DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC 0 DUNDEE UNITED 2 MCMULLAN (24), KING (60)
A virtuoso perfomance from former Dunfermline midfielder Fraser Aird helped Dundee United to victory over his old club at East End Park.
The Canadian international controlled play in the manner of an orchestra conductor as the Tangerines outclassed the Pars, adding increased momentum to the mini revival in the Tannadice club’s fortunes.
Manager Robbie Neilson, who was appointed earlier this month, said: “I’m really pleased with that performance.”
Neilson has enjoyed an unbeaten run of three games since taking over from Csaba Laszlo.
Neilson said: “We didn’t play as well as we have been, but we did the things we needed to get the three points.
“Dunfermline sat in and we had to work hard to break them down.
“We’re getting better, the fans are getting behind us and confidence levels are increasing. Winning games always helps but there’s still a lot of football to be played.”
The two former Dunfermline players in the United side, Aird and Paul McMullan, combined to make the opening goal midway though the first half.
A free kick, which led up to the goal, followed an incident whereby El-Bakhtoui appeared to be harshly penalised for an apparent foul on Billy King.
From the free kick, Aird launched a tempting ball deep into the home penalty box where McMullan, the smallest player on the pitch, sent a glancing header past Robinson.
McMullan’s strike seemed to knock the heart out of Dunfemline and United were largely dominant for the remainder of the game, increasing their advantage on the hour when King drove home from 10 yards after being set up by McMullan.
They even allowed themselves the luxury of a missed penalty late in the game, McMullan sending his spot kick wide after having been fouled by Ryan Williamson.
Pars boss Allan Johnston said: “I’m really disappointed.
“I didn’t think it was a free kick which led to their first goal but the manner of the goal summed up what’s been happening to us lately.
“We have to start scoring goals and defending better.”