CRAIG WIGHTON believes that the support he has from his manager is playing its part in his rich vein of goalscoring form.

The 25-year-old netted his 11th of the season, in 25 appearances, to put the seal on a 2-0 win over Montrose at KDM Group East End Park on Saturday.

It maintained Dunfermline's five point lead over rivals Falkirk at the top of League One, which was reduced by one, following the Bairns' draw at Alloa Athletic last night.

The Pars, who have now played one game fewer than John McGlynn's team, can move seven points clear if they can pick up a victory at Airdrieonians this weekend.

Wighton will be eager to play his part, and said after the weekend success: "It is important his goal tally).

"It is something I want to do more. I think all attacking players want that, and I have had a run up front and managed to score a few, so hopefully I can keep that going between now and the end of the season. Hopefully we will have something to celebrate at the end of the season.

"When I first came here on loan (in season 2020/21, before completing a permanent move from Heart of Midlothian) I played a fair bit up front. I think that was only 10 games at the back of the season.

"I am enjoying it. I know the manager trusts me, and has got faith in me, and I think that helps as well, that I have that backing from him and the staff.

"I think we are all enjoying it and it is evident to see. Hopefully we can keep it going."

He also noted: "Playing every week, and playing up front where I feel probably most comfortable, so it has been good.

"The last few weeks, (we've had) a couple of poorer results, but performances have still been good, and again today it was probably a different type of game, battling away, second balls.

"But we competed really well and deserved the win in the end."

His boss, James McPake, added: "He is brilliant to work with.

"I seen that when he was 16 and playing against him, just how intelligent he can be on the pitch. His movement, his awareness, and his willingness to run into spaces which at times, when you watch games, if you are not looking for that, if you look for people to come and do tricks and flicks and whatever, Craig can do that.

"But, when you watch him in a game or watch him in training, you just see the football know-how he does carry and when you play to that and use that, he is a very very good player."