Strathmore 22 Dunfermline 12

DUNFERMLINE failed to record successive away victories as they went down to a narrow defeat at Strathmore on Saturday.

Caine McIntyre’s team were hoping to build on their impressive 48-15 win at Carnoustie in their last outing but they were unable to make it two wins from two visits to Tayside.

The McKane men opened their BT Caledonia Division One campaign with a 29-17 over the Forfar side back in September and they looked on course to complete the double when they headed into the break at 12-12 after an even opening 40 minutes.

McIntyre had previously stated his desire to win this match to help Dunfermline finish the season in fifth but the game got away from them after half-time, with Strathmore scoring 10 unanswered points to earn a 22-12 success.

The result moves Strathmore above Dunfermline into fifth place by four points with two matches of the league season remaining.

The Blues’ last home fixture is against Aberdeen Wanderers on April 1 before they finish with a trip to league leaders and champions-elect Gordonians on April 15.