ATHLETIC are on the verge of hosting their biggest crowd for almost a decade for a crucial match in pursuit of the League One title.

James McPake's team entertain bitter rivals Falkirk at KDM Group East End Park tomorrow (Tuesday) night, and more than 8,000 tickets have already been sold.

Table-topping Dunfermline, following Saturday's 2-0 win over Alloa Athletic, are five points clear of the Bairns, who sit second, with 10 games to go.

The importance of the game has been reflected in the anticipated attendance, with the Pars announcing last night that ticket sales have hit the 8,100 mark.

The last league crowd to exceed 8,000 at East End was a League One match, against Rangers, on December 30 2013, with the best attended thereafter being a Championship clash with Hibernian in October 2016, which attracted 7,624.

In August 2018, 8,601 - the last attendance of over 8,000 at East End - were present for a League Cup tie with Heart of Midlothian, and the clash with Falkirk looks set to go close to that figure.

Both the North West Stand and the SRJ Windows South (Main) stands are sold out, whilst there is limited seating available in the Norrie McCathie Stand.

The east wing of the Main Stand has also been opened up for Pars fans, with Falkirk supporters being seated in the East Stand.

Earlier this season, 6,670 watched the teams play out a 1-1 draw at East End, whilst 7,279 watched November's return at the Falkirk Stadium, with 1,976 Pars fans there to celebrate a 1-0 victory.

Dunfermline go into the game, which had been due to be played on January 2, but was postponed due to a frozen pitch, unbeaten in their last six games, winning four of their last five, and are one of only three teams in the SPFL that are unbeaten at home in the league, alongside Celtic and Rangers.

John McGlynn's Bairns have won their last three League One games, and have not lost any of their last 12 since losing to the Pars in November.

Kick off tomorrow night is at 7.45pm and, for ticket information, visit the club's website.