JASON’S ‘STUPID’ HANDBALL NOT A CONCERN FOR LENNON
HIBS boss Neil Lennon refused to condemn Jason Cummings for his moment of madness after watching the striker give their title bid a massive boost at Tannadice. Cummings hit a vital first-half winner before receiving a second yellow card in 76 minutes for punching the ball into the net as his team chased a second goal against ten-man Dundee United. Lennon, also sent off at the end by referee Don Robertson, said: ‘Jason was stupid and he knows that. He’s feeling remorseful — but he’s won me the game. ‘He has a gallusness about him and he has to learn, because he’s let his mates down for the last ten or 15 minutes while we were in complete control of the game. He can be happy with his contribution but you can still have a go at him. ‘We’ve all done stupid things over the years. Martin O’Neill would be the first to berate you for it because you’re no good to anyone in the bath. ‘So he’s got to learn quickly, but he’s a real player and has been precious to me all season. ‘I thought it was a goal at the time but the ref got it right. ‘When I got sent off it was for encroaching too many times, the technical areas aren’t big enough for me! It’s called emotion, pressure and playing the game on the edge. I have no complaints. ‘I thought we were outstanding and the scoreline flattered United. ‘If Martin Boyle had shown more composure it would have been two and then Cammy Bell has made a great save from Andrew Shinnie. ‘I can’t remember my goalkeeper having a lot to do. United were unbeaten here, so it speaks volumes. ‘I played it down during the week but we knew how massive it was psychologically to win here tonight. ‘We’ve not had enough respect lately. A few people in the game have said we’ve been on a bad run, but we’re nine points clear at the top.’ United boss Ray McKinnon, his team now ten points behind Hibs in third spot, was upset with Lewis Toshney’s dismissal for a challenge on Shinnie. ‘The sending off changed the game. Lewis pulled out of it and everyone who’s seen it thinks the same. It makes it difficult now but if we win on Wednesday at St Mirren it’s back to seven points,’ declared McKinnon.