PARS 0 Falkirk 2

JAMES MCPAKE said that he doesn't think his squad is big enough after Athletic fell to defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Falkirk.

Ross MacIver's early opener from Keelan Adams' centre, and Callumn Morrison's spot-kick with three minutes to go, saw the Pars fall to a first defeat in six matches against the Bairns.

Whilst there was plenty of effort and endeavour, Dunfermline lacked quality in the final third throughout the game, with McPake suggesting he felt their opponents were deserved winners.

Frustrated fans watched their side slip to a second defeat from two Championship matches, having yet to score, in what was a fifth successive loss in all competitions.

When asked if he was concerned by results, and the depth of his squad, McPake responded: "I've been in this league long enough.

"I know what it's like being on a bad run in this league. We're two games into a season. I certainly know what it's like in this league being on a bad run, I know what it's like to turn a bad run round, and, in this situation, I also know what it's like to get out this league, the right way.

"I know this league well. You brought up the lack of resources, so I'll comment on it. Is the squad big enough? No. Am I worried about that group of players? No."

On the match itself, the Pars boss said: "I think this game, I've said it often enough when we've won it, but this game wouldn't be out of place in the Premiership in Scotland, with the atmosphere it creates, so to lose it is a sore one.

"It's the first time that we have lost to them in our time being here, but Falkirk deserved the three points today in my opinion, particularly in the first half. They're a good side. They're carrying a lot of momentum as well from their League One campaign and, from the last time we faced them, they've recruited really well with certain players that have come in."

There was a welcome return to the Pars bench for forward, Chris Kane, but Kieran Ngwenya, who was forced off at Livingston, didn't make the squad, despite McPake's hopes that he'd be available ahead of the match.

Joe Chalmers took his place in the side, whilst there was also a start for Craig Wighton in attack, with Taylor Sutherland dropping to the bench.

McPake said pre-match that he wanted to get the crowd involved and, whilst the atmosphere was crackling pre-match, the home fans were soon deflated.

Dunfermline invited Keelan Adams to push forward, in plenty of space, down the right-hand side, which he did so without hesitation.

After progressing into the penalty area, he slid a ball across goal where MacIver was lurking to tap home the opener from close range.

It was a nightmare start for the hosts but, to their credit, they didn't buckle.

They could have had a quick-fire equaliser, but Kyle Benedictus nodded wide of the far post from David Wotherspoon's corner, but, not for the first time, they found it difficult to find a spark in the final third.

They weren't hugely troubled at the other end, although Calvin Miller and Dylan Tait both had attempts at goal that ended wide of target, whilst Gary Oliver couldn't make a clean headed connection with a Morrison centre, but neither were the visitors.

Benedictus slashed wide from a long throw into the box, but he was flagged offside as he took a knock for his troubles, whilst Wotherspoon had their best attempt just before the break, curling wide from just inside the penalty area.

The hosts began the second period on the front foot, with McCann having an effort blocked before his follow-up was deflected over, whilst Chris Hamilton was unlucky not to get a shot off, after good play by Wighton, thanks to good defending by a visiting player.

Kane was then introduced for his first minutes since last month's game at The Spartans, but moments, later, there was a let-off for the Pars as MacIver, after evading the offside trap from Dylan Tait's pass, sent an effort just wide.

Good fortune almost befell Kane as he charged down a clearance from goalkeeper, Nicky Hogarth, with the ball spinning over the bar, and the substitute had Dunfermline's best chance with five minutes to go.

From Sam Fisher's cross, he headed for goal, which Hogarth got down to save, but just a minute later, Ritchie-Hosler's challenge on MacIver handed the Bairns a penalty.

Morrison rolled the ball into the net, leaving Dunfermline bottom of the table, and without a point and a goal.

Pars: Mehmet, Comrie (Sutherland 84), Benedictus, Fisher, Ritchie-Hosler, Hamilton, Otoo, Chalmers, Wotherspoon (O'Halloran 70), McCann, Wighton (Kane 57).

Subs not used: Breen, Young, Tod, McLeod, Rowe, Briggs.

Booked: Otoo (4) Falkirk: Hogarth, Henderson, Donaldson, Morrison, Spencer, MacIver (Shanley 90), Oliver (Ross 71), Adams, Tait, Mackie, Miller (Nesbitt 71), (Yeats 90).

Subs not used: McCann, Agyeman, Sinclair, McCrone, Hayward.

Goal: MacIver (6), Morrison (87, pen).

Booked: MacIver (58).

Referee: Matthew MacDermid.

Attendance: 7,595.