Lee Bullen celebrates his winning goal

Motherwell had looked fragile at the back after squandering a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 away to Hearts.

But Calderwood warned that they had shown their potential with that previous victory over Celtic.

They also were able to welcome back influential midfielders Scott Leitch and Stephen Pearson, who had missed the Hearts match but passed late fitness tests.

With Scotland Under-21 international James McFadden starting up front beside Dirk Lehmann, it was the visitors who carved out the first chance of a frantic opening.

The home side were thankful that Scott Thomson was on hand to block a netbound drive by Derek Adams from 10 yards.

Stevie Crawford and Craig Brewster linked up well in the 11th minute, but Crawford`s shot from 16 yards was straight at Motherwell goalkeeper Stephen Woods.

Dunfermline had the bulk of possession and Motherwell's cause was not helped when defender Daniel Sengewald clashed heads and was immediately replaced with Dougie Ramsay while Brewster returned with stitches inserted in a head wound.

Kilgannon's cross found Bullen unmarked inside the Well box only for the versatile Pars man to head wide.

A Brewster volley from 16 yards went narrowly over the bar, but there was little else to get excited about as the first half drew to a close.

Crawford delivered a powerful shot following a corner that Woods did well to save.

Calderwood made a double substitution on the hour mark has he attempted to put more life into his side.

Jason Dair and Chris McGroarty replaced Kilgannon and Brewster, who was still feeling the effects of his first half injury.

A Bullen header from eight yards was saved by the goalkeeper before the midfielder converted from a striker clinched the winner.

He climed high to head past Woods from six yards following a Barry Nicholson cross.

Dunfermline: Ruitenbeek, Bullen, Kilgannon (McGroarty 58), Skerla, Scott Wilson, Scott Thomson, Nicholson, Mason, Dempsey (Walker 83), Crawford, Brewster (Dair 58). Subs Not Used: Stillie, McGarty.

Booked: Scott Wilson.

Goal: Bullen 74.

Motherwell: Woods, Corrigan, Hammell, Sengewald (Ramsey 24), Partridge, Pearson (Fagan 45), Adams, Leitch, Lasley (Ferguson 82), Lehmann, McFadden. Subs Not Used: Dubourdeau, Russell.

Booked: McFadden, Leitch.

Attendance: 4,987

Referee: C Richmond.