DUNFERMLINE’S defensive record is one to be proud of and they won’t let their high standards drop.

That’s the message from manager James McPake after he watched his in-form side go clear at the top of League One after their latest shut-out in last Saturday’s victory at Queen of the South.

Nikolay Todorov and Rhys Breen were Athletic’s goalscorers at Palmerston, which maintained their unbeaten start and took them two points clear of FC Edinburgh at the summit.

In the four wins and two draws they have had so far, the Pars have only conceded once – in their last home match with Airdrieonians, which ended 1-1 – and McPake is delighted with how strong his team have been at the back.

“It’s something we pride ourselves on and we work hard on during the week, a good shape in our team, and the boys have done well,” he told Press Sport this week.

“I think that’s all credit to the players. We can put the drills on and do what you want in training but come three o’clock on a Saturday, or whatever time if you’re playing midweek, whenever your game is, they’ve got to go out and do that.

“In all the games this season, they’ve done it. They’ve been excellent to a man, and long may it continue.

“Even the changes that came on in the game made an impact. Sam (Fisher, who made his debut) coming on late with 15 minutes to go and seeing it out for Kyle MacDonald, who was excellent again.

“Lewis McCann came on and put in a great shift and Chris Hamilton – it’s great to be able to bring players of that quality on as well.

“They deserve a lot of credit over the piece as well, and the full team. It’s a great save (from a penalty) from Deniz (Mehmet) but that’s what we ask him to do.”

On the form of his goalkeeper, Mehmet, McPake continued: “He’s a good goalkeeper.

“Bringing Max (Little) in has helped the group as well, along with Alan Main (goalkeeping coach), so I’m not really surprised in terms of Deniz’s performances. He’s been great since I joined the club.

“I can’t really speak about last season but Deniz has been fantastic. I knew about him and he is a good goalkeeper but a lot of work goes on in front of him.

“Obviously, he’s a massive part of keeping clean sheets. Your goalkeeper has to be.

“His handling, his kicking – everything we’ve asked, he’s done. He’s been great; he’s been a joy to work with since we’ve come in the door.

“But it’s a team game and, as a team, we’ve been excellent across the board. Deniz will be the first one to say that.”

McPake was also delighted to see Breen, who was denied a winning goal against Airdrie, on the scoresheet, and with his team’s threat in the box.

“It’s good play from him and it’s good officiating as well,” he said, referencing the referee consulting with his assistant before awarding the goal.

“He’s been excellent. Again, he’s another one that’s come in and been willing to work, willing to take on board what we’re asking him to do, and I think having (Kyle) Benedictus beside him is helping.

“In most games this season we’ve been a threat, so that’s something we just need to get better at, keep doing it and ask a question of the opposition.

“We’ll not let it drop. To be fair, they’ll not want to do that, but the boys will be prepared and will be ready.”