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.

“But if you don’t win the first header from the free-kick you have to win the second ball and we didn’t do either.

“Is it a lack of concentration? Is it lack of organisation in the heat of the moment? It’s probably a combination of the two factors. Let’s hope we get it right over the last three games.

“We have picked up wins when we have done the basics right and defended well.

“Partick are fighting for their lives but they didn’t really lay a glove on us.

“We had a few good performances. Jason Kerr continues to grow in stature, Zander Clark dominated his box, Scott Tanser is growing in confidence with every game and it was probably Matty Willock’s best game for us. David Wotherspoon was good in a deeper role.”

Another year in the top flight means the current Saints team are closing in on the club record of 13.

Wright said: “We got the point which means we stay in the league and that means we are going into a 10th season at the top level.

“That is huge credit to everyone who has been involved with the club over that period, not just this season.

“It is some achievement for a club of our size.

“A good side like Thistle finished top six last season but they find themselves trying to get out of that play-off place at the minute. That underlines how well this club has done year after year in terms of consistency.

“It has been a long season for us after a short turnaround for Europe. It has been difficult at times but there are positives in what has been a mixed campaign.

“Hopefully we can gather enough points over the last three games to secure that seventh place.

Steven MacLean has one game left as a St Johnstone player – at Motherwell on Saturday.

“It is disappointing for Macca after his weekend booking but he is a player who always plays on the edge,” said Wright.

“He won’t play at Hamilton and misses the final home game with Ross County so Motherwell this weekend is his swansong.”

Wright added: “Stefan Scougall took a wee knock on his ankle and missed Saturday. Murray Davidson is back from suspension this weekend. David McMillan will get some hard training under his belt this week and should take part in the Motherwell game.”