Dunfermline 3 Motherwell 0

Last updated : 05 April 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Dunfermline booked their place in the top six with their first league win since mid-February against bottom side Motherwell.

Goals from Steve Hampshire, Barry Nicholson and substitute Noel Hunt gave them the three points they needed but Motherwell shot themselves in the foot by having yet another man sent off.

Tony Vaughan was given his marching orders nine minutes from half-time - becoming the tenth Well player this season to be sent for an early shower.

It left the Pars in cruise-control in the second half and they could have won this by a greater margin.

Dunfermline took the lead in the 18th minute when Motherwell goalkeeper Francois Dubourdeau blocked a Craig Brewster shot and Hampshire touched in the rebound.

Nicholson made it 2-0 five minutes after the break. The perceptive Brewster sent him clear with a deadly flick and Nicholson provided the finish as he drilled the ball past Dubourdeau.

Motherwell had a chance to pull a goal back midway through the second half when Steve Hammell found Derek Adams at the back post but the midfielder's shot was well saved by the alert Derek Stillie.

James McFadden had a couple of efforts on goal for Well – a shot and a header – but both were high and wide.

Hunt completed the scoring with a breathtaking strike 13 minutes from time. He controlled a pass from Barry Nicholson at the edge of the area before thumping a right-foot shot past a bemused Dubourdeau.

Hampshire then saw a shot saved by the legs of Dubourdeau as they finished with a flourish.