A goal two minutes from the interval from Marc McKenzie gave us our fourth Fife derby win of the season to remain four points clear at the top of the table.
There were two changes to the side which had won at Dumbarton in midweek with David Cowan and Greg Stewart returning to the line- up with Mark Ramsay and Lewis Coult dropping to the bench.
Prior to the game the Methil side confirmed Gordon Durie as their new boss and his players were clearly out to impress their new boss and Hislop hit the side netting before  Smith got space on the edge of the Cowden box but fired over.
We then threatened from a couple of free-kicks with Mbu and Armstrong posing problems but in 25 minutes Mbu slipped and Hislop got clear but he opted to shoot from outside the box and he completely missed the target.
On the half hour Stewart used his good close control to get past three defenders and then saw Brown make a fine diving save.
Adamson was next to have a go for us with a fierce shot which Brown held.
Two minutes before the break we went ahead. McCormack's back-pass was misdirected and Marc McKenzie intercepted. His first shot was blocked by Brown but the little wide man coolly slotted the rebound.
The second period opened well for the home side and Wallace was given too much space in front of Flynn but his shot was straight at the keeper from the edge of the penalty area. Fisher had a chance at the other end but his finish was way too high and then on the hour Janczyk fired over a fine cross which Hislop met but he sent his finish well wide.
O'Brien was subbed for Fisher as Cowden worked hard to regain the initiative.
Coult was then sent on for Stewart and his trickery saw his force a save from Brown, but in the closing moments East Fife tried to up the tempo. Linn, who had been relatively quiet, tried his luck from well out which went wide and then Wallace's header was held by Flynn.
Cowden closed ranks in the closing minutes and top drawer defensive work ensured the three points.