Steve Crawford celebrates the opening goal

New Dunfermline signing Scott Wilson had not been considered match fit, while Davie Nicholls, Andre Karnebeek and Gus McPherson were all out injured.

Stewart Petrie was on the bench after suspension, while Gary Dempsey came into the starting line-up in place of Gary Mason.

Livingston skipper Stuart Lovell and new signing Emmanuel Dorado were out injured.

But it was the visitors who threatened first, new signing Juanjo Camacho striking a free kick from 18 yards that goalkeeper Marco Ruitenbeek just managed to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Dunfermline began to look the stronger side and Crawford headed a Scott Thomson cross just wide of the upright then had a drive from the edge of the box blocked by goalkeeper Javier Sanchez Broto.

The Spaniard was again on hand to deny Sean Kilgannon when the winger broke clear seemingly with the goal at his mercy.

A Rolando Zarate free-kick flew just wide of the post at the other end.

But it was Dunfermline who took the lead after 27 minutes.

Crawford linked up well with Brewster before bulleting a shot past a helpless Broto.

Steve Crawford (left) was always a threat

Camacho set up Eugene Dadi for what should have been the equaliser, but the striker failed to connect with what would have been a simple tap-in.

Steve Hampshire beat Broto with an opportunist drive at the other end, but the ball curved just wide of the upright.

Brewster also came close to extending the lead, sending a header just over.

The Pars extended their lead four minutes after the break.

Crawford squared the ball across the face of goal and Brewster was left with a simple tap-in from four yards out.

Jason Dair and Crawford both hit the Livi post before Xausa prodded the ball home to give the visitors some consolation after 93 minutes.