By Sean
November 3 2003

Dunfermline put their financial concerns to one side to record a 2-0 home victory over Dundee United. Pars' captain Scott Thomson made the breakthrough in the 59th minute.

In the closing stages, substitute Billy Mehmet struck his first goal for the club to wrap up the points to ease the disappointment of the midweek CIS Insurance Cup defeat at St Johnstone.

Some United supporters jeered their team off the pitch after another poor display to follow their own CIS Cup exit against Livingston.

The home side dominated in the first period and Gary Dempsey almost broke the deadlock in the 17th minute.

The youngster played a pass to Craig Brewster on the edge of the United penalty box and charged on to the return ball.

With United goalkeeper Paul Gallacher advancing to block him, his deft chip fell wide of the goal.

But it was Dundee United who missed the best opening of the first half, with Stuart Duff left holding his head in his hands.

Jim Paterson got a fortunate break when Scott Wilson slipped inside the area and he poked the ball towards the Pars' goal.

Duff slid in unmarked at the far post but only managed to deflect the ball wide of Derek Stillie's goal from five yards.

Then, in the 59th minute, the goal finally came with Thomson playing a captain's role.

Dempsey flighted in a free-kick from the left after sub Collin Samuel had fouled Thomson. But nobody tracked the Pars defender into the box and he guided the ball into the far corner with his head.

United could have grabbed a 70th minute equaliser but defender Chris Innes let a Mark Wilson cross slither under his boot with only the keeper to beat.

Seven minutes before the end, Mehmet replaced Thomson and wrapped up the points in the final minute when he slotted coolly past Gallacher.