Dunfermline 2 Livingston 0

Last updated : 02 January 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Scotland striker Steve Crawford laid out his international credentials for Berti Vogts in a game which he won almost single-handedly for the Pars.

The on-song striker scored a vital double to dump visitors Livingston in a match peppered with inevitable errors played out under constant freezing rainfall.

Crawford's show-stealing act began at the tail end of a dull first half when he latched on to a Jason Dair pass from the left.

The front man turned defender Oscar Rubio to create a shooting chance for himself that he dispatched with clinical effectiveness from over 20 yards out.

Livvy's goalkeeper Javier Sanchez Broto had been required to make only one previous save and he was beaten out of sight by Crawford's angled shot.

Crawford's second and decisive goal came 12 minutes into the second half. Striking partner Craig Brewster picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, moved forward unchallenged and blasted for goal.

Broto had thad o be replaced by David McEwan after a thigh injury and the substitute keeper was unfortunate that his first action was to drop Brewster's shot in front of the onrushing Crawford who scooped the ball over the unlucky keeper to secure a significant home victory.

After his brace was in the bag, Crawford went all out for his hat-trick. In the 69th minute Barry Nicholson found him with a long forward pass from the right.

This time Crawford screwed his shot inches wide. His last attempt to score was stopped by McEwan who made some amends for his earlier blunder when he finger-tipped the ball off Crawford's feet as the striker was about to burst the net.

“This is a tremendous platform for us to go on to secure a top six place after the break," said Dunfermline boss Jimmy Calderwood after the game.