Dunfermline registered their second successive league victory at Pittodrie despite the efforts of Referee Dougall to ensure Roy Aitken’s continued employment at the Dons. The match featured some of the most biased decisions and brandishing of cards seen for many a time and the assistant referee in front of the away support should be invited to next year’s Dunfermline Gala since he demonstrated some unique flag waving qualities in trying to award teams a throw in.

The match also saw the first performance in the new blue away strip which seemed to appropriately match the supporters comments on the match officials.

Aberdeen were poor and their finishing even worse. Andy Tod commanded everything in the air and Westie played a stormer. Dave BINGHAM opened the scoring in 14 minutes when Rowson failed to clear decisively. A sweet lob from 18 yards leaving Leighton a spectator. Colin Miller was forced to go off with a groin strain after 30 minutes of the first half, causing Marc Millar to go to left back. His first yellow card was justified before Billy DODDS equalised in 40minutes. A corner was headed in, Westie saved but didn’t hold on to the ball which fell for a easy chance.

Marc Millar was sent off after 62 minutes for a tackle on Joe Miller which was no worse than any other examples that Dougall had ignored. Steve Welsh became the third left back of the day and then Shaw and Britton came on in a double substitution for Bingham and Smith. Six minutes from time Andy Tod rose a foot above the defence to head in a Petrie cross. Gerry BRITTON prodded the ball home as it ran under the crossbar.

To chants of “Aitken must stay” and “Going down with United” the 1000 strong travelling support greeted the final whistle to mark a well earned three points.

DUNFERMLINE: Ian Westwater, Greg Shields, Colin Miller (Ivo Den Bieman33), Andy Tod, Steve Welsh, Marc Millar, David Bingham (G Shaw 74), Craig Robertson, Andy Smith (Gerry Britton 74), Hamish French, Stewart Petrie
Scorers: Bingham, Britton
Yellow Card: Petrie, A Smith, M Millar, Robertson
Red Card: M Millar(62)
Attendance 9000
Referee Stuart Dougall (Burnside)
League position 5th
Next match v Dundee United (home) Saturday 4th October