this year it’s not happening for him but he’s scoring no problem in training.” Jefferies was quick to add that goals from midfield have also been in short supply and said, “I’ve been in the game long enough to know you get spells like this.

“On Saturday their goalkeeper had three or four great saves and at Peterhead their keeper was man of the match.

“It shows we are making chances but we have to take them. The good thing is no-one’s taken advantage and it could all change again on Saturday with a good win.” Lewis Martin played the whole match for Scotland under-19s against Holland on Friday and will come into contention for a start. Ryan Wallace is out and Lewis Spence has a knock but Jefferies expects him to be fit.