ALLAN Johnston has called for unity after describing East End Park as a “hostile” environment during his side’s victory over Brechin City last Saturday.

It looked as though the Pars would coast to victory thanks to strikes from Declan McManus and Michael Paton either side of half-time, but the visitors rallied and were lifted by a wonder strike from distance by Connor McLennan on the hour mark.

As they grew in confidence, the home support vented their frustrations as their team let the relegation candidates back into the contest.

Speaking to Press Sport this week, Johnston said he had never experienced a crowd like Saturday since arriving at the club in 2015.

“The first half we played really well and throughout the game we scored two very good goals,” he said.

“We did let Brechin back in the game though and we got a bit nervy.

“It was a goal that goes in when you’re on a run like we were on; the majority of the time that flies into the stands.

“The players have to stand up and be counted.

“It’s not just them though, we also need the backing of the fans so we’re all pulling in the same direction, especially at such an important time of the season as well.

“I’ve never noticed it (being hostile) at home before. I think maybe it was a case of them being frustrated after the run of results we had been on, I can understand that.

“It doesn’t help when the fans are like that but I think it’s time to move on from that and all work together going forward.

“We know that we’ve drawn too many games that we should be winning recently, especially at home.

“That’s why it’s so important to make this place a hard stadium to come to. It does make a massive difference when you have the fans’ backing.”

The win lifted Athletic briefly into third place on goal difference, prior to this weekend’s opponents Livingston’s 4-1 triumph over Dumbarton on Boxing Day.

It’s the final game of the year for both sides as the January transfer window draws closer.

Johnston made the move to bring back club captain Callum Morris to East End Park on January 9 last season, and he is assessing his options on a daily basis as the 2018 window opens.

“We’ve identified key positions and we’re looking to get players in,” he said.

“It’s a difficult window to do that, as you have to remain patient in some cases where clubs won’t agree to a deal before they loan someone out.

“It’s not quite as simple as going out and targeting one player and bringing them in. It takes time and we have to just make sure that we get the right quality in.”