Dunfermline went nap at Ochilview with a style and panache that suggests that Alan Johnston’s team are good value as League One title favourites with the bookmakers.
Johnston’s recruitment acumen and man management capacity were to the fore in Saturday’s match when Ryan Wallace was one of many stars after thinking his career was at an end around a year ago.
“This time last year I thought I might never play again,” he said. “I had stress fractures, including one in my spine, and it looked unlikely I would play again.
“I’ve been three years at the club and I’ve been volunteering to play with the 20s squad and in every match possible just to get playing time.
“This was my first start since January and although I did feel it a bit towards the end, I am delighted that I was able to see it out and contribute to an excellent win in the end.”
Manager Johnston’s influence is apparent throughout the side and 25- year-old Wallace continued: “I am really enjoying it under the manager. He wants everyone to get on the ball and do things, which is how I want to play, but the bottom line is that everyone is enjoying it and that’s how games are won.”
Stenny will hold their own against teams of a similar make up, but they never had a chance against an East End outfit that had emerged from a completely different planet.
The Warriors had no answer to Joe Cardle and why should they, given that few teams have and the wee winger was unlucky to see an early shot rise just over the bar.
Cardle and Wallace combined shortly after only for the latter to watch as home keeper Jamie Barclay superbly tip a ferocious volley over the bar.
Cardle was not to be denied, however, and he broke the deadlock after 11 minutes with a 20-yard shot past a host of defenders and into the net past a rooted Barclay.
That was Cardle’s eighth goal of the season and in the 24th minute Faissal El Bakhtaoui put the Fifers two up with his 14th counter this term.
It was difficult not to feel some sympathy for a home team that did not lack enthusiasm and drive, but they were clearly being outclassed and when Shaun Byrne fired home a third just before the break, it looked ominous for the hosts.
It got worse seven minutes into the second period when El Bakhtaoui converted an Andy Geggan cutback to make it four, but Stenny’s Mark Gilhaney, Stuart Malcolm and Colin McMenamin all went close for the home team before sub Mickael Antoine Curier added a fifth for the Pars five minutes from time.
After dumping Dundee from the League Cup in the last round the Fifers attempt a city double when they meet Dundee United tomorrow night and manager Johnston said: “I was a really good performance from start to finish and we dominated most of the game.
“It was great to see the like of Ryan Wallace get back in to things and playing so well, Antoine Curier came on and scored as well and he is a big presence.
“I was delighted for the players and the fans and the performance will give us a bit of confidence going into Tuesday night’s match against a very good United team.”
Johnston’s side will not be facing the Warriors on that occasion, but if they can repeat this classy demonstration the Premier League side will not find it easy.