STORY OF THE MATCH | DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC (A)

Dundee United fended off a stubborn Dunfermline Athletic to put three cinch Championship points on the board at East End Park.

A cagey opening quarter began to expand into a tasty second-tier clash, as chances began to flow at both ends.

Former Dundee man Craig Wighton went closest for the hosts in the first period, seeing his target-bound strike deflected narrowly wide of Jack Walton’s upright.

Less than two minutes later, the Terrors would draw first blood through one of Scottish football’s most in-form prospects.

Following in after Liam Grimshaw’s venomous drive was spilled by ex-United stopper Deniz Mehmet, Kai Fotheringham stooped low to nod into the empty net and notch his fifth goal in his last seven league appearances.

Substitute ‘keeper Harrison Sharp was called into action almost immediately after entering the fray, thwarting Louis Moult’s well-placed header with a smart stop down to his left.

The save would prove to be crucial, as the Pars restored parity through Owen Moffat soon after. The 21-year-old was allowed to carry the ball more than 60 yards after an unfortunate slip from Declan Gallagher paved his route to goal, and Moffat remained composed to slot low beyond Walton.

Despite being slightly shellshocked, the Terrors regained the upper hand heading into the closing stages, carving out further opportunities through Moult and Glenn Middleton.

The night, however, would belong to former Dunfermline loanee Chris Mochrie. Impressive throughout his 19-minute cameo, the midfielder netted the winner just five minutes from time, showing poise to dip the shoulder and deliver the killer blow into the top right corner from just inside the penalty area.