SHIELS IS THE PASS MASTER AND CARDLE FINISHES TO PERFECTION

DEAN SHIELS bounced back from his traumatic week to set up Joe Cardle for the goal which sent Dunfermline into third spot in the Championship.

The 32-year-old produced a magnificent pass that gave Cardle the platform to secure the points with a quality finish in the 24th minute.

Shiels was given a standing ovation by the visiting support when being replaced by Kallum Higginbotham eight minutes from time.

The Northern Irishman, blinded in one eye as a result of a childhood accident, had fake eyeballs thrown at him by Falkirk fans during a home win over the Bairns on Tuesday, with both clubs now working to identify the perpetrators.

However, Pars manager Allan Johnston was delighted by his contribution yesterday.

‘We scored a goal worthy of winning any game,’ said Johnston. ‘It was a great pass from Dean and a real bit of magic by Joe.

‘There has been a lot of media attention, but it shows you Dean’s professionalism when he plays like that.’

Dunfermline dominated the first half, but much of their work lacked a cutting edge until Shiels’ touch helped them to a third straight victory.

He fired a superb ball from inside his own half that picked out Cardle. The winger cut inside, spotted Scott Gallacher off his line and sent a beautiful curling shot into the net.

Dumbarton should have equalised four minutes before the interval. Liam Dick picked out David Wilson unmarked at the back post — but the striker headed wide from eight yards.

Andy Ryan almost added a second for the Pars late on with a shot that hit the post.

Visiting keeper Lee Robinson then had to save from Christian Nade two minutes from time to safeguard all three points.