ATHLETIC star Josh Edwards has joked that he’s not enjoying “getting a wee bit older” after he joined their 100 club.

But the 22-year-old insists that, despite it not being the smoothest of rides to the appearance landmark, he is thoroughly enjoying his time as a Pars player.

The full back, who was brought to the club by Stevie Crawford in the summer of 2019, reached the milestone against Alloa Athletic in the Premier Sports Cup, before playing his 101st match in black and white against the same opponents on Saturday.

That brought a happier outcome for Edwards, who joined Dunfermline from Airdrieonians, as he helped his team to a clean sheet, and a one-goal victory, to kick off their League One campaign.

Third tier football is being played at East End following a poor season last time round, which brought relegation, during which Edwards played under two different bosses.

With his first campaign as a Par having been curtailed due to COVID-19, it is fair to say it has been eventful and, when asked if he was chuffed to reach and pass 100 games, he laughed: “Yeah, but it just means I’m getting a wee bit older, so I’m not enjoying that!

“It’s a great feeling making 100 appearances for the club; it’s been great playing here. Obviously, last season wasn’t the best, that’s put behind us now. We’re going to push on and, hopefully, we can keep winning games this season.

“It’s not been the smoothest ride since I’ve joined the club, but I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve really enjoyed myself, so hopefully I keep enjoying myself.”

If Athletic, under new manager James McPake – Edwards’ fourth during his time at the club – can challenge at the top of the division, then it will create a feel-good factor around the whole club.

Following Saturday’s match, McPake described Edwards as a “fantastic footballer” that the opposition tried to nullify “because he’s such a massive threat down that side”, and praised his crossing that makes teams defend when he is able to get further forward.

“We’ve went back to basics and I’ve been enjoying it,” Edwards said of his gaffer.

“I’ve just been told to cross the ball, which is what I want to do, try and get as many assists as possible.

“We’re one of the bigger teams in the league, so teams are going to come here and look to frustrate us, as they’re quite entitled to do. They’re looking to come here and pick up some points, so we’re going to have to find a way through the season to break teams down, hopefully make it a wee bit easier for ourselves in the game coming up.”

Next up for the Pars is a trip to the capital and Meadowbank Stadium for a clash with FC Edinburgh, who won at Kelty Hearts on Saturday. Edwards added: “We’re under no illusion; we know it’s going to be a tough, tough game.

“They got promoted through the play-offs, so they’ll want to show that they’re good enough for this division, which they certainly will be.”