The woodwork denied the Pars of all three points in last Sunday’s derby against Hearts.
The sun beat down and the heat was on the Jambos from early on.. ANDY SMITH had tested Rousset minutes before he rose to meet a Greg Shields cross and nod in the opener on 12 minutes. It was all Dunfermline for most of the first half but they failed to add to their tally and that ultimately cost them their win bonus.

Skipper Andy had more chances and Scott Thomson despatched a cracking shot from outside the penalty box that hit the post and rebounded across the goals. Scott McCulloch had a drive at goal and Hearts were mere spectators.

The Pars did not have as much of the early second half play and allowed the Edinburgh team back into the game in the 58th minute. Stephane Adam beat the offside trap, burst down the right and delivered a perfect ball to Jim Hamilton who slotted passed Lee Butler.

Hearts then had a couple of opportunities to take the lead and Butler did particularly well to keep it all square. Petrie was brought on for French after 72 minutes and suddenly the Pars were back in the driving seat. Richard Huxford hit the crossbar and Scott McCulloch again came close.

This was a good performance from Dunfermline who for the first time this season looked every bit worthy of their Premiership status. Rangers are the guests at East End Park on Saturday and with the opening of the new Norrie McCathie stand the Pars will have to produce a performance to match their transformed professional appearance. The young Dunfermline defence is improving every match and the threatened signing of Owen Coyle from Motherwell should sharpen the attackers resolve. The management should be alert to making substitutions earlier; the introduction of Marc Millar and Craig Falcounbridge on Sunday came far too late for them to prove their worth.