DUNFERMLINE failed to secure second place in League One as they slumped to a disappointing defeat at Airdrie this afternoon.

A Keigan Parker free-kick and a calamitous defensive error to gift Jim Lister a second in the final minute capped a frustrating day for the visitors.

Jim Jefferies made three changes to the team that defeated Brechin City last time out with the injured Ryan Thomson, Lewis Martin and Alex Whittle dropping out in favour of Danny Grainger, Stephen Husband and Ross Forbes.

Dunfermline made a bright start to proceedings with Faissal El Bakhtaoui making an early break down the right but there was no-one able to take advantage of his low ball across the box.

El Bakhtaoui shot wide of the near post after five minutes before Shankland cleverly back-heeled against the post but was flagged offside.

The home side came close when Coalan McAleer, who netted the winner in January at East End Park, cut inside Grainger and Husband but fired a 20-yard shot over the bar.

Just like in that meeting, the Diamonds made the breakthrough with a terrific strike on 27 minutes. Callum Morris conceded a free-kick 20 yards from goal and Parker curled the ball beyond Ryan Scully but the Pars were unhappy that Husband was not awarded a foul in the build-up to Morris' challenge.

Andy Geggan replied almost immediately with a low shot that was held by Grant Adam before El Bakhtaoui sent another effort off target.

The match threatened to boil over before half-time with El Bakhtaoui on the receiving end of a challenge that appeared to be a foul before Morris got away with a crunching tackle on Lister.

Josh Falkingham headed harmlessly wide from a deep Grainger cross three minutes into the second period as the Pars sought to find a way back into the contest but Airdrie's stout defending frustrated them.

El Bakhtaoui, the visitors' main threat, danced away from two home players to lay the ball for Forbes but his long-range effort was tipped over well by Adam, who in the end had a comfortable afternoon.

But he denied El Bakhtaoui once more at the near post as Dunfermline struggled to fashion any clear opportunities.

Jefferies threw on Alex Whittle and Allan Smith in an attempt to salvage something in the final 20 minutes but all too often, crosses into the box were dealt with by Adam and his defence.

A poor Grainger clearance allowed Craig Barr to fizz a 20-yard shot wide while on 78 minutes, Adam flapped at a Ross Millen cross and as it fell to him at the edge of the area, Geggan sent a fierce drive wide.

Athletic continued on the offensive and Husband, once more from range, tested Adam before a bungle in defence sealed the points for the Diamonds.

Jonathan Page ushered a through ball back to Scully but he could only clear against Morris' shin to allow Lister to poke the loose ball home.