Captain Scott Thomson was the hero as Dunfermline Athletic put their cash-flow crisis behind them to defeat Dundee United at East End Park.

Scotland striker Stevie Crawford squandered a host of chances to bury the visitors before Thomson gave Dunfermline a deserved lead after 59 minutes.

Billy Mehmet latched on to a pass from fellow substitute Aaron Labonte to settle the issue in the final minute.

All the talk in the build-up to this match surrounded Dunfermline's finances, with first-team players agreeing to forego their recent win bonus against Partick Thistle until cash comes in.

The home side handed Sydney-born Andy McDermott his first start since signing a 10-week deal at East End Park.

Fellow defender Andrius Skerla was back from injury, Lee Bullen and David Grondin having been left out of the squad.

United had influential midfielder Derek McInnes back following a bout of flu.

Scotland striker Stevie Crawford firing a left foot shot over the crossbar, forced Gallagher into a low save at his feet and set up Barry Nicholson for a lob that almost caught out the goalkeeper.

Gary Dempsey almost broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, another chip falling just wide after playing a one-two with Craig Brewster.

But it was United who missed the best opening of the first half, when Jim Paterson capitalised on a slip by Scott Wilson and Stuart Duff somehow sent the ball wide after sliding in to meet the pass to the back post.

Dunfermline continued to dominate and Brewster rose above the defence to head a Scott Thomson cross just over.

Crawford miscued inside the area with the goal at his mercy as Dunfermline continued to press after the break.

Stevie Crawford missed several chances for Dunfermline

The Scotland striker then volleyed wide after Brewster flicked on a Dempsey pass and Skerla glanced a header just wide of the post.

Dunfermline got the goal they deserved after 59 minutes, Dempsey flighting in a free-kick and Thomson rose to guide the ball into the far corner of the net.

Darren Young almost extended the lead moments later, when he forced Gallacher to push his right-foot drive away for a corner.

Crawford also scooped the ball over the bar when he should have done better.

United could have grabbed a 70th minute equaliser, but defender Chris Innes let a Mark Wilson cross slither under his boot with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Mehmet replaced Thomson seven minutes from the end and wrapped up the points in the final minute when he slotted coolly past Gallacher.

Dunfermline: Stillie, McDermott, Scott Wilson, Skerla, Scott Thomson, Nicholson, Mason, Darren Young, Dempsey (Mehmet 84), Crawford, Brewster (Labonte 83).
Subs Not Used: Ruitenbeek, Byrne, McNicol.

Goals: Scott Thomson 59, Mehmet 90.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Archibald, McCracken, Innes, Duff, Easton (Kerr 77), McInnes, Wilson, James Paterson (Robson 65), McLaren (Samuel 53), McIntyre.
Subs Not Used: Jarvie, Griffin.

Booked: Robson, Innes.

Attendance: 5,078

Referee: D McDonald