In an enthralling match it was the light blues who claimed the 3 points with Calum Reidford the main hero for the young ‘Gers following a terrific display in the home goalmouth.
Rangers were quick to get onto the score sheet when John Johnson was brought down as he burst past the Pars defence and into the box after only 5 minutes. Brian Gilmour put the ball in the back from the penalty spot to give his side an ideal lead so early on.
This sparked Dunfermline into action and a shot from Calum Smith hit the crossbar 2 minutes later. Dunfermline then put Rangers under constant pressure in search of an equaliser but the home defence held firm to keep the visitors at bay.
Dany N’Guessan looked to relieve the pressure on the defence when he broke away and used his blistering pace to outstrip the Dunfermline defence and round the keeper but his attempt went narrowly wide.
Both teams were going all out for the points and the football at times was impressive from both sides who showed both good individual skill and good organised teamworking from all 22 competitors.
Paul Emslie however got a bit caught up in the action and was rightly booked in the 32nd minute for a very rash challenge.
It was Willie McLachlan who increased the Rangers lead on 37 minutes when he let fly from over 25 yards with a shot which flew about a foot off the ground clean through a ruck of players on the 18 yard line and into the corner of the net past the keeper who looked like he never saw it until it went past him.
The side came out for the second half at the same tempo as the first and when Chris Anderson broke through the Rangers defence he was brought cashing down for a penalty kick 4minutes into the restart. Steven Vinter stepped up to take it but his shot was well save by Reidford. Dunfermline continued to press Rangers back and were again denied by aother superb save from Reidford and the follow up was cleared on the line by McMillan who showed good positioning behind his keeper and maintain the clean sheet for Rangers and ensure the 3 points went to the Murray Park side.
RANGERS:- Reidford, McLachlan, Ure, McMillan, Smith, Emslie, Johnston (Kinniburgh 85), Gilmour (Stirling 78), N’Guessan (Woods 63), Lennon, Agnew . Unused subs – Gallagher and Haden