Hanlon surprised that ‘goal’ was given

PAUL Hanlon was as bemused as anyone to be awarded Hibernian’s fourth goal in the 4-0 win over Dunfermline which secured Clydesdale Bank Premier League survival at the expense of the Pars.

After goals in the first 15 minutes by Matt Doherty, Eoin Doyle and Garry O’Connor, Scotland Under-21 captain Hanlon struck a fierce volley which ricocheted down off the underside of the crossbar nine minutes from time to cap Monday’s win.

Hanlon put his head in his hands and retreated to his defensive position, only to be mobbed by team-mates after assistant referee Stephen Mitchell flagged for the goal. Replays showed the ball bounced in the field of play and not beyond the goal-line.

Hanlon told Hibernian TV: “If you saw my reaction I was pretty sure it wasn’t over the line.

“I went away gutted that it hadn’t gone in and it wasn’t until I turned back around and everyone was jumping on me. It was strange but I’m delighted the goal was given.”

It was Hibs’ second SPL win at Easter Road this season and gave them an unassailable eight-point lead over the Pars going into Saturday’s final fixture of the campaign at Inverness.

Following the Highlands trip, Hibs play Hearts in the William Hill Scottish Cup final on 19 May, seeking to win the trophy for the first time in 110 years in the first all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup final since 1896.

Hanlon believes it is crucial Hibs carry momentum on to Hampden by winning at Inverness, a result which could see Pat Fenlon’s men finish 10th in the table, depending on goal difference.

He said: “If you start taking your foot off the gas it’s hard to get back up for the final.

“There’s another place at stake in the league if we go there and get a good result. We’ll be trying to get a win. We’ve won twice there this season, so there’s no reason why we can’t do it again.”