Ewan Otoo poured cold water on Livingston’s title ambitions in the Scottish Championship by netting the winner in struggling Dunfermline’s 1-0 win.
Three points for the visitors would have been enough to lift them above Ayr United and within five of pace-setters Falkirk, but they were unable to take the chance.
After back-to-back wins they were brought back to earth at East End Park, where a goal on the cusp of half-time settled things.
The breakthrough came when Jerome Prior saved an initial effort from Matty Todd, leaving Otoo to sweep home at the second attempt.
Tobi Oluwayemi made a fine second-half save from Tete Yengi to secure an important result and lift Neil Lennon’s Pars above Hamilton and out of the relegation play-off position.
Rock-bottom Airdrie enjoyed the best result of a troubled season, blowing away Queen’s Park 5-0 at Hampden Park.
Mason Hancock grabbed a first-half brace, opening the scoring and getting another just before the break, and there was also two from striker Ricco Diack.
He netted in each period, while substitute Chris Mochrie also got himself on the scoresheet.
Despite victory, they remain five points adrift at the foot of the table.
