Football: Dunbar United looking to get back to winning ways

The Seasiders sit top of the pile in the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) First Division, with a 10-point advantage over nearest challengers Glenrothes, but the Fife side boast four games in hand and could move top if they win them all.

Dunbar’s form has taken a recent downturn, with three defeats in their last four games in all competitions.

The manager said: “We have lost two league games in a row and exited one cup in the last three weeks.

“It is probably the most difficult spell we have had so far this season.

“We have not been taking our chances.

“We are still creating chances but have been short a bit of luck as well.

“Every team has a spell like this and it is just how quickly can you turn it round and get back on the bike.

Dunbar United (black and white stripes) remain top of the table

“On Saturday, even with 10 men for an hour, we still felt we were the better side.

“We had lots of chances in the second half but did not take them and missed a penalty. It is probably just a wee bit of bad luck and misfortune but it could be concerning, especially with eight games to go. We are at the business end of the season now and to have a downturn in form now is potentially worrying.”

At the beginning of May, Dunbar will welcome Glenrothes, who were 3-2 winners on Guy Fawkes Night at Warout Stadium.

Haynes felt his side were still in the driving seat for an immediate return to the top flight of the EoSFL.

He said: “I would rather be in our position. We have still got them to play at Dunbar.

“If we win all of our games, including beating them, they cannot catch us.

“It is firmly in our own hands – it is ours to throw away.

“We just need to get back on the bike as quickly as we can.”

Dunbar United (black and white) are keen to get back to winning ways after slipping up against Coldstream. Image: Gordon Maitland

Dunbar also welcome Fife opposition this weekend when Kirkcaldy and Dysart cross the Forth.

Fifteen points separate the two sides in the table but it was the sixth-placed team who were 4-0 winners in the reverse fixture.

Haynes put that performance up there as among the worst of the campaign from his side.

He added: “If it was not the worst, it was the second worst performance of the season. It is in the same category as Preston away early in the season.

“Again, we created enough chances that day but Kirkcaldy scored a couple of goals that on another day don’t go in. It’s that wee bit of luck we are not carrying, like they scored a wonder free-kick when another 99 times it does not go in.

“We were on a nine-game run of winning league games and that was our 10th game and we lost. In hindsight, if somebody said you would win nine out of 10 games, you would take it.

“The manner we lost, it was uncharacteristic and a bit of a shock to the system.”