Offiong gunning for rivals Dundee

Mar 13 2008

RICHARD Offiong this week warned rivals Dundee he’s ready to blow a hole in their title challenge.

The Hamilton hitman took his season’s tally to 19 at Dunfermline on Tuesday, and aims to continue that when Alex Rae’s side visit on Saturday.

Despite hitting the net SIX times against Dunfermline this season, Offiong hasn’t yet scored against Dundee.

And he said: “I can’t really explain it; this season I’ve always done well against Dunfermline and I’ve scored in every game, but I can’t really put anything on why.

“Hopefully I can get one against Dundee, because I haven’t scored against them this season, and I would love to.

“It would mean the world to me to get to the SPL.

“There are only a handful of footballers who do it, win championships, and to do that would be amazing.”

Offiong knows just how big a game Saturday’s New Douglas Park clash is, and said: “Our lead at the top has been cut to three points, but we’re not going to buckle under pressure.

“We know it’s going to be tough and we’re not getting ahead of ourselves, because we’ve still got a few games to go.

“That just makes Saturday all the more important, and to get the victory at home would be huge.

“We’re all going to be up for it, prepare for it in the right manner, and we’re not going to underestimate them.

“We haven’t really spoken about the Dundee game beforehand, because we take it one game at a time.

“If you start looking to games in advance that’s when you lose your focus.

“We always knew it was going to be tough, and the senior pros are keeping everyone else level-headed; lads like David Graham and James Grady, who have experienced promotion before, know what it’s all about.”

Offiong added: “We have a good record at New Douglas Park and we’ve only conceded three goals at home in the league all season.

“We’re aware of that, but we’re going all out for the win.”

Richard was delighted with his goal and the point from an East End Park clash played in difficult conditions.

He said: “Coming here was going to be a real battle and a tough challenge, and we’re delighted to have taken 10 points out of 12 against Dunfermline.

“They dropped down from the SPL last season and they’re still a quality side with some good players, so we’re really pleased to take the points that we have against them this season.”