Hibernian 2 Pars 1

DUNFERMLINE suffered late heartbreak at Easter Road as they fell to defeat against Scottish Cup holders Hibernian.

Jason Cummings’ close-range finish in the 78th minute after a mistake from returning defender Callum Fordyce handed Neil Lennon’s title favourites the points but not after being given a real test by the Pars.

Ben Richards-Everton’s unfortunate 28th minute own goal handed Hibs a first-half lead but Gavin Reilly’s superbly worked goal hauled Athletic level just before the hour mark.

It was a cruel end to a fabulous game in the capital that Dunfermline contributed much to, and the magnificent crowd of 16,472 real value for money.

There was a welcome return to the starting line-up for Fordyce, who made his first top team appearance since breaking his ankle against Ayr United last September, in what was Allan Johnston’s only change from the opening day win over Dumbarton.

He replaced the suspended Lee Ashcroft and the atmosphere as the teams took to the lush Easter Road pitch would have made his hard work in getting back to fitness – and the Pars’ efforts in winning promotion last season – worth it.

A large crowd turned out to cheer on the Scottish Cup holders, while a big contingent from the Kingdom ensured a superb atmosphere for one of the toughest tests Dunfermline will face this season.

Neil Lennon’s side began firmly on the front foot but Athletic more than held their own in the early stages, with Joe Cardle forcing Ross Laidlaw into the first meaningful save of the match in eight minutes following good link-up play with Reilly.

In Grant Holt and Cummings however, Hibernian have a potent attacking threat and they were to combine well throughout the opening period.

David Hutton was deployed to block Cummings’ attempted cross after his strike partner released him inside the area, before a curling shot from the bleach blond frontman was saved comfortably by Hutton.

A bigger chance fell to the hosts in the 22nd minute when Cardle’s short back pass was seized upon by Cummings, who met the ball before the outrushing Hutton.

With the Pars keeper racing back towards his line, Cummings’s clipped ball to the far post was headed clear by Richards-Everton but only as far as Holt, who dragged his shot badly wide from 15 yards out.

Dunfermline were struggling to create any clear openings as Hibs began to see more of the ball, but an increasingly edgy Easter Road erupted in the 28th minute when the hosts opened the scoring.

A Hibs corner from the right was met by Darren McGregor’s head and although Cardle was stationed well to clear off the line, the ball was lofted back into the box and as Richards-Everton attempted to head back and clear for a corner, it dropped agonisingly under the bar and behind Hutton.

That raised the roof inside an expectant Easter Road and the Pars had to weather a green and white storm until the interval.

John McGinn’s raking drive from distance was pushed over well by Hutton, who then did brilliantly to block from Holt at the far post from close range.

McGinn saw another effort deflected off target but, just before the break, the home side came even closer when Cummings’ lovely header back across goal from Lewis Stevenson’s flighted delivery hit the base of the post, but Hutton was able to gather.

Dunfermline tried to respond after the restart and, in the 50th minute, forced a corner.

Kallum Higginbotham’s delivery was cleared but returned by Rhys McCabe towards Reilly, whose flick header was easily caught by Laidlaw.

Stevenson then served further notice of the Hibees’ threat moments later with a lovely curling effort that ended up just off target before Holt should have done better than slash over from 15 yards.

Dunfermline though sent their fans into raptures in the 57th minute with a superbly crafted equaliser.

They worked the ball well infield from the right and found Cardle, who threaded a superb pass into the path of Reilly who tucked it home coolly beyond Laidlaw from 12 yards.

Cummings then had a penalty shout waved away by Willie Collum as the game began to open up, with the Hibs hitman sending another dangerous effort just wide of target.

Rhys McCabe went close with a 25-yard free-kick as Dunfermline began to grow in confidence, but some brilliant last ditch defending, led by Richards-Everton, blocked out Cummings after he was beautifully played in by Stevenson.

McGinn, an impressive presence in the Hibs midfield, showed some lovely footwork to move away from Moffat’s attentions and create a shooting opportunity for himself, but Hutton was equal to it as time ticked on and home frustrations grew.

But with 12 minutes left, there was heartbreak for the visitors and the returning Fordyce.

The centre back looked certain to clear the ball inside the six yard box following a low cross from the right, but he seemed to lose his balance as he attempted to clear.

His fresh-air kick saw the ball fall for Cummings, who tucked it home to give Hibs the lead for a second time.

With eight minutes left, Johnston threw on David Hopkirk for Moffat but try as they might, they couldn’t find a leveller and suffered their first league defeat of the season.

Hibs: Laidlaw, Gray, Hanlon, Fontaine, Bartley, Stevenson, McGinn, Holt, Keatings, McGregor, Cummings.

Subs: Virtanen, McGeouch, Boyle, Forster, Harris, Crane, Martin.

Goals: Richards-Everton OG (28), Cummings (78).

Pars: Hutton, Williamson, Richards-Everton, Fordyce, Martin, Geggan, McCabe, Cardle, Higginbotham, Moffat, Reilly.

Subs: Gill, Talbot, Paton, Hopkirk, Spence, McMullan, Lochhead.

Goal: Reilly (57).

Attendance: 16,472.

Referee: Willie Collum.