Pars defender Alex Keddie admitted they were taught a tough SPL lesson by Motherwell.
Just one tantalising victory away from topping the table, they found themselves passed off the park by a Motherwell team who restored faith in the ability of SPL players to display skill and ability on a football pitch.
At this time of introspection in the Scottish game, the Steelmen were a joy to watch as they moved the ball about with poise and purpose.
They took the lead on 11 minutes through a Michael Higdon low drive, a deflected strike from Jamie Murphy made it two on 26 minutes then Chris Humphrey’s cracker on 56 minutes put them out of sight.
Only then did the Pars hit back, with Joe Cardle first redirecting the ball home on 69 minutes then making use of another deflection with just two minutes left.
The miraculous comeback wasn’t to be, though, with Higdon grabbing his second and the visitors’ fourth in the final minute with a tap-in.
Keddie conceded he and his team-mates were run ragged at times by the Steelmen.
“That was definitely the hardest first half we have had so far this season,” he said. “We came up against a very good, experienced SPL side who have got off to a flier this year.
“That will happen. We will come up against very good teams who have players who have played at this level for years.
“We found it tough going. In the second half we found our feet and maybe pressed the game a wee bit better and were more positive.”
So, despite making an encouraging start to life in the top flight, was it fair to say the Pars are still on a learning curve?
“Yes, definitely,” answered Keddie. “Every game, you will find out something different about yourself and your team.
“In the first half we didn’t really turn up and we didn’t compete. In the second we had more of the ball and started playing the way we know we can.
“Motherwell have a mix of everything. Murphy’s name has been in the papers regarding a possible move and rightly so because he is a very good player. Higdon is a big lad, physical and hard to play against.
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“They played very good football and once we got to half-time we had to regroup. But it was too late at 3-0. Had it been two then we might have had a chance of a comeback.
“When they scored the third I am not saying it was game over, but it was a lot harder for us.
“We did keep pressing and scored two goals before they got the fourth that killed the game.”
Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre was cool and composed as he reflected on a difficult afternoon for his team.
All he asked of his players is that they pick themselves up and recover from the defeat.
“In the first half we never turned up,” said the Pars boss. “Motherwell showed what a good side they can be when you give them time and pace on the ball.
“We just weren’t at the races and it took us a while to catch up. We were better in the second half and found ourselves getting two goals back.
“We were caught on the counter-attack for the fourth and it was game over. However, we are going to have days like this and you have to remember we are learning.
“We are learning all the time about what it takes to compete at this level. We have done exceptionally well in the first four games, but that doesn’t mean it is going to happen every week.
“The players have been magnificent and done great so far, and when we do have days like this it is important that we bounce back … and we will.”
Motherwell’s big problem will be keeping their better players at the club beyond the closure of the transfer window at midnight on Thursday.
Manager Stuart McCall said: “We will now give the players a few days off and I hope we have the same group to work with after we come back.
“I want to keep everyone here at least until Christmas to give us a chance of being in the mix in the SPL.”