QUEEN of the South dealt Dunfermline's title prospects a heavy blow as they recorded their first win in 13 games and their first league victory at East End Park since 1955.
Dunfermline had their chances but failed to take them, a familiar story in
an inconsistent season, although they were unfortunate not to score after 11 minutes when on-loan Rangers striker Rory Loy fired towards goal and was only denied by the brilliance of another on-loan Ranger, Lee Robinson, who somehow got a hand to it.
It then broke to midfielder Nicky Phinn whose cross was met by the head of Graham Bayne but his effort was blocked by Queens' defender Craig Barr.
Robinson was called into action again after Bayne knocked the ball into the path of Loy and there was again frustration as his 20-yard drive was parried away by the 'keeper.
Dunfermline were stunned when Queens took the lead just on the half hour mark, Paul Burns' volley from inside the box giving Paul Gallacher no chance.
With the interval approaching Barry Wilson skipped past Pars defender Scott Wilson only to scoop the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Sadly for Wilson, he was also injured in the process and subsequently replaced by Jamie McQuilken.
Pars fans hoped the introduction of Graeme Holmes and Andy Kirk would turn things around but they were up against a well-organised Queens' defence and with 23 minutes left the visitors wrapped up the points thanks to Stephen Dobbie's superb left foot strike from 22 yards.
The full article contains 273 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
