An own goal by Motherwell's Bobby Newman gave Dunfermline three priceless points in the relegation battle at East End Park.

The score was level with a goal apiece at half-time, but in the 61st minute the game was put beyond all doubt.

Andy Smith and Newman scrambled for a dangerous Andy Tod pass and Newman appeared to put the ball in his own net from six yards though Smith claimed the goal.

Motherwell had gotten off to the best of possible starts by taking the lead in the 12th mintue. A Billy Davies corner fell to Newman, who headed down to an unmarked Tommy Coyne. He booted home from four yards.

Dunfermline equalised in the 23rd minute in grand style as Stewart Petrie sent Davie Bingham through down the left with a Motherwell defence caught on the wrong foot.

He sent a perfect pass to Smith, who scored neatly through keeper Stephen Woods' legs.

Both sides then piled on the pressure to try and gain the assendency, but the defences remained supreme at this stage.

In his anxiety to stop a Billy Falconer breakthrough in the 39th minute, Pars skipper Craig Robertson was booked for a foul on the Motherwell player.

Hamish French failed to take advantage of a good chance in the 59th minute when he headed a Smith pass straight into keeper Woods' hands.

Dunfermline went ahead two minutes later.

Motherwell piled on the pressure and Eric Garcin, who had substituted for Ian Ross in the 76th minute, came close on a number of occasions.

His best chance to equalise came in the 78th minute after breaking through the middle but he shot just wide of the post.

Motherwell used all three subs but despite a desperate finish had to concede three points.