KEVIN O'HARA was the hero as Dunfermline gave themselves a relegation lifeline with a richly-deserved derby victory over rivals Raith Rovers.
The marksman struck either side of the break to earn the Pars the Fife bragging rights and three crucial points in their bid to beat the drop.
They are now six points clear of Queen of the South at the bottom of the Championship but, given they would still face a relegation play-off, are also now within two points of Ayr United in eighth spot.
This fourth Fife derby of the season was a hugely significant one for both teams, but for differing reasons. For home side Dunfermline, every point is precious as they battle against relegation and with time running out. For rivals Raith Rovers, it is the play-offs that occupy their focus now that they have the SPFL Trust Trophy safely in their cabinet.
That 3-1 victory over Queen of the South on Sunday was just a fourth win 14 outings for John McGlynn’s side and the hope was that it would prove a catalyst for the remaining league matches. Celebrations were put firmly on hold in favour of preparations for this trip to East End Park, a game that Ross Matthews, the stand-in captain at the weekend, branded bigger than the cup final.
Rovers gave themselves a shot at promotion last season but for Dunfermline it was not supposed to be like this. Tipped last summer to be contenders for the title, they have suffered a woeful campaign, the start under Peter Grant leaving them with a mountain to climb. John Hughes has turned around fortunes but, with other teams also picking up around them, they remain firmly in the mire.
They desperately needed something from this beyond the bragging rights that always come with derby success and they got it.
Matej Poplatnik, Raith’s two-goal hero on Sunday, emerged wearing the Rab C Nesbitt-style headband he needed after getting a blow to the head scoring the cup final opener.
Full of confidence, he briefly threatened early on before being swatted aside by the excellent Coll Donaldson.
It was an indication of the way both teams had started.
The home side were on the front foot in search of an early opener, while Rovers were slow out of the blocks.
Pars skipper Steven Lawless drifted inside to find a pocket of space midway inside the visitors’ half.
When the breakthrough did come it was from a Rovers mistake.
Brad Spencer making his first appearance for four months after a broken leg was dispossessed by Liam Polworth 25 yards from goal.
Setting O’Hara free on goal with his quick pass, the striker made no mistake as he rifled his shot past the exposed MacDonald.
MacDonald was left all alone two minutes from the break when Dunfermline should have doubled their lead.
Launching a lightning-quick counter-attack, Polworth fed O’Hara on the left wing.
He lifted his head and brilliantly picked out Lawless sprinting through the middle.
Raith suddenly upped the ante after the break and it was their turn to dominate.
The visitors found their rhythm and had Dunfermline firmly under the cosh.
Yet, the home goal was protected well by some stout defending and it was the Pars who got the vital next goal.
Thomas swerved a magnificent corner from the right on top of MacDonald, who could only flap right under his crossbar.
O’Hara was on hand to bundle in from barely a yard out to ensure there was no way back for Rovers.
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