For Saturday’s Red Matchday Magazine, striker Bruce Anderson spoke to the programme editor:

Such is the small world of professional football that it often throws up situations where good friends have to play against one another. This was demonstrated last weekend when on loan Dons and best buddies Bruce Anderson and Sam Roscoe were in direct competition when Dunfermline Athletic met Alloa Athletic. This Saturday Bruce will be up against another AFC loanee in Mark Reynolds when they take on Dundee United.

Bruce grabbed the game’s only goal with a shot from just inside the box as the Pars boosted their play-off hopes with a 1-0 win at Alloa, the fourth-placed Fifers moving closer to Dundee United and Ayr United who both lost. It was Bruce’s fourth goal in seven games since joining them on loan, evidence of his eye for goal in a game where few opportunities came his way.

“I was starved of chances throughout, but then the chance came early in the second half. We had put something like 17 passes together before the ball was flung into the box. I got a touch with my right foot and then got a shot away as fast as I could. The keeper was rooted to the spot and the ball finished in the back of the net. I was delighted with it!

“I was directly up against Sam but to be honest, the build up to it, thinking about coming across him, was probably worse than the actual game. As soon as you get on the pitch, you soon forget about everything and just concentrate on the job you have to do. Let’s just say the friendship was left on the side of pitch. He was no friend on the park. He kicked lumps out of me the whole game! It was just two players trying to do their best for their team.

“It was one of the hardest games I have had to play, certainly since I have joined Dunfermline, because he knows my game so well. He knew what I was going to do before I did it! It made for a very hard afternoon.

“I spoke to him briefly afterwards and we have spoken since. He was a bit down after the game, but he should be very pleased with the way he played”.

Incidentally, Sam also spoke to the programme editor this week and confirmed it was the worst possible result and the one he was dreading – 1-0 with Bruce nabbing the winner. “I will have to live with this for the rest of my life! I will never hear the end of it!”

After facing Sam last weekend, this weekend it’s a Don of a more experienced vintage that will be looking to block Bruce’s route to goal.

“It will not be any easier this Saturday as I am up against Mark Reynolds! Like Sam, he knows my game inside out so it will be another tough afternoon. It will be another battle but I’m used to Mark kicking me in training!”

you can read the full intevriew with Bruce in Red Matchday Issue 22

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