THE continuation of tough Coronavirus restrictions might be difficult to bear but Dunfermline Athletic and its charity partner are sending out a message of hope.

With Scotland continuing to live under level four measures put in place by the Scottish Government in a bid to reduce case numbers, the Pars and their nearest rivals, Raith Rovers, are set to come together and offer their support to an organisation that is there to help.

The two teams will play each other tonight at East End Park and, ahead of the game, they will team-up with the Dunfermline branch of the Samaritans.

Following the success of a similar initiative ahead of November's home game with Heart of Midlothian, Dunfermline's players will wear t-shirts highlighting the charity, as will their counterparts from Kirkcaldy.

They will highlight the work of the Samaritans, and the help and support it offers, by donning the special shirts during the warm-up.

The initiative had been due to take place on January 2 but, due to a frozen pitch, the game was postponed and rearranged for this evening.

It will be visible to supporters of both clubs watching the game on Pars TV, who will also have an interview with Dunfermline Athletic's mental health ambassador, Eddie Martin, during the half-time interval.

Speaking to the Press previously ahead of the postponed game last month, Eddie said: "There is a lot of uncertainty living through this pandemic.

"More than ever, especially with the new restrictions going to be implemented by the Scottish Government moving us into level four, we are acutely aware about the uncertainty and the affect that this will have on our fanbase and the local community.

"I feel that this is an especially important partnership as the Dunfermline branch of the Samaritans will provide a listening and supportive service through these testing times for people who do not normally need support but because of the pandemic, will be struggling.

"They should not hesitate to reach out and, with both teams wearing the t-shirts, hopefully this will send a strong Fife message of hope."

Linda Miller, director of Dunfermline Samaritans, added: "Samaritans of Dunfermline is once again grateful to DAFC and their mental health ambassador, Eddie Martin, for the opportunity to raise awareness of the help and support we can provide.

"We are also grateful to Raith Rovers for showing their support and we're proud that both teams will be wearing our t-shirts during the warm-up.

"Poor mental and emotional health can affect anyone at any time and as we are all unique individuals, how we are affected by what we're feeling is also individually unique.

"Our message is simple – you don't have to face things alone. We all need help at some point in our lives and Samaritans are here for anyone who needs emotional support or a safe space to talk things through."

Anyone can call the Samaritans at any time, day or night, for free on 116 123 for support, or email jo@samaritans.org.