ECSTATIC Pars star Rhys Breen joked that he “didn’t even know where to run” after setting his team on their way to a colossal win over Falkirk last Tuesday night.

The centre back headed home the opening goal in Dunfermline’s 2-0 win over their fierce rivals, which sent more than 7,000 home fans in a crowd of 9,530 delirious.

Matty Todd, with his 10th of the campaign, sealed a victory shortly afterwards that moved James McPake’s side eight points clear of the Bairns at the top of League One, with nine games remaining.

It was a night to remember for everyone of an Athletic persuasion and Breen, who had unsuccessfully tried to claim Chris Hamilton’s goal in the team's previous win over Alloa Athletic, was thrilled that he and his team-mates channelled any nerves in a positive way to reward their fans.

“I enjoyed that one. It was brilliant, every single second of it,” he told Press Sport.

“Obviously there was a bit of confusion (on whether his header crossed the line) but, when I saw the ball over the line, I was right over to the fans.

“I think it was over originally, and then it came back out, and that’s why the referee had a decision to make. When it went over, I just saw everybody react, and I just ran with everybody!

“I didn’t even know where to run; I was just looking about, and I was thinking, where am I supposed to run to?

“I’m happy to get the goal, but I think the main thing is the way we performed.

“It’s a big occasion and the way that we want to play is high-paced, and we want to press. That was the message at half-time, that we had to go out and make sure that we’re putting that work in.

“I don’t know if Deniz (Mehmet) had to make a save or not, but I think that comes from the hard work, not only from Deniz, but the full team.

“It’s been like this the whole season; I think that’s our 16th clean sheet. It’s unbelievable and it’s brilliant to be partnered up with the guys in the team.”

When asked if it was hard for the players not to become caught up in the hype that surrounded the game, Breen, who now has five goals this season, replied: “Of course.

“I think your big games speak for themselves. You’ve got the excitement before the games. Obviously, when we heard that the crowd was going to be as big as it was, it gives you that extra edge, but, once you’re on the pitch, five minutes into the game, you settle in and you just have to go and do your job.

“I thought everybody in the team showed that you have to take the nerves in a positive way. You can’t let them affect you in the game, and I feel that’s what everybody did.

“You just have to take it as it comes. Obviously, with a big crowd, that’s what you’re wanting every single week. I’m glad they came out in force, and I’m just glad we could get the result for them.”

With nine games of the season to go, Dunfermline are in a strong position to go on and clinch the League One title and seal an instant return to the Championship following last season’s relegation.

Breen, however, insists they have a lot of hard work ahead to secure that ambition, starting with this weekend’s trip to bottom side, Peterhead.

“It’s far from over and we know that. We can’t get too carried away,” he continued.

“We can’t get too carried away as I’ve said. I think that, if you get too carried away, and you get too ahead of yourself, that’s when problems start. The gaffer’s said that.

“We can’t get too carried away because it is easy, when you do win on occasions like this, it is so easy to get ahead of yourselves.

“We know what we need to do.”

On his goal, Breen laughed: “I am 100 per cent taking that! There was a thing last weekend where I didn’t get the goal, and I was raging, but I’m definitely taking this one!”