THE connection being fostered between the Pars players and supporters is filling James McPake with pride.

The Dunfermline boss, however, has vowed that he and his squad will strive to continue to improve to give those in the stands even more to shout about as the season progresses.

Despite the disappointment of Rhys Breen’s last-gasp goal against Airdrieonians being disallowed in controversial fashion, which denied Athletic victory and a position at the top of League One, they were afforded a great ovation by their fans at full-time.

In an entertaining draw last Saturday, which leaves Dunfermline second on goal difference, the hosts had a number of opportunities at KDM Group East End Park, and responded to Adam Frizzell’s equaliser by pressing hard for a winner in the final 10 minutes.

“Obviously, from our perspective, we’re disappointed we’ve not taken all three points but there positives in it and a lot to work on, McPake told Press Sport this week.

“From looking like, with 10 minutes to go or whatever, that you’re going to win the game, to be pegged back, you want a positive response. It’s not easy; I’ve been involved in games as a player, as a manager, when you do concede, particularly at home, but the fans were really good as well. I must say that.

“They stuck with us. They stuck with us the full game but that comes again from the players and the workrate.

“Rhys Breen had been ill earlier in the week and you could see late on he was tiring and cramping up. He was fantastic I thought; what an attitude and performance and, on another day, walks away with another winning goal for us, after his performance from having food poisoning earlier in the week.

“That’s what the players are doing. They’re giving that and that’s why they’re getting the reception and the support they’re getting from the fans.

“That makes me proud.”

When asked about the connection that seems to be building between the pitch and the stands, McPake continued: “That is completely down to the players and their efforts, for what they’re doing and the way they’re working hard for the team, for the football club. They’ve done it in every game so far.

“It’s the one thing that we said we wanted to make sure we did, that, no matter what, nobody could accuse us that we’re not giving everything.

“I don’t think that group of players can be accused of that yet, and I don’t think they will, if I’m honest.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t hang on in the end but it’s about getting a bit of pride back into the jersey and some wins on the board.”

After draws with Airdrie, and Kelty Hearts the week before, the Pars will look to return to winning ways at Queen of the South, who also dropped out of the Championship last season.

“It’s a game we’re really looking forward to again because we are on this little run,” McPake added.

“Again, it’s a pride thing; how long can you go without being beaten? That’s us up to five now.

“You’re talking about chances at the top end; we’d like to be more clinical but we need to be as resolute and, shape-wise, as defensive as we have. I think out of possession, we’re really good at getting the ball back as a team.

“We need to keep working on the positives as well and hopefully we can go down to Dumfries on Saturday and come back up the road with a positive result.”