Dunfermline secured a 2-0 victory over Queen’s Park in a match marked by a dominant first-half performance and a more contested second period at East End Park. The hosts established control early, with goals from Josh Cooper and Rory MacLeod setting the tone before the break.

Cooper opened the scoring in the seventh minute, capitalizing on a low cross from Dylan Lobbans to fire a first-time shot past Queen’s Park goalkeeper Jack Wills. This strike marked Cooper’s third goal in as many games. Dunfermline continued to threaten, and although Wills made several key saves to keep the visitors in the contest, MacLeod doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a powerful effort that took a slight deflection before finding the net.

Despite Queen’s Park’s efforts to respond, their keeper’s interventions kept the scoreline respectable. The second half saw the visitors improve their performance and apply pressure, but Dunfermline’s defense held firm to maintain the clean sheet. Queen’s Park manager Sean Crighton acknowledged the team’s improved bravery after the break but expressed disappointment with their passive play in the opening 45 minutes.

Dunfermline’s assistant manager, Iain Brunskill, praised the team’s early display, describing the first half as “terrific” and highlighting their dominance in ball control and quick movement. He noted that the team had created enough chances to have led by more than two goals at halftime. However, Brunskill also stressed the need for consistency throughout the full 90 minutes, pointing to a drop in intensity and increased nervousness as the match drew to a close.

The home side’s strong start included a threatening early chance from Rory MacLeod’s cross and a fizzing strike from Nurudeen Adulai, both of which tested Wills. Robbie Fraser and Allan Ojwirwoth also came close before MacLeod’s goal doubled the advantage.

Queen’s Park’s struggle to maintain composure in the first half contrasted with their more assertive approach in the latter stages, but ultimately Dunfermline’s early dominance proved decisive in securing the three points.