Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "We didn't start the game well enough, it's as simple as that. We've had a lot of plaudits for our performance down in Greenock the week before last where we won all the individual battles, did all the ugly stuff really well. Unfortunately tonight, in the opening 45 minutes, we didn't.

"Dunfermline looked as if they were a little bit more energetic than us, picking up a lot of second balls, they thoroughly deserved to go in leading at half time.

"I can have no arguments about the result. Dunfermline defended really well, they got a lot of important blocks in at key moments.

"At Partick and Morton away from home, we were excellent. We did that side of the game well. The pitches at the moment aren't in the best shape, it doesn't suit the way we want to play. We just didn't show those physical qualities that we have shown away from home recently and ultimately that's why we end up losing."

"The first 45 minutes is one of our worst performances, there's no doubt about it. We didn't offer anything going forward. We didn't carry a threat at all in the final third and we weren't at the races in the first half."

Image source, SNS

We're awaiting Jim Goodwin to come and have a chat to our roving reporter, Amy Canavan.

We'll let you know what he says ASAP.

Image source, SNS

Player of the match Kane Ritchie-Hosler tells Sportscene: "It feels massive, especially after last week. It's massive for me, I'm delighted.

[On first goal] "The ball just dropped, and I put my power through the ball and thankfully it's gone in.

"We've always had confidence. It's just been a tough journey, we've had a lot of injuries. Hopefully we can kick on now.

"Hopefully it can be a game changer."

Image source, SNS

Dunfermline Athletic manager James Make tells Sportscene: "It feels great, particualrly at home with the big crowd, and a TV game. It is the favourites coming to your place, and you want to win your home games.

"Excuses have been made that we have injuries. Tonight when we've got players back and we can make changes, we're a much better team.

"We work with Matty [Todd], it's something he's got - making late, forward runs. He always arrives in the box. It was always on the cards for him tonight. I'm delighted for him, great kid to work with and he's got a big future if he keeps working hard.

"United maybe looked at the pitch, and thought it might be more direct. I don't know, we're not too interested in what their formation would be. Whatever they put out, the way we played we'd have won anyway."

Image source, SNS

Jackie McNamara
Former Dundee United manager on BBC Sportscene

Dunfermline were in total control. United didn't ask enough questions of them defensively.

Glenn Middleton made an impact, but the damage was done in the first half. It was too late, and Dunfermline were the better side over the piece.

I don't think [the formation] suited their players. Tony Watt started on the left, and it was easy for Dunfermline to play against him.

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportscene

Dunfermline were brilliant. Fully deserving of their victory.

Dundee United got back into it, but Dunfermline saw it out, all after the good work they did in the first and second half, and they caused United no end of problems going forward.

They were solid defensively apart from the goal. They were the better team from start to finish, they showed more appetite for me. They made things happen.

"Ole, ole, ole, ole... the Pars, the Pars," sing the hosts.

"You don't know what you're doing," sing the visitors towards their own gaffer.

It's a fickle old game, isn't it?

The Championship title race takes another dramatic twist.

United, clear favourites going into this one, never really got out the gates. Dunfermline, meanwhile, flew out the traps and kept it going, scoring twice in the first half and seeing it off in the second.

Kane Ritchie-Hosler was the man of the match, after a season which has been plagued by injury. He made the headlines for the right reasons tonight.

Tomorrow, Raith travel to Hampden tomorrow to face Queen's Park with the chance to go top. You can't take your eyes off this league for a second.

Image source, SNS

Dunfermline nerves start to flutter as United go close again.

This time it's a cross from the right that results in a stramash in the box, but eventually Dunfermline can hack clear.

United come forward looking for a second. The ball is flicked on by Kevin Holt in the box, and Alex Greive chases it, only to be well closed down by Malachi Fagan-Walcott.

Good defending, and it might ensure the Pars' stay on course for a fifth home win in 15 games this season.

Dunfermline are a little on the back foot here. Are they inviting pressure, or soaking it up before hitting with a counter attack of their own?

Seven minutes plus stoppage remaining. A win puts them two points off fourth.

United have a goal back - but is it a route back in?

Glenn Middleton creates it. He has looked lively since coming on.

His cross down the left deflects off Sam Fisher and then Benedictus, trundling along the line and in, despite Ewan Otoo's best efforts.

Image source, BBC Sport

Another couple of changes for Dunfermline - Sam Fisher and Joe Chalmers are on.

They replace Josh Edwards and Kane Ritchie-Hosler, who gets a standing ovation from the home fans at East End.

What a night for the young man. Showing what he's got in front of the telly cameras.

Image source, SNS

Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at East End Park

What a reception Matty Todd has departed to.

He really is one of their own around here. Some shift as he hits the ton.

They may be 3-0 up, but Dunfermline look like they're about to lose another player to injury. Josh Edwards' hamstring seemingly went ping, but he's back on.

Meanwhile, Matty Todd is replaced by Owen Moffat.

Kai Fotheringham and Chris Mochrie are thrown on by Jim Goodwin. Louis Moult and Ross Docherty are replaced.

Can the exuberance of youth spark an unlikely comeback, or are they lambs to the slaughter?