Dunfermline: James McPake on Chris Kane's impact after Arbroath draw

The Pars were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom side Arbroath at KDM Group East End Park on Saturday, despite Malachi Fagan-Walcott's first senior goal giving them the lead, to remain second bottom of the Championship table.

Thomas O'Brien's leveller extended Athletic's winless run to nine matches, but they had opportunities to win the match, including Ewan Otoo heading wide late on, and debutant Chris Kane hitting the upright.

McPake was encouraged by his team's performance, and felt that switching from a back three to a four, and pushing Chris Hamilton and Ewan Otoo into midfield, worked positively.

He was also pleased with the performance of on-loan St Johnstone forward Kane, who played his first match since December 27, when he appeared as a substitute for the Perth club against Livingston.

"I think the goals are obviously concerning, but the performances as well," McPake said in reference to Dunfermline's previous two outings, 5-0 and 3-0 defeats to Greenock Morton and Queen's Park.

"I think I said many a time last year, we did the opposite - we went from a back four to a back three in certain games. This year, we had stuck with it, but maybe with the personnel we've got at the minute, and, again, that's where I take it, myself and Dave (Mackay, McPake's assistant). We're sticking to a system and when you concede eight goals in two games, you know something drastically needs to change in the shape or personnel.

"Today I spoke to Joe (Chalmers) and Paul Allan. It looks reflective on them, they came out the team, but simply anybody could've come out the team, we know that.

"Over the last two games, performance-wise, it wasn't good enough. We tried; we changed it and the players have worked really hard all week on the shape, which I think they know anyway, because they've played it often enough.

"I thought on the whole - again, it's hard to judge on that pitch, and I'm sure Arbroath will say the same - that the game becomes difficult with the pitch. That's nothing against our club or ground staff.

"I thought the system worked pretty well. The flexibility in it with Hammy and Ewan playing as the two midfielders gives you the option. I think Xavier (Benjamin) was on a booking, we were worried it's a sending off as well, so that was quite an easy decision at half-time, when you had Hammy and Ewan Otoo in the team.

Ewan Otoo played in a midfield role on Saturday. (Image: Craig Brown.)

"For me, Chris Kane was the one that, to get 90 minutes out of him, that was the worry late on when you see him, he's got cramp in his calves, but I thought he looked good.

"He'll get better game by game."

When it was put to him that Kane gave his team a focal point and made a favourable difference, McPake replied: "I think he did today. I think you could see that.

"That's his first game in a while. The one that he flicks around for Michael, that just sums today up. The goalkeeper slips and it actually helps the goalkeeper!

"Kano's header at the end, and even the rebound - it's good defending, their throwing their bodies on the line - but that's when you're just hoping something goes in. Kano gets up really well.

"He'll make a massive difference to this team and that 90 minutes will do him the world of good."

Arbroath manager, Jim McIntyre, was pleased to take a point from his return to East End - even if he admitted his team were hanging on at the end.

McIntyre, who guided Dunfermline to the 2011 First Division championship, said: "I thought it was an even game to start with but clearly the goal changes things and Dunfermline get their tails up.

"It took us 10 or 15 minutes then to get a grip again.

"In the second-half we came out with good intent and scored a good goal, and could have scored another one.

"Then, it was a wee bit a case of hanging in at the end, with Dunfermline having a couple of really good opportunities, but, over the piece, we deserved a point.

"They’re the home side and they’re going to have that period of pressure and pushing and pushing, which you expect a big club to do.

"We still had a couple of decent opportunities in the second-half to score ourselves. The boys can be pleased with their efforts today.

"When you’re a goal down at East End Park and the crowd’s right up for it, it can be quite difficult to come back, but credit to the lads. I was really pleased."