CHRIS HAMILTON has said that tonight's match with Raith Rovers gives Dunfermline "a chance to try to put things right" following last season's derby woes.
The 23-year-old and his Pars pals will take on their Kirkcaldy rivals in the first Fife confrontation of the campaign tonight, live on the BBC Scotland channel, seeking their first win of the Championship season.
Three points would see Athletic leapfrog Rovers and move off the bottom of the table, whilst also ending a run of six matches between the clubs without a victory.
Raith, under previous manager, Ian Murray, - who was axed after their opening day loss to Airdrieonians, with Neill Collins subsequently appointed as his replacement - won all four league meetings last term, as well as a Scottish Cup third round tie, whilst a Premier Sports Cup, group stage clash ended in a draw, with Dunfermline claiming a bonus point following a penalty shoot-out.
"Last season hurts us, and I know it hurts the fans," Hamilton commented.
"It’s a chance to try to put things right. They do have one up on us just now, so we need to make sure first of all we bring the performance, and the work rate, and hopefully things will change.
"It’s a new season and we’ve both got new players, and they’ve got a new manager, so it’s different, but Raith Rovers still beat us five times last season. We do need to use it on Friday night.
"We’re looking forward to it. It’s obviously always a big game, and being on Friday night on the TV makes it that wee bit more special.
READ MORE: Keys to victory: Four things Pars must do to beat Raith in TV battle
"We’ve not started as well as we would have liked, but the performance in the second half against Hamilton and in the last two games, against Ayr and East Fife, have been a lot better and a lot more like us."
Hamilton, a boyhood Pars fan, added: "There’s maybe been a wee tweak to the shape, and I think it’s made us a wee bit more organised.
"I feel like we’re harder to beat and harder to play against.
"It helped to back up the performance against Ayr United and get the win as well, which keeps the confidence going."
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