Dunfermline were given a timely reminder that there is still work to be done to secure second place in League One as closest challengers Stranraer ran out easy winners at Stair Park.
The Pars went into this clash in high spirits after four straight wins in the league and having beaten the Blues in the previous three meetings but they produced one of their worst performances of the campaign to leave manager Jim Jefferiesraging.
Stranraer were cruising after an early Martin Grehan penalty followed by two David McKenna strikes before Danny Grainger’s late spot-kick restored a crumb of respectability.
Jefferies said: “The first half was a joke. In fairness they started well but we were sloppy and silly, indecisive and hesitant.
“All we did was give the other team a lift. It doesn’t matter what level of football you play, if you keep doing things like that the other team will certainly take advantage.
“Credit to Stranraer, they did that.”
Jefferies added: “We knew this would be a tough match because they are up there on merit.
“They gave Rangers a fright and Inverness a fright here so we knew what to expect. We just did not react in the right way.”
While the result still leaves Dunfermline 11 points clear of Stranraer, the Stair Park side have two games in hand.
The frustrated Pars boss noted: “We are still in a great position but we could have virtually clinched it today.”
Blues boss Steven Aitken said: “Dunfermline really came at us but the players put in the effort and we got there in the end.”