Dunfermline Athletic secured their first Scottish Championship win of the season against 10-man Raith Rovers.
The visitors were a player light from the 15th minute. Chris Kane got in behind Euan Murray and the Raith defender’s push resulted in a prompt red card from referee Craig Napier.
Kane and Pars team-mate Lewis McCann, twice, went close, as did Ewan Otoo before the latter’s somewhat fortuitous opener in the second half.
Otoo’s effort from outside the box was diverted into the net following Paul Hanlon‘s intervention.
Tempers flared when McCann and Dylan Easton became involved in a tussle near the dugout. A member of the Dunfermline backroom team was sent to the stand and a raft of players were booked.
Tiring Rovers were stretched as David Wotherspoon found space on the left and curled in a delightful shot to all but seal the three points.
Dunfermline move on to four points after five games in seventh while Raith Rovers, who were playing their first league match under Neill Collins, are bottom with three points. There are four more second-tier fixtures on Saturday.
Prior to kick-off, there was a minute’s applause to honour the late former Dunfermline defender Sol Bamba.
Dunfermline Athletic midfielder David Wotherspoon: “I don’t think I have hit one any better. I’m delighted.
“We have had a tough start to the season. The gaffer was desperate for this one. The boys showed that. They were at it from the first minute. We believe in our team and that we can produce.”
Raith Rovers manager Neill Collins: “When you go down to 10 men that early it is a huge change. I actually thought we handled it really well. Until half-time, very good, even until the goal.
“One of those nights where little things go against us. Made a mistake for the red card, the big guy has held his hands up. We could have done more, but I can’t be too hard on them.”
