Dunfermline boss Jim McIntyre praises defending

Image caption, Austin McCann (centre) scored the only goal of the game at Easter Road

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre was pleased to see his side pick up a narrow 1-0 win away to Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League.

The victory edged the Pars above Aberdeen at the bottom end of the table and McIntyre was anxious to hold out for 87 minutes.

"When you score early you're going to face a reaction from the home team," said McIntyre.

"It's been a long time coming, but it's important we got the three points."

Austin McCann's third-minute goal separated the sides to put the East End Park club level with Hibs in the league table.

The former Hearts defender converted a Paul Willis cross from close range for his first goal in more than 100 appearances for the Pars and McCann praised the effort of his fellow players after a recent poor run of form.

Audio captionInterview: Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre

"It's how we wanted to start because we've spoken about the amount of times teams get the first goal against us and it's hard to recover," said McCann.

"Confidence has taken a bit of a hit the run we've been on, we've been under a bit of pressure and to come to Easter Road and get a result is fantastic.

"My last two goals have been last-minute winners, but it was a long time for us to hold out and the boys at the back were great.

"It's a massive three points for us."