Neil Lennon can now build on first win to drive Dunfermline to safety | OneFootball

Neil Lennon earned his first win as Dunfermline Athletic manager on Wednesday night, guiding the Pars to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over promotion-chasing Livingston at East End Park…

Photo by Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock Connor Allan of theRangers B challenges for the ball with Ewan Otoo of Celtic B. Celtic B v Rangers B, Scottish Lowland League, Football, Celtic Park, 30 December 2022

Former Celt Ewan Otoo scored the winner for Lenny’s side

Former Celtic youngster Ewan Otoo’s goal just before half-time proved to be the winner, earning Dunfermline a crucial victory that moved them out of the Scottish Championship relegation play-off spot.

Scott Brown, Ayr United manager is interviewed as Victor Wanyama of Dunfermline Athletic walks by Ayr United v Dunfermline,Scottish Championship, Somerset Park, Ayr, 29 March 2025. Photo Garry McHarg, Shutterstock

The gritty win marked a major turnaround for Lennon’s side, who had only days earlier endured a disappointing 3-0 loss to Scott Brown’s Ayr United in Lennon’s debut match.

Livingston approached the encounter full of confidence, having been crowned SPFL Trust Trophy champions on Sunday following an emphatic 5-0 victory over Queens Park at Falkirk Stadium. That cup triumph followed a 1-0 win over league leaders Falkirk, cementing David Martindale’s side as serious promotion hopefuls.

A resolute performance inspired by Neil  Francis Lennon

However, their strong momentum was suddenly disrupted by a resolute Dunfermline performance inspired by Neil  Francis Lennon.

While Livingston arrived with fresh silverware in their trophy cabinet, the Pars were still recovering from their heavy loss at Somerset Park on Saturday. The setback was made worse by the red card shown to marquee signing Victor Wanyama, who was sent off 20 minutes into his debut, marking a tough start to life at Dunfermline for the former Celtic, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

Match referee Iain Snedden tells Victor Wanyama to leave the field of play after being red carded Ayr United v Dunfermline, Scottishl Championship, Somerset Park, Ayr, 29 March 2025. Photo Garry McHarg, Shutterstock

Although Wanyama was unavailable due to suspension, Neil Lennon’s tactical changes proved successful against a Livingston side that seemed to be struggling with the after-effects of their recent trophy celebrations!

An important milestone in Neil Lennon’s comeback

The Pars delivered a solid defensive display, restricting Livingston’s attacking chances and safeguarding Otoo’s match-winning first-half strike. The victory marks an important milestone in Neil Lennon’s comeback to managing in Scottish football.

The Irishman, who achieved great success during his two stints at Celtic and also led Hibernian to promotion from the Championship at the first attempt, has been entrusted with the task of stabilising Dunfermline and steering them clear of relegation.

Neil Lennon, Dunfermline manager. Photo Dunfermline FC

With five matches left, Lennon will be hoping his team can focus on climbing the table rather than looking over their shoulders in the weeks ahead. Up next is Hamilton at East End Park tomorrow afternoon. A win would see the Pars go four clear of John Rankin’s men who linger in the relegation playoff position.

It’s an absolutely huge match for Neil Lennon and Dunfermline and Hamilton will know that defeat will see them adrift from safety as the Pars motor away from trouble.

Conor Spence

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