Kilmarnock maintained their push for Europe with an uninspired victory over a lame Dunfermline side.
Kilmarnock were without their season's three leading goalscorers through suspension, injury and Kris Boyd's departure, and it was the invention and enterprise of the suspended Steven Naismith that they missed the most.
Kilmarnock maintained their push for Europe with an uninspired victory over a lame Dunfermline side.
Kilmarnock were without their season's three leading goalscorers through suspension, injury and Kris Boyd's departure, and it was the invention and enterprise of the suspended Steven Naismith that they missed the most.
The home side had the first attempt at goal in the first minute. Ex-Par Colin Nish shot powerfully after collecting Paul di Giacomo's stabbed pass, but Alan McGgregor did well to parry to safety.
Killie took an early lead in the 10th minute when Lindsay Wilson's deep cross was headed goalwards by di Giacomo. Greg Shields was on hand to block on the line, but Danny Invincibile was alert and stabbed the ball over the line, despite the former Killie defender's best efforts.
The Pars endured a chanceless first half but came out for the second with more impetus, but it was still the home side who threatened more. Di Giacomo was sure he had marked his return with the second goal five minutes after the break when he deflected Nish's shot into the net, but the effort was ruled offside.
For all Dunfermline's pressure in the second half, Killie keeper Alan Combe was never required to make a meaningful save, and indeed the best save of the match was made by Pars defender Greg Shields after his own terrible mistake.
Combe punted a long ball forward which bounced just outside the Pars box. Shields aimed a header back to his keeper, but McGregor could only punch it back to di Giacomo, who lobbed it towards the empty net. The home fans were ready to roar, but Shields raced back and acrobatically bicycle-kicked the ball away.
The Pars forced numerous corners in the second half, but were made to pay for their first half efforts as Killie held on for a valuable three points.