Dunfermline's Chris Kane scored with an overhead kick
Managerless Dunfermline Athletic stunned promotion-chasing Partick Thistle to secure their first away victory in the Scottish Championship this season and end their hosts' eight-game unbeaten home run.
It means, should the Pars complete the capture of Michael Tidser from Kelty Hearts, youth boss John McLaughlan could end his interim spell in charge unbeaten and with his side having scored seven goals in two games.
The visitors took only four minutes to repeat the goal threat they showed in the 3-3 draw with leaders Falkirk last time out through forward Lewis McCann's sublime half-volley.
Thistle forward Logan Chalmers' tame effort trickled under goalkeeper Tobi Olu-wayemi to bring the game all square, but home full-back Kanayo Megwa poked the ball into his own net following a corner to restore the lead after 35 minutes.
With the half-time whistle nearing, striker Chris Kane delivered a knockout blow with an outrageous bicycle kick to extend their lead.
A header from Thistle substitute Luke McBeth was cleared off the line, but midfielder Josh Cooper buried McCann's cutback to complete the rout.
Dunfermline move to within two points of Hamilton Academical but have played two more games after the third-bottom side had their match against Greenock Morton postponed.
Thistle remain fourth, still four points behind Livingston, who lost to a Queen's Park side who move to within four of their Glasgow rivals.
What they said
Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan: "We were rubbish from start to finish, I don't think there's any denying that. I thought we were poor with the ball, which is not like us, especially here.
"I never felt we were ever in the game. They scored; the first goal is a really good goal, it's a great hit, not much we can do. We can get back in the game and then from then on we never did anything apart from put ourselves in trouble."
Dunfermline Athletic interim manager John McLaughlan: [The players] deserve all the plaudits. It's been all about the players and I've just tried to help them be calm on the ball, work on possession. Hopefully, they can climb that table.
"After Monday, I don't know if I'll be back with the under-18s, I'll need to wait and see. I'll just take each game as it comes and if I'm asked to prepare them for Ayr United [at home on 11 January] then I'll do that."
