dunfermline 3 Keena (3),El Bakhtaoui (43, pen), Craigen (85) morton 0

It was hard to believe Dunfermline had not won at home since September as they convincingly dismantled Morton at East End Park. The Greenock club appeared drained by their midweek Cup victory in Peterhead and were unable to stop the Pars romping to only their second home victory all season.

“Our home results haven’t been good enough, but we were much more like ourselves today, so I’m delighted,” said manager Allan Johnston.

“It’s been a frustrating period for us recently, but the boys showed a lot of character and it was nice to score a few goals.

“There’s a lot to build on in the next few weeks and we need to put a run together.” Morton boss Jonatan Johansson admitted: “We knew they would come out fast and put us under pressure, but we just didn’t handle it.”

Aidan Keena’s early goal gave the home side confidence, and they almost doubled their lead midway through the first half when a long-range drive from Jackson Longridge was parried by Morton keeper Derek Gaston. Joe Thomson then fired the rebound fractionally wide.

The visitors were enjoying their fare share of possession, but with Robert Thomson ploughing a lone furrow up front, they failed to ask any serious questions.

At the other end, Gregor Buchanan’s clumsy trip on Faissal El Bakhtaoui giftwrapped Dunfermline a penalty, and the on-loan Dundee forward made no mistake from the spot. Keena ought to have put the Fifers out of sight at the start of the second period but hesitant finishing kept Morton in the game.

As time ticked by, Dunfermline sat deeper and invited the visitors to attack.

Five minutes from time, James Craigen finally gave the Pars some breathing space when he made it 3-0.