BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
NEIL LENNON has criticised the lack of atmosphere at Easter Road and told their “quiet” home fans to turn up the noise.
The Hibs boss was satisfied with events on the pitch after watching his side dismantle St Mirren yesterday, with Martin Boyle and Grant Holt securing a 2-0 win which should have been much more handsome.
Holt also missed a spot-kick as the capital club cemented their place at the summit of the Championship.
Given his side’s impressive display, Lennon was irritated by the lack of backing from the stands, insisting the 14,000-plus crowd need to “do their bit” when the players are putting on a show.
In typically no-nonsense fashion, Lennon said: “I don’t want to alienate myself from the supporters, but you go a goal up and then it’s very, very quiet for periods of the game.
“We would like a bit more atmosphere to gee the players on a bit.
“I don’t know if it is [that they expect to win] but you can’t just sit there and expect it to happen. I think some sections of the support could do their bit.
“The away support we get, that’s 90 minutes of singing and support and you can see that the players respond to that. We would just like a bit more noise in our stadium, especially when we score a beautiful goal like we did for the first!”
Nevertheless, Lennon had little to complain about on the pitch – barring the fact Hibs didn’t put enough gloss on the scoreline for his liking.
Boyle, in particular, was magnificent in just his second league start of the season, tormenting the fragile St Mirren back-line with his direct dribbling and intelligent movement. His clipped finish for the opening goal was delightful.
Lennon added: “We brought Martin in and he responded with a brilliant performance and great goal.
“His link up play was terrific. Technically he is good and he has that pace which is always a problem for defender. I’m absolutely delighted with the contribution he made.”
