Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd kept his amazing goal ratio going by scoring the winner to take the Rugby Park outfit two points clear of Rangers in the SPL.

Boyd, named in the Scotland Future squad for Tuesday's clash with Poland, scored the only goal of the game in the 40th minute, angling a header beyond the hapless Allan McGregor to notch his eighth goal in five games.

For Dunfermline, it was another bad day at the office in front of their home supporters as they failed to build on their memorable win against Celtic last week.

The Fifers, however, do have the consolation of still being above basement side Livingston who also fell to defeat.

The Pars actually made the better start to the game and, following his goal at Parkhead last week, Greg Ross was urged by the home fans to shoot from outside the box after nine minutes but his effort was easily gathered by Allan Combe following a deflection.

Kilmarnock were finding it difficult to combat the Pars five-strong midfield with Gary Mason, Ross and Jamie McCunnie playing some nice intricate football in the middle of the park.

However, it was the visitors that should have taken the lead after 18 minutes.

Combe's long ball was headed straight into the path of Boyd by defender Andy Tod but Boyd lashed the ball wide of goal from 12 yards on the volley in what was a huge let-off for the Pars.

Striker Noel Hunt was wreaking havoc in the Killie rearguard and goalkeeper Combe breathed a huge sign of relief at seeing the forward's shot being deflected wide for a corner.

Towering defender Andy Tod was next to try his luck in front of goal but his header drifted over the bar in the 30th minute after latching onto Iain Campbell's out-swinging free-kick.

Nine minutes before the break the home side conjured their best chance of the half as Young darted into the box before cutting the ball back to Campbell.

The youngster hit a left-footed shot first time with the ball drifting inches wide of the post, taking a deflection en route.

The Pars, however, were dealt a body blow five minutes before the interval when Boyd rose unchallenged in the box to head Allan Johnston's cross high into the net, taking his goal tally for the season to 15.

Kilmarnock were denied a second just four minutes after the interval when on-loan Rangers goalkeeper McGregor pulled off a great save to thwart Colin Nish from close range.

Garry Hay sent Danny Invincible racing down the flank and the Australian's cross was headed back to Nish by Boyd but McGregor was equal to the challenge.

Dunfermline's cause was not helped by a torrential downpour as underfoot conditions deteriorated.

Pars manager Jim Leishman gave Tod the freedom to move into attack and the utility player came close to restoring parity as he headed Campbell's corner just over.

Kilmarnock shut up shot after that effort to claim another three points.

Teams:

Dunfermline McGregor, Shields, Scott Wilson, Tod, McCunnie (Burchill 68), Derek Young, Mason, Labonte, Campbell, Ross, Hunt (Horsted 81).

Subs Not Used: Halliwell, Tarachulski, Craig Wilson, Phinn.

Booked: Campbell.

Kilmarnock Combe, Fowler, Greer, Ford, Hay, Wright, Johnston, Naismith, Nish (McDonald 88), Boyd, Invincibile.

Subs Not Used: Smith, Lilley, Dodds, Murray, Campbell, Pronevych.

Goals: Boyd 41.

Att: 4,319

Ref: D McDonald (Scotland).