THE PARS dished out a terrific Tuesday thumping to end Livingston's unbeaten start to the Championship season and pick up a just a second of their own this term.

James McPake's side hadn't won in their previous five league games, but turned the form book upside down to convincingly defeat David Martindale's promotion challengers.

Chris Kane's brace, and a Kyle Benedictus header, tamed the Lions of West Lothian and gave the Dunfermline fans reasons for cheer.

Here's our take aways from the match.

Changes to the line-up make an impact

Four alterations were made to the starting line-up that raised eyebrows amongst some supporters.

Matty Todd, Kane Ritchie-Hosler, Craig Wighton and Ewan Otoo were all benched. David Wotherspoon, Dapo Mebude, Kane and Benedictus all came in - and they came up trumps for their manager.

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Whilst Kane will, naturally, take the acclaim for his goals and all-round play - he was this observer's man of the match - the impact of the others, alongside their team-mates, shouldn't be overlooked.

Mebude made his first league start and impressed again with his willingness to take the ball in wide areas, run at defenders, and aim to get crosses and shots away. As he continues to build up his fitness, he was taken off after an hour, and deserved the ovation he was afforded from the stands.

Dapo Mebude impressed on his first league start.Dapo Mebude impressed on his first league start. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Wotherspoon provided the assist for Lewis McCann's goal at Falkirk, and was on hand with another two against Livi.

His pin-point delivery from corner kicks allowed Benedictus and Kane to head in goals two and three, whilst he also covered plenty of ground throughout the match, and showed the undoubted quality he possesses on the ball.


READ MORE: 'It gives us hope': Pars boss delights in Livi win and squad 'strength'


It was a memorable night for Benedictus, playing his first game since late August due to a hamstring injury.

The captain not only got on the scoresheet, but he led his men admirably and marshalled a rock-solid defence, who were rarely breached by their opponents.

Kyle Benedictus and David Wotherspoon celebrate.Kyle Benedictus and David Wotherspoon celebrate. (Image: Craig Brown.)

His experience and know-how is a real plus for McPake to have available once more.

Clinical finishing

In their previous home clash, a scoreless draw with Greenock Morton, felt his team had "done enough to win a couple of games" with the chances created.

At Falkirk, they had a few near things in addition to McCann's goal, but a finishing touch had proven to be an issue, having scored just six goals in 10 games prior to Tuesday night.

However, Kane, after the keeper had blocked his first effort, was on hand to net the opener early on, which paved the way for a more clinical edge in front of goal.

Chris Kane netted a brace against Livingston.Chris Kane netted a brace against Livingston. (Image: Craig Brown.)

They could have had more - notably when Craig Clay smashed against the upright - but scoring half of their entire tally for the campaign in one 90 minutes will be a massive confidence booster.


READ MORE: Pars 'standard's been set' as boss praises players after Livi rout


It was also their biggest league win since they defeated Arbroath, in November last year, by the same scoreline.

Tobi's influence and Sam's star rising

Tobi Oluwayemi has impressed in goal since arriving on loan from Celtic.

The 21-year-old is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can distribute far up the pitch whilst finding a team-mate. In addition, he is happy to come out of his area to claim possession if needed, which can help the team up the park.

In six games, across all competitions, the match at Falkirk is the only one in which he and the Pars have tasted defeat, whilst the Livingston win saw him claim a fourth shut-out.

Goalkeeper, Tobi Oluwayemi, and defender, Sam Young, have impressed for the Pars.Goalkeeper, Tobi Oluwayemi, and defender, Sam Young, have impressed for the Pars. (Image: Craig Brown.)

In front of him, Pars youngster, Sam Young, also continues to shine.

The 18-year-old has played 10 games so far this season, the last eight of which have been starts, and has excelled with the trust placed in him by McPake.

Together with Benedictus, he helped stifle Livingston's attack for the vast majority of the match, and the 3-0 win was the fourth clean sheet he has been part of this term.

It is early days in terms of his career, but he is looking like a very bright prospect for Dunfermline.

Livi win could be blueprint for success

Pars host Partick Thistle on Saturday and building on the Lions victory must now be the priority.

And the match gave them a blueprint as to how to do it. Their high pressing caused Livingston problems and forced mistakes, whilst getting the ball in wide areas, and running at their backline, also provided a lot of joy.

Jags boss Kris Doolan, who watched his side beat Dunfermline at Firhill last month with a last minute goal, was at East End on Tuesday, and if McPake's side can repeat that level of display, then they'll give their opponents a tough match.