Only a top class performance from Dunfermline’s on-loan goalkeeper Ryan Scully denied Hibs a comfortable win at East End Park last night.
Alan Stubbs’ men created several good chances in front of a large travelling support but were unable grab the third victory of the pre-season build up.
Trialist Luke Coulson started the game as Stubbs tried a 5-3-2 formation with Michael Nelson, Jordon Forster and Callum Booth in the centre of the defence.
Injuries to Jason Cummings and Paul Heffernan meant that Danny Handling started up front with Melrose youngster Lewis Allan.
New signing Farad El Alagui did not make the squad.
Hibs started brightly and in the ninth minute Scott Robertson was brought down inside the box and referee Stephen Finnie awarded the penalty, but Liam Craig’s (Pictured) well struck effort was saved by Scully.
Craig then struck the bar with a header before Stevenson had the ball in the net but this was rightly disallowed for an infringement.
The biggest talking points of the first half came when Booth’s volleyed clearance struck a passing seagull then Coulson almost grabbed the lead with a cross just before the break.
In the second half Craig’s powerful left-footed shot was deflected for a corner then Stevenson’s close range header was well saved.
Allan had a great chance to score his second goal for the club after a defensive error but after finding himself one on one with Scully, his shot rolled inches wide of the far post.
Craig once again went close then Hibs had a penalty claim turned down as they completely dominated possession.
The Pars thought they had won the game in the closing minutes when Byrne had the ball in the net but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Overall Hibernian will be satisfied with the performance – another 90 minutes of fitness in the bank heading into the start of the new season.
Hibs’ next game is against Stirling Albion at Forthbank on Sunday (20 July, kick off 2pm).
Dunfermline: Ryan Scully, Ross Millen, Alex Whittle, Lewis Martin, Gregor Buchanan, Andy Greggan(c), Faissal El Bakhataoui, Michael Moffat, Ross Forbes, Josh Falkingham, Andy Stirling.
Subs: Jamie Wilson, Ryan Wallace, Ryan Thomson, Jonathan Page, Shaun. Byrne, Ryan Williamson, Allan Smith, Ross Drummond, Kerr Young, Lewis Spence
Hibs: Kleton Perntreou, Luke Coulson (David Gray 53), Lewis Stevenson (Max Todd 81), Jordon Forster, Michael Nelson, Callum Booth, Owain Tudur Jones, Scott Robinson, Lewis Allan, Danny Handling (Sam Stanton76), Liam Craig
Subs: Sean Brennan, Aaron Dunsmore, Tom Gardiner
Referee: Stephen Finnie
Attendance: 2712
Photo by John Preece
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
