Dunfermline midfielder Charlie Gilmour is focused on achieving a long-awaited victory at Stark’s Park when the team faces Raith Rovers this Saturday. For Dunfermline, this match in the Fife derby is crucial, especially after a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Ayr United last weekend. The team battled back from a 3-0 deficit at half-time, yet fell short, which is emblematic of the slow starts that have troubled them this season.
Breaking the Streak: A Long Wait for Victory
Dunfermline has not won at Stark’s Park for nearly nine years. In their last five visits to Kirkcaldy, they have failed to score a single goal. The recent derby history indicates a trend, with the home side winning 2-0 in seven straight matches. Earlier this season, the Pars lost 2-0 at Stark’s Park but managed to win 2-0 in the return fixture at KDM Group East End Park.
Charlie Gilmour’s Motivation
For Gilmour, the statistics serve as motivation instead of a burden. “I feel like it gives myself more incentive to go out there, perform, and ensure we get the win,” he stated. At 26, Charlie, who lacked derby experience during his tenure with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, has quickly learned the significance of the Fife rivalry. “These are the games that I love playing in. It’s aggressive and means a lot to the fans,” he noted.
Keys to Success
Gilmour emphasizes the importance of starting strong. “If we stay in the game for the first 10-15 minutes and grow in confidence, we can secure the win,” he remarked. He enjoys the challenge of playing in a hostile away environment, saying, “I probably prefer playing away than at home. It feels rewarding to get a win.” With manager Neil Lennon back in the dugout after a four-match ban, Gilmour and the team are hopeful, yet he insists that the players must take responsibility, stating, “It’s down to us on the pitch to perform.”
Looking Ahead to the Derby
Despite the recent results, Gilmour remains confident, having scored in two of the last four league matches. “I feel like form is irrelevant in these type of games. It’s about showing what we’re capable of,” he concluded.
- Match: Dunfermline vs. Raith Rovers
- Date: Saturday
- Venue: Stark’s Park
- Last victory at Stark’s Park: Nearly 9 years ago
- Last five visits: No goals scored
- Recent matchup results: Home side winning 2-0 in last seven derbies
