Aberdeen forward Arild Stavrum struck the only light of a dull game with his 31st minute winner against Dunfermline at Pittodrie.

But the Dons fell away in the second half after prolonged bright first-half spells despite claiming their first win over the Fife team this season.

But the Pars were clearly still suffering from the hangover of missing out on a top six place a fortnight ago.

Aberdeen showed their intent as early as the first minute when Stavrum managed to out-pace the Dunfermline defence only to see Marco Ruitenbeek smother his shot.

Lee Bullen managed to dispossess Jamie McAllister on the edge of the penalty area but goalkeeper Ryan Esson made the first of a string of excellent saves.

Then, with 31 minutes gone, Stavrum struck his 14th goal of the season.

Hard-working Chris Clark delivered a precise low cross from the left for the Norwegian to drive into the roof of the net from a customary predatory position.

Aberdeen really should have built upon the lead, particularly when Darren Young fired over after an intelligent piece of play by both Robbie Winters and Stavrum.

While Aberdeen showed sufficient attacking zest in the opening period, events took a major dip in the second half with both teams out of sorts and lacking inspiration.

In an attempt to freshen up things, both Ebbe Skovdahl and Jimmy Calderwood sent on a string of substitutions, but to no avail.

Nontheless, one of the subs, Aberdeen's Darren Mackie, looked lively going forward, and with a little bit more composure, could have put the issue beyond doubt, particularly when he hit the post in the closing stages.

Dunfermline looked dour and disinterested in the second half, and their only real moment of note came with just two minutes remaining when Esson got down smartly to push away a Nicholson free-kick.