A double strike from Pars front-man Michael Moffat overcame the challenge of Cowdenbeath in a competitive Fife derby at East End Park.
It maintained the Pars’ unbeaten run of league games, which has now reached 14.
With nearest challengers Ayr United losing to Stranraer, the Pars are nine points clear at the top of League One as they set their sights firmly on the title.
The game was structured around a tribute to former Dunfermline captain Norrie McCathie, who died 20 years ago.
The match itself was mired in controversy with Cowden players and officials left furious at referee Barry Cook, who turned down two first-half penalty claims from the visitors then awarded a spot kick to the home side which was converted by Moffat for the winning goal.
“It was good to get the win, and results elsewhere have put us in a very strong position in terms of the league,” said Moffat.
“I was pleased to get the two goals but I feel I should have had more.
“I had a couple of good chances before half-time and another one near the end of the game so I’m a little bit disappointed that I didn’t get the hat-trick.
“It was an emotional day for the club and a great turnout by the fans, so it was important to put on a good show for them but even more important to get the victory.”
A minute’s applause was given by the 5,641 crowd in the fourth minute of the game in memory of McCathie, who wore the No 4 shirt with distinction during his 15 years as a Dunfermline player.
Seconds after the tribute subsided the Pars almost marked the occasion with a goal, Faissal El-Bakhtaoiu seeing his shot cleared off the line by Cowden defender Fraser Kerr.
The French-Moroccan striker set up the opener on 18 minutes, feeding a delightful through ball to strike partner Moffat to fire a low shot past Jamie Sneddon.
Cowdenbeath, who were unbeaten throughout last month, recovered quickly. After being denied two strong penalty claims, they equalised when top scorer Greig Spence controlled a perfectly weighted pass from Bradley Donaldson before rounding Sean Murdoch and stroking the ball home.
The outcome of the game was decided midway through the second half when Moffat was pushed in the back by Cowden defender Kenny Anderson, the Pars striker making no mistake with the resultant penalty.
“We had plenty of chances to win the game and we can take plenty positives from the performance,” reflected Spence.
“If you look at it closely then the only thing between the teams was that they were given a very soft penalty after we had two penalty appeals turned down,” said Spence.
“Throughout the game the referee was giving them too many decisions on the back of the urgings of the crowd and their players.”