The 2011–12 season was Dunfermline Athletic's 1st season back in the Scottish Premier League after winning promotion from the Scottish First Division during the 2010–11 season. They also competed in the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup.
SPL
The new SPL season started on 23 July, but Dunfermline didn't play until two days later as they were scheduled for TV coverage on Sky Sports.
July/August
St Mirren (Home)
In the first game of the season Dunfermline hosted St Mirren in a match which the visitors dominated. Just before half-time a penalty was awarded to St Mirren, which was taken by Stephen Thompson, but saved by goalkeeper Paul Gallacher. The rest of the match was played out with St Mirren on top but unable to beat Gallacher. Final score: 0–0.<ref></</ref>
Inverness (Home)
In a six-goal thriller the points were evenly split, leaving both sides feeling that they could have won the match. Dunfermline dominated most of the match and started well with Andy Kirk scoring early with a neat finish. After half-time Inverness scored from a deflected Greg Tansey shot, then Dunfermline pulled ahead with another goal from Kirk. The visitors rallied as Dunfemline sat back further and further allowing Inverness to score twice more from Jonny Hayes, after a spilled save by Gallacher, and a Tansey header. Deep into stoppage time Martin Hardie curled a 30-yard free kick into the top corner to equalise. Final score: 3–3 .<ref></</ref>
St Johnstone (Away)
In Dunfermline's first away trip of the SPL season they came out the victors. An early goal for the hosts was ruled out for a handball, and a resulting yellow card for the defender. From a clever corner routine Jason Thomson curled the ball through to Kirk, who fired in from short range. At this point Kirk was now the leading goalscorer in the SPL. Martin Hardie then went close to scoring against his former club with a header from a corner. With half an hour to go in the game John Potter tripped Francisco Sandaza and was sent off,(though this was later rescinded to a yellow<ref></</ref>) with a penalty awarded to the hosts. The resulting penalty was taken by Liam Craig and was saved by Paul Gallacher, his second penalty save in three games. Despite the extra man advantage St Johnstone rarely looked like scoring and the few chances they did have was dealt with by the keeper comfortably. Final Score: 1–0<ref></</ref>
Dundee United (Away)
Dundee United dominated this game from start to finish but were unable to score against an in-form Paul Gallacher. A triple save was particularly impressive, firstly from a near post header. Then again from the corner and the resulting drive from outside the box forced Gallacher into a super reaction save as he only saw it late. Dunfermline's only threat going forward was from set-pieces where Hardie went close from a free-kick and a corner. But late on a mazy run from Joe Cardle was crossed low back to the edge of the area, where Paul Burns's well taken shot was driven into the net. Final Score:1–0<ref></</ref>
Motherwell (Home)
Both teams went into this match after an excellent start to the season, both surpassing expectations. From the start the visitors looked like they would get goals with Dunfermline's defence being torn apart, especially by a lively Chris Humphrey. The breakthrough finally came when Keith Lasley and Michael Higdon combined with Higdon curling in from the edge of the area. Tom Hateley nearly made it two a few minutes later with a free-kick hitting the post. But it was only a short respite for Dunfermline as Motherwell scored again, Jamie Murphy strolled past Gary Mason and was given time to hit a 20-yard shot which heavily deflected off Alex Keddie and into the net. In the second half things hadn't changed with Motherwell dominating and when Chris Humphrey was allowed to cut inside into the box his shot clipped the post and into the net. Dunfermline then started to attack, pushing Motherwell back, and were rewarded when David Graham's 25-yard shot flicked off Joe Cardle and into the net, with Cardle claiming the goal. Cardle then bagged another as he cut into the box and his shot deflected off Stephen Craigan and past the helpless keeper. With two minutes to go Dunfermline pushed forward, but were counter-attacked and Higdon's late finish from a cross by Nicky Law finished the game. Final Score:2–4<ref></</ref>
September
Kilmarnock (away)