Johnston’s men in a good place ahead of tie

Allan Johnston hopes Sir Alex Ferguson’s “winning mentality” will rub off on Dunfermline this week as they bid to keep their promotion dreams alive.

Ferguson was at East End Park on Saturday to help some of his former Pars team-mates celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 1968 Scottish Cup triumph, and he took time out to chat with Johnston, his staff and players ahead of their key league encounter against Dumbarton.

The legendary former Manchester United and Aberdeen boss witnessed a comfortable 4-0 victory that sent the Fifers into tonight’s first leg of their play-off quarter-final with Dundee United full of confidence.

And Johnston is convinced his team is in a good place as his players attempt to set up a semifinal showdown with Livingston for a crack at a return to the Premiership.

He said: “Sir Alex came in and spoke to us and all the staff.

“It’s great when you meet guys like that, who have been right at the very top of the game and managed the best teams and the best players in the world.

“I’m sure that’s inspiration for the boys. Did he pass on any advice? Just win!

“When you look at the record he’s got, it’s incredible,” he said.

“If there’s anything to take from meeting guys like that it’s realising what it takes to win. I’m sure that must have got through to his players: his work ethic and his winning mentality.

“The aim is promotion. We’ve done the first part in getting to the play-offs.

“Now, it’s up to us. The season’s not finished, there’s a lot to play for.

“You can see the boys have got the bit between their teeth, they’re really focused and they’re desperate to put a run of results together. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Johnston is hopeful his team, who stretched their recent record to 10 games without defeat at the weekend, can give themselves an advantage heading into Friday’s second-leg at Tannadice.

However, the Pars boss is quick to acknowledge the ability of the play-offs to throw up twists and turns over the two-leg format.

He said: “Obviously, if we can go and get a good result on Tuesday night then it puts a lot of pressure on United.

“So, that’s what we’re looking to do.

“But we know it’s over two legs, not just the one.

“I was at the Hamilton playoff against Hibs in 2014 and it was incredible when you saw how well Hibs played in the firstleg.

“They were cruising, 2-0 up, and then there was the comeback from Hamilton at Easter Road to win on penalties in the second-leg.

“So, it’s never over, it doesn’t matter whether you’re home or away.”