Johnston fears backlash from Hibs’ cup triumph
ALLAN JOHNSTON fears Hibs will be riding the crest of a wave when they host his Dunfermline side, still on a high from their Scottish Cup triumph over Hearts.
Johnston was at Easter Road on Wednesday night to take in Hibs’ “ferocious” 3-1 victory over their Edinburgh rivals, but also saw tomorrow’s opponents turn in a disappointing display in drawing 1-1 with Raith Rovers last weekend.
That performance drew stinging criticism from manager Neil Lennon but the public dressing-down drew the perfect response against Hearts.
Johnston would love Hi b s ’ inconsistency to return this weekend but insists the Pars must be prepared for the capital outfit starting where they left off against Hearts.
The Fifers’ manager said: “Hibs played really well against Hearts and I’ve now seen them in the last two games, because I saw them against Raith Rovers last weekend as well. They have a lot of good players and there’s going to be a massive crowd.
“I’m sure they’ll get a big lift after playing like that and getting a victory against their rivals.
“I’m sure they’ll come out of the blocks really fast after getting the momentum of the other night. We have to make sure we handle that and try to frustrate them.”
Dunfermline were idle last weekend because of the Irn-Bru Cup semi-finals and are still stewing over their own Scottish Cup exit against Hamilton Accies in their replay 10 days ago.
The Pars looked to be heading for the quarter-finals, and a money-spinning tie against Rangers at Ibrox, but lost out in a penalty shoot-out after Accies were awarded a controversial late spot-kick equaliser to take the game to extra-time.
Johnston admits the defeat still hurts but he is hopeful his side can take confidence from being able to more than match Premiership opponents in over three hours of cup football.
Johnston was forced to cancel training yesterday when players and staff were caught up in the travel chaos that hit the country with the arrival of Storm Doris.
However, he commented: “We have been doing really well and it won’t affect us. We’ve been playing well and defending well, so we’ve just got to keep doing that.”