A blistering second half performance by Kilmarnock, inspired by 35-year-old
Pat Nevin, kept the Ayreshire side on course for a place in Europe.
The first hour was a dour exhibition with long-ball tactics leaving little of
the play in midfield.
The home side had the best of the chances but they tended to fall to Paul
Wright, who lacked the finishing touch.
His first miss came with only three minutes played, his shot flying well wide.
Another effort on 15 minutes was on target but Ian Westwater was on the spot to
save
Dunfermline enjoyed a good spell midway through the half but Killie weathered
the storm and were awarded a penalty in 36 minutes when Mark McCulloch pulled
down Jim McIntyre in the box.
The normally reliable Wright took the kick but he blasted the ball wide of
Westwater's right hand post.
Dunfermline had a rare opportunity to score early in the second half when they
were awarded a freekick right on the edge of the box.
Craig Ireland took the kick but shot high over the defensive wall and sent the
ball into the stands.
After 62 minutes Kilmarnock were awarded their second penalty of the match
when Andy Tod held back Wright as he prepared to shoot.
Tod, who had been booked for a foul a few minutes earlier, was red carded.
Pars assistant manager Tommy Campbell was ordered into the stand after
protesting too loudly about the penalty award, and Wright calmly slotted the
ball home.
Things got much worse for the visitors in the 65th minute when some terrific
interplay between Gary Holt and Pat Nevin ended with the latter scoring a
quality goal.
Then Nevin turned provider four minutes later when he picked out McIntyre at
the back post and the striker rose to head in his first Premier League goal of
the season.
Only a great save from Westwater eight minutes from time prevented substitute
Mark Roberts from adding to his side's tally.
Teams:
Kilmarnock: Marshall, Hamilton, Kerr, Montgomerie, Lauchlan,
Reilly (O'Neill 83), Nevin, Holt, Wright (Vareille 79), Henry,
McIntyre (Roberts 79).
Booked: Montgomerie.
Goals: Wright 62 pen, Nevin 65, McIntyre 69.
Dunfermline: Westwater, Shields, McCulloch, Tod, Ireland,
Bingham (Den Bieman 58), Shaw (McDonald 80), Robertson, Smith,
French, Petrie (Millar 74).
Sent Off: Tod (65).
Booked: Tod, Ireland.
Att: 8,230
Ref: E Martindale (Glasgow).
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