PARS vice captain Chris Hamilton has said they have focused on building on recent performances as they aim to turn them into victories this evening.

Dunfermline take on Fife rivals Raith Rovers in the third round of the Scottish Cup at KDM Group East End Park, in a tie that will be beamed live to the nation on the BBC Scotland channel.

James McPake's side are aiming for a first victory over their near neighbours this season at the fourth attempt, and are in search of just a second win in seven outings.

After three defeats in a row, at win at Greenock Morton was followed by an unfortunate late defeat at home to Dundee United, and Saturday's draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, in which the Pars struck the woodwork EIGHT times.

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When asked if there was anything they'd highlighted that they hadn't done in their previous meetings with Raith, that they need to do in this one, Hamilton told the media this week: "Not necessarily no.

"I think we've focused a lot on us and what we can do, trying to build on the performances we've had in the last few weeks because we think we're getting back to our best in terms of performances.

"I think when you're doing that you don't want to try and focus away from that and focus on other things. We know what their strengths are, we know they're good. They've got good players in forward areas that can hurt teams, so we know that we need to be concentrated in terms of that, but I think the big focus is on us, what we can do, and being confident in what we're doing.

"You saw on Saturday we go until the end and we get a late minute equaliser, so I feel like even the game there, we were playing well up until the late stages. It wasn't as if we started to fall off towards the end - it was just one of these things that you can lose late goals.

"It's always a focus that you need to be concentrated from the first to the last in these games, and make sure that you're ready for what's coming."

Hamilton added: "There's just a slightly different feel about it when it's a cup tie. It's that one-off game, it doesn't really matter how you play, does it? It's all about getting the win and getting through to the next round.

"I think it does add that wee bit of edge, a wee bit something different that the league doesn't have, so it's always good, no matter who you're playing, in the Scottish Cup to go and try and get a good run. That's what we'll be looking to do."

"It's going to be a good crowd, it'll be a good atmosphere, a night game, on the TV, so I think that all adds to what will be a good occasion anyway. It adds a wee bit something extra."