DUNFERMLINE 3 Clark (33, 38, 90)

QOS 1 Marshall (69)

Nicky Clark’s hat-trick against one of his former clubs inspired Dunfermline to a crucial victory over promotion rivals Queen Of The South and moved the Pars into the final Championship play-off spot on goal difference.

It was only their third win in 13 games since the turn of the year, although they appear to be coming good at just the right time, climbing into the all-important top four after extending their unbeaten run to five matches with another five left to play.

Queens had won 5-2 on their previous visit to East End Park in December, but the absence yesterday of their top scorer Stephen Dobbie made a huge difference and the home side capitalised ruthlessly.

They had already gone close on several occasions by the time Clark deservedly nodded them in front after 33 minutes.

Declan Mcmanus set up Clark’s second goal barely five minutes later, and although Jordan Marshall pulled one back for a much-improved Queens side, Clark had the final say, completing his hat-trick with another header three minutes into stoppage time.

“That’s why Nicky’s up at the top of the scoring charts every year – he’s a predator in the penalty box and he’s hit top form at just the right time,” said Pars boss Allan Johnston.

“It’s always great to see one of your strikers get a hat-trick, so I was delighted with that.

“Some of our football in the first half was outstanding. We controlled the whole of the first half, but then we let them back in the game.

“Overall, though, it was really pleasing. Guys like Joe Cardle are missing at the moment, but other players are coming in and doing a jobfortheteam.

“There were lots of good individual performances. Fraser Aird was outstanding.”

Second-placed Livi visit East End Park on Tuesday for another “sixpointer”, and Johnston added: “We need to keep playing on the front foot and get ready for Livingston because they’re a very strong side.

“Everybody is fighting for their lives, but we need to focus on ourselves and keep playing like we did today.”