Johnston hails Pars fans in ‘European’ occasion

ALLAN JOHNSTON praised the dedicated Dunfermline supporters who made the 830-mile round trip to the outskirts of London, insisting they created an atmosphere akin to a European tie.

More than 500 Pars fans descended on Meadow Lane for the first-ever Irn-Bru Cup game involving an English side, outnumbering the Boreham Wood faithful and creating an almighty din throughout. Batting around beach balls in honour of their trip ‘abroad’, the hardy band of punters saw Dunfermline progress 6-5 on penalties following a stodgy 0-0 draw. They finally sealed a place in the last 16 when Connor Smith hit the bar with his decisive spot-kick.

‘It was important to come here and get a result, especially when we had so many fans at the game,’ said Johnston.

‘The support made the occasion — they were brilliant. It was a cracking atmosphere. There haven’t been many European trips over the last few years — maybe this is classed as one!

‘Facing the same sides week in, week out can be difficult for the supporters, so it was great to see how much they enjoyed that freshness.

‘You could see how much our players appreciated the effort they all made to come down to the game — and I’m glad we got through for them.’

Dunfermline blew a golden opportunity to claim the win in normal time when Aidan Connolly was sent clear on goal in the dying embers, only to be thwarted by a fine Jake Huddart save.

However, that miss was not costly as Smith fluffed his lines in the shoot-out.

lELSEWHERE in the IrnBru Cup, Ray McKinnon’s first game as Falkirk manager ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Welsh side Connah’s Quay. Craig Jones netted the only goal on 46 minutes.

Stephen Dobbie hit a double as Queen of the South looked home and dry after taking a 4-0 lead at home to Crusaders only for the Northern Irish side to pull them back to 4-3. However, Queens held on to progress.

Ross County dominated League One Raith Rovers in Dingwall, with Brian Graham netting four goals in a 5-0 romp.

Dundee United lost to Alloa 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Tannadice, while Partick Thistle slumped to a 2-1 defeat at East Fife.