DUNFERMLINE'S players need to be "on it from the start" this afternoon as they plot a return to winning ways at Airdrieonians.
That's the view of manager James McPake, who reiterated his belief that he got his team selection wrong last time out against Queen's Park - but said that, whoever plays against the Diamonds, they can't afford to just play for periods in a 90 minute match.
A goal down at half-time against the Spiders last Saturday, McPake made a triple half-time substitution in a bid to turn the tide back his team's way.
Although they ended strongly, with Josh Cooper netting his first goal for the club, Athletic had conceded again and fell to a 2-1 defeat, their second in succession.
Their opponents in North Lanarkshire are the only side below them, on goal difference, and, speaking to the media yesterday (Friday), McPake said: "I think it was more the performance.
"Looking back on it, I stand by what I said. I got it wrong, or me and my staff got it wrong, with the selection we made in the first half.
"That's not a slight; it just didn't work. We didn't get close enough to them, we didn't hurt them enough in their shape at what they did.
READ MORE: 'Dynamic' new boy Dapo hailed as a 'right talent' by Pars boss
"Second half, we played a lot more in their half, we worked their goalkeeper a lot more, and we caused them all sorts of problems in the second half, but you can't just play in 45 minute periods or 35 minute periods, however long it is.
"You need everybody to be on it from the start and that's the aim for tomorrow, whoever's picked.
"They'll be desperate to get off it (the bottom of the table), just like we were a couple of weeks ago when Raith came.
"It's the first time probably both teams are going into a game in this situation, where your aim is either to get off the bottom, or get away. Before, over the last couple of years, it's been to climb away from them, they've been trying to catch us, and then, the tail end of last season, we were trying to catch them in the play-offs.
READ MORE: Pars reveal interest of 'several' groups in investment update
"It's completely different this time. It's two teams, or two clubs, that are familiar with each other over the last couple of years.
"We all know the games, they're good games, they're always eventful, and I don't expect tomorrow to be any different."
McPake said that goalkeeper, Tobi Oluwayemi, would be assessed ahead of kick-off, having missed the last two games with injury, but the trip to the Diamonds will come too soon for both captain, Kyle Benedictus, and full back, Kieran Ngwenya, who is back training after having a minor procedure on his groin.
The boss is happy with the depth of options he has in his squad, however, adding: "The options are great.
"Like I said last week, you don't want to make subs at half-time. I felt something had to happen last week. We didn't quite get the result we wanted out of the game, but we were a bit better in the second half.
"It ultimately means nothing, but we've now got the opportunity to do that. Dapo will be involved tomorrow and, with Kieran coming back next week, hopefully Bene's back for next week, the squad is strong.
"I can't have any complaints in terms of the numbers we've got. We're going down there with a fit enough squad, that's for sure."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here