JAMES MCPAKE is hoping to build on a successful week as his side travel to Ayr United this Saturday.

The Pars have won two on the bounce for the first time since September, following victories over Alloa in the SPFL Trust Trophy and Airdrie in the league.

Lewis McCann grabbed the goals in both games at East End Park, with McPake now looking to use this run as a platform before making the trip to Ayrshire.

“When good results have been coming - the one against Raith or the win against Livingston – we’ve always been trying to back it up," he said.

“It’s been a decent enough week in terms of getting the two victories – the Alloa one could have been more convincing – and even the Airdrie one, with the chances we had in the game, we could have been more comfortable.

“The important thing is getting the wins and the confidence from that and we’re hoping to build on that this weekend.”

A highlight of the game for the boss was the performance of Matty Todd, who completed a full 90 minutes for the first time this season.

McPake was full of praise for his number 10, insisting that after a torrid time out injured, the Pars are now starting to see the best of the midfielder.

He said: “He had a horrible time over the last year and a bit with injury and it’s taken him a while to get back.

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“It’s natural, of course, but now I believe we’re seeing the Matty Todd that we’re all used to seeing.

“When he’s at his best and he’s dynamic, he creates goals, he scores goals.

“Hopefully he can get a sustained run in the team and that certainly benefits Matty getting a run in the team but it also benefits our team as he’s a very good player and a great player to work with.”

Dunfermline are ninth but just two points behind Morton and three behind Raith Rovers and Hamilton.

Should results go their way on Saturday, they could jump up to sixth.

McPake continued: “It’s a tight league every season so it’s vital that we look ahead to the next game, we know that the opportunity is there to go down to Ayr and get a positive result but they’ll be looking at it the exact same."

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Athletic will be at near full strength for Saturday’s trip, with positive updates on Chris Kane and Lewis McCann.

McPake explained: “Chris came off but that was down to load management due to his concussion.

“He missed two games so his training load was down while we followed the protocol.

“The plan was always to get him roughly an hour on Saturday.

“Lewis came off with a bit of fatigue late on in the game but he’s doing well at the start of the week, so I expect to have almost everyone come Saturday.”