Johnston waxes lyrical over defensive displays

Boss lauds team’s work ethic after fourth clean sheet

Allan Johnston has hailed Dunfermline’s defensive efforts after racking up a fourth clean sheet in five outings as they swept aside fragile Falkirk.

The Pars were comfortable 2-0 winners on derby day, with goals from Andy Ryan and Myles Hippolyte securing a richly-merited victory.

Dunfermline’s dominance was underlined by the fact goalkeeper Lee Robinson did not have a serious save to make, as the Fifers extended their unbeaten run in the Championship to four matches and ascended to fifth spot.

“Four clean sheets in five games is outstanding and it’s not just the defenders that are responsible for that. It’s the whole team,” said Johnston.

“I thought we defended really well against Falkirk. Teams are finding it hard to break us down at the moment and we’re combining that with creating chances.

“Going forward, some of the passing was outstanding and we totally controlled the middle of the pitch.

“If you look through the team, I don’t think there were any failures. It was a terrific performance, collectively. I thought we were totally dominant and created a lot of chances. We probably should have scored a few more goals.”

Johnston did, however, reserve special praise for Jackson Longridge, insisting his dynamic display down the left-flank was his best since arriving from Livingston in the close season.

“I thought Jackson Longridge was magnificent,” lauded Johnston.

“He was different class, getting forward and also doing his defensive duties really well. It was his best game for the club.”

With momentum building, Dunfermline will soon receive a further boost with the return of Kallum Higginbotham.

The mercurial midfielder has been absent since limping out of the Pars’ Irn-Bru Cup victory over Boreham Wood on September 8, having suffered a groin injury.

And Johnston admits Higginbotham is chomping at the bit to get back into action.

“Kallum Higginbotham is progressing his rehab really well,” Johnston added.

“We’re actually having to hold him back, because he’s one of those boys who is desperate to get back playing. He’s working incredibly hard.”

Picture: Craig Brown. Pars striker Andy Ryan opens the scoring for Dunfermline in their fine win over Falkirk.