Albion's Paul McHale and the Pars' Gary Mason saw red for a second booking and violent conduct respectively and Hardie scored another penalty on half-time.
Liam Buchanan struck the hosts' third before John Kane replied for Albion and Hardie claimed his hat-trick late on.
Dunfermline: Chris Smith, Dowie (Burke 69), Rutkiewicz, Keddie, McCann, David Graham, Mason, Hardie, Cardle (Thomson 63), Buchanan, McDougall (Clarke 46). Subs Not Used: Paterson, Higgins.
Sent Off: Mason (38). Booked: Hardie, Cardle.
Goals: Hardie 31 pen, 45 pen, Buchanan 55, Hardie 90.
Stirling: Christie, Corrigan, Buist , Allison, Forsyth, Welsh, McHale, Stirling (Kane 67), Borris, Robertson (Gibson 61), Brighton (Mullen 57). Subs Not Used: Jackson, Flood.
Sent Off: Corrigan (30), McHale (32). Booked: McHale, Welsh, Robertson, Buist.
Goals: Kane 75.
Att: 2,553
Ref: Steven Nicholls
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport