Johnston’s men go top of the class

DUNFERMLINE manager Allan Johnston believes his team have silenced their doubters as they moved to the top of the Championship after dismantling nine-man St Mirren at East End Park.

The Pars blew a two-goal half-time lead at Morton last week, crashing to a disappointing 3-2 defeat.

However, after earning the same advantage at the interval against the Buddies yesterday through goals from Declan McManus and David Hopkirk, Johnston’s team produced quality in the second half, with captain Callum Morris adding a third.

Saints lost the plot as the game drew to a close, with Adam Eckersley and Gregor Buchanan both sent off.

But it did not distract Johnston from heaping praise on his table-toppers, who now sit a point above St Mirren.

‘We were different class,’ he said. ‘A lot of people would have questioned our character after last week’s result, so it’s a great response.

‘We scored three goals against a quality St Mirren team, which speaks volumes for the players. We handled their pressure well and picked them off. It’s always great to be top of the league and we must continue to work hard because we have quality when we go forward.’

Saints had a glorious chance to open the scoring after just two minutes when Gavin Reilly brushed off Pars defender Lee Ashcroft and raced through on goal, but fired wide.

The hosts suffered a huge blow in the 18th minute when influential winger Joe Cardle appeared to pull his hamstring. Hopkirk came on in his place.

‘It’s the first time Joe has had an injury like that,’ said Johnston. ‘We will have to wait, but it looks like it’s his hamstring.’

However, Dunfermline were smiling just two minutes later when McManus fired them ahead.

Kallum Higginbotham headed the ball into the striker’s path and he darted into the penalty box to slot past Saints goalkeeper Craig Samson.

It should have been 2-0 after 25 minutes when Hopkirk moved in on goal but his shot from 15 yards sailed inches past the post.

Dunfermline did double their lead, though, just before the break when Hopkirk struck. Ryan Williamson’s cross picked out the striker, who curled a superb shot past Samson.

Dunfermline grabbed their third goal 11 minutes after half-time through Morris.

Samson saved a close-range effort from Dean Shiels. From the corner, Saints midfielder Ian McShane took a fresh-air swipe at the ball and Morris bundled home from six yards.

Saints’ misery was compounded three minutes from time when Eckersley and Buchanan saw red within 60 seconds.

First, Eckersley was dismissed for violent conduct towards Aaron Splaine and then Buchanan headed down the tunnel for a cynical trip, which earned him a second booking.

‘The red cards are a concern,’ said St Mirren boss Jack Ross. ‘We must maintain our discipline even at 3-0 down. It could have led to a heavier loss and that has consequences for the following weeks.’