THE loud ripping noise heard all across the country at 4.42pm was the collective sound of a thousand fixed-odds coupons being torn up as news filtered through that Dunfermline Athletic had scored a third goal away to Kilmarnock.

It was another example of why betting on such a fickle game as football is best left to the bold, the carefree and those who can afford to lose.

The pre-match statistics must have drawn many to plump for a home win at the bookies. Dunfermline, after all, hadn't won in almost three months, sit bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and have a dreadful habit of giving away soft goals in every game.

That doesn't tell the full story, however. It doesn't cover the fact that Dunfermline have been creating chances in all of their recent matches, just not taking as many as they should. It also doesn't mention that they have signed a new goalkeeper in Iain Turner who already looks a shrewd acquisition – making two key saves not long after his side's opener on Saturday – have Kevin Rutkiewicz back from a hip injury to add solidity to the defence, and gave a debut to Mark Kerr in midfield who instantly added drive and commitment at the heart of the side.

For once it all came together for Jim McIntyre and his players and, while the result may have left many shocked and disappointed as they watched the scores coming through, it by no means flattered Dunfermline. Granted, they were aided by some woeful Kilmarnock defending and were still profligate in front of goal – Liam Buchanan could have had a first-half hat trick – but there were certainly sufficient signs to suggest that the relegation issue is far from resolved.

Buchanan, who scored the third goal after creating assists for Andy Barrowman and Joe Cardle, certainly believes that to be the case but knows not to get too carried away after just one good result. "The players, the manager and the staff knew we had a performance like this in us," said the striker. "I know it is just one game, but we've got quality in our squad and, on our day, we can give those type of displays."

Now there is the chance for Dunfermline to get off the bottom of the table when they travel to Fir Park tomorrow night. Given Motherwell's poor home form, and Dunfermline's decent record on the road, those considering this a home banker may be well advised to keep their money in their pocket.

"This win is massive for confidence, but our feet have to stay on the ground because it's just one win," Buchanan added. "But this win has given us a lift."

Kilmarnock have their own big game coming up when they take on rivals Ayr United in the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final on Saturday and they could hardly be in a worse state going into it. Their defence looked vulnerable every time Dunfermline attacked, while the quagmire that was the Rugby Park pitch was not conducive to playing the ball on the ground as they like.

The hope for defender Ben Gordon is that on a better surface Kilmarnock will rediscover their form in what is one of the most eagerly-anticipated cup ties for quite some time. "There's a massive rivalry and everyone knows what it means," he said. "Hopefully, the better pitch at Hampden will let us play our normal way and get the ball down."