GAFFER Danny Lennon admits his spirits have been lifted after his side's passionate showing in the 1-0 defeat to title-chasing Hibs last weekend.

The Wasps now face a crucial double header against rivals Dumbarton in the league and cup, but the manager reckons they have nothing to fear if they produce the same level of performances.

Alloa's squad at the weekend was somewhat healthier looking than in recent weeks and the former Raith Rovers star hopes the worst of their injury woes are behind them.

Lennon told Advertiser sport: “There are loads of positives for us to take away in terms of the massive reaction we got from the players. I expected nothing less, but the challenge is now to take that into every other game for the rest of the season. Every player left everything on the pitch and that is a good sign. “I would take that level of performance every week in this league, we got a wonderful reaction from a big disappointment last week at Falkirk. I asked the players to go out and re-build their reputation again and they certainly done that against a very good Hibernian side that have the potential of winning this league. There was a lot of good performances, particularly in the first half, where we limited Hibernian to very few chances.We defended great, not just at the back, but from the front, I thought the shape throughout it was great to see players prepared to throw bodies on the line so that means a great deal.

“I could sense that in training and it is great now to see a number of our injured players back. Flanny might have started against Hibs, but I just felt like he would've been best served coming on off the bench having been out for a spell. It turned out to be a tad too soon for him, but he got important minutes in the reserves on Monday and he will certainly be in the mix for Dumbarton.

We know these two games with Dumbarton are massive ones for the club, but I am confident if we can show the same level of performance and application then we can achieve positive results.”

Lennon was not surprised to see both of his goalkeepers perform with credit last weekend as injury ended Andy McNeil's afternoon early.

The 47-year-old was also impressed by the efforts of forwards Michael Chopra and youngster Scott Hynd.

He said: “I thought Michael Chopra was excellent in that midfield area, not in terms of what he created but in terms of his work rate it was second to none. It was great to see young Scott Hynd relish the challenge of 90 minutes against Hibs. He will learn a great deal from that and what he certainly offers us going forward is a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Andy McNeil tightened up his back and had to come off at half time, but was having a good afternoon. David Crawford come in and adjusted very well, so we were pleased to have two good goalkeepers.”

The former St Mirren boss revealed his frustration with skipper Dougie Hill after his two yellow cards in quick succession that led to his dismissal, all but end any hope of an Alloa revival in the defeat to Alan Stubbs' side.

Lennon added: “The way the game panned out in second half was disappointed to lose Dougie Hill. I think at times there is a little bit of common sense needed in that kind of situation and it cost us any chance to come back.