Despite a storming finish by Kilmarnock, Dunfermline picked up their first three points in 10 games.

Killie look set to continue their challenge for a UEFA Cup place when they spreadeagled a suspect Dunfermline defence in the second minute for Jerome Vareille to run through and rifle the ball home from just outside the penalty box.

Things looked bleak for Dunfermline. The defence looked very shaky as it has done for so many games despite the return from suspension of central defender Dave Barnett.

The man who kept Kilmarnock at bay was keeper Ian Westwater who brought off a series of brilliant saves to prevent the visitors increasing their lead.

Then in the 41st minute from a Hamish French corner Barnett headed home the equaliser. George Shaw nearly made it two a minute later when Jim Lauchlan sent a bad bouncing ball back to his keeper Colin Meldrum who hesitated long enough to give Shaw a chance to toe the ball into the net but the striker miscued his shot.

While Paul Wright was still struggling to score his 100th Premier goal Dunfermline took the lead in the 67th minute. Greg Shields passed a ball to Shaw who neatly slipped it to Andy Smith who in turn drew keeper Meldrum and shot into an empty net.

The game then became bad tempered and there were five bookings, four after Shaw got the Pars third goal in the 76th minute.

French beat Gus McPherson to send a perfect ball to Shaw who booted home for his first goal for the Pars.

Then Kilmarnock staged a tremendous comeback and the Dunfermline defence had their backs to the wall as Roberts, Vareille and Mitchell threw everything at the Dunfermline goal but the home side held out.

Teams:

Dunfermline: Westwater, Shields (Sharp 70), Miller (Biemen 45), Tod, Barnett, Fraser, Shaw, Robertson, Smith, French, Petrie (Bingham 78).

Booked: Shaw, Smith, Sharp, Bingham.

Goals: Barnett 41, Smith 67, Shaw 76.

Kilmarnock: Meldrum, MacPherson, Baker, Lauchlan, McGowne, Reilly (Bagan 84), Mitchell, Holt, Wright (Henry 84), Roberts, Vareille.

Subs Not Used: Montgomerie.

Booked: Baker.

Goals: Vareille 2, Roberts 85.

Att: 4,903

Ref: K Clark (Paisley).