QUEENS TITLE HOPES FADE AS THEY SUFFER SECOND AWAY DEFEAT IN FIVE DAYS

Steven McDougall raced through to put the Pars ahead on 17 minutes and Calum Woods finished from close range to make it two for the home side on half-time.

Queens pulled one back when substitute David Weatherston swept the ball home but Steven Bell's penalty clinched victory for Dunfermline late on.

Both sides finished with 10 men as Woods and Stephen McKenna saw red.

The East End Park outfit, who sit fourth, are now a point ahead of Queens and eight behind leaders Dundee.

David Graham cut the ball in to the middle for McDougall to burst through the visiting defence and place under the body of goalkeeper David Hutton for the opener.

The hosts moved further ahead when Willie Gibson's ball in from the left found Woods unmarked at the back post to beat Hutton.

The Dumfries side rallied and halved their deficit when Leon Knight slipped the ball wide for Paul Burns to send a first-time cross to Weatherston, who made no mistake.

Referee Steven Nicholls penalised and booked McKenna for his challenge on Ross Campbell and awarded a spot-kick, from which Bell scored.

Woods was then dismissed for a challenge on Weatherston and McKenna joined him up the tunnel after receiving a second yellow card.

This was another disappointing performance by Queens and with Somerset Park and Dens Park looming ,the Doonhamers will be hoping for a dramatic turn in fortunes.

Queens MAD Man of the Match - Once again Paul Burns stuck to his task and had a fine second half.