Nick has knack as Pars win
St Mirren .......... 0 Dunfermline .... 1
Nicky Clark’s strike was the difference as Dunfermline moved away from the danger-zone with three vital points.
The frontman’s 26th-minute goal was enough as Pars recorded their first league win since they beat Buddies nearly two months ago.
Boss Allan Johnston said: “Getting a league win has been a long time coming. We’ve been so close so many times, so it was a relief to get over the line.
“We showed plenty of character because St Mirren put us under a lot of pressure, especially in the second half. I’m delighted for the players.
“It was a real team effort and it was nice to dig one out for a change. It will give the players confidence and hopefully we can build on that.”
Jason Naismith drove forward in five minutes and his deflected shot was gathered by Pars keeper Sean Murdoch.
Saints midfielder Kyle McAllister floated over a beautiful cross from the right after 14 minutes and Lewis Morgan met it with a bullet header that flew wide.
The Fifers took the lead in 26 minutes when Lee Ashcroft’s poor attempt on goal trundled into the path of Clark and he took advantage to guide the ball in from close range.
He should have added another when Kallum Higginbotham’s cross found him unmarked in the box but failed to beat Gallacher.
Buddies were left cursing their own poor finishing when John Sutton somehow missed from close range and Kyle McAllister smashed wide from 18 yards.
St Mirren boss Jack Ross, yet to record a league victory, said: “The goal we conceded was really poor. We need to be ruthless in front of goal as we created chances.”