Soccer:Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon expressed an overwhelming sense of relief after his side's 4-0 victory over Dunfermline that saw his side retain their Clydesdale Bank Premier League status and meant that their opponents at Easter Road last night were relegated.

The Pars had to win to take the duel to avoid the drop to the final day, but a point was enough for second-bottom Hibs. In the end Dunfermline disappeared with barely a whimper as familiar defensive failings saw Matt Doherty, Eoin Doyle and Garry O’Connor, with a penalty, score in the opening 15 minutes before Paul Hanlon was awarded a late fourth despite replays showing the ball did not cross the line.

Fenlon, who replaced Colin Calderwood as boss in November, was assigned the task of SPL survival and was uncomfortable with the party atmosphere. “It’s a massive relief. It’s more a relief than anything else, not a celebration.

“It’s a bit embarrassing. We’re second-last in the league. I think it was more us showing our appreciation to the supporters than the other way round.” The capital club can now focus on the May 19th William Hill Scottish Cup final with Hearts.

Hibs have not beaten their rivals in 10 attempts and last won the Scottish Cup in 1902. “It’s a good time to be hitting a bit of form,” Fenlon added. “We’ll work in the next two weeks in relation to how we’re going to play and set up against Hearts. We need to turn the tide a little bit with them. There would be no better way to start. I thought they all played really well tonight.”