Hibernian 1 Dunfermline 3

Last updated : 15 February 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Dunfermline comfortably saw off Hibs in this Scottish Cup rehearsal at Easter Road in spite of playing for most of the game with ten men.

Ged Brannan was sent off late in the first half after an ugly challenge on Grant Brebner which fortunately did not result on the Hibs midfielder being seriously injured.

By that stage, Dunfermline were leading through goals from Gary Mason and Steve Crawford and, while it was a backs-to-the-wall display in the second half, they did not look in danger of losing the three points.

Hibs were first to threaten when Paul Fenwick rose at the back post to meet a Craig James free-kick but his header was blocked by Derek Stillie.

But that was as close as Hibs came as Dunfermline dominated the first half. Crawford headed narrowly over and Lee Bullen shot carelessly over the top when he had time to do better.

Mason opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Hibs failed to clear their lines and his 20-yard shot took a deflection off Derek Townsley to wrongfoot Nick Colgan.

It was 2-0 six minutes from the break when Brannan sent Crawford clear and the former Hibs striker drilled a low shot past Colgan.

Hopes of Hibs pulling it back effectively ended ten minutes into the second half when Crawford slid the ball home after great work by Craig Brewster and Bullen.

Hibs pulled a goal back when Garry O'Connor scored after a goalmouth scramble but another goal eluded them as they swept forward in numbers.

Dunfermline goalkeeper Stillie pulled off fine saves from James and Freddie Arpinon as the visitors held firm.