Fifers in fine form

EAST FIFE showed what they are capable of by travelling to Albion Rovers and returning with all three points.

The Methil men were the finer team throughout and began putting on the pressure within half an hour in the form of a sizzling Paul Ritchie strike which forced a classy stop by Rovers keeper Jamie Ewing.

More imposing physically, the Fifers controlled the pace and it was early in the second half that they took the lead.

They forced a corner which was taken by the dependable Ryan Blackadder, the ball dropping into the box where the immobile Rovers defenders stood and watched as Jonathon Smart headed home.

He was given all the time and space in the world and Albion were justly punished.

The Fifers were the more dominant side all through the encounter, but this was far from beautiful game—more a snooze-fest which saw Albion come close to equalising just once when Ciaran Donnelly headed over the bar leaving the Fifers deserved winners.

New Bayview boss Dave Baikie admitted that the encounter was not the most entertaining, but pronounced himself satisfied with having three points in the bag.

“Whilst it was no spectacle, this is what we need if we’re going to win the division,” he said.

“It was scruffy game but Albion Rovers are a very mobile, young side and they never stopped running.

“So we found it difficult at times but over the piece we were the better side, I would say.

“My keeper never had a save to make and we created more and better chances than they did.”

Baikie’s squad came away without injury and the further good news is that John Martin, side-lined after an earlier knock, should be back for the weekend.

“He’ll be fine in time for next Saturday when we have a tough one, Arbroath at home,” added the East Fife manager.

Fairly accurate for a change for a newspaper report - seems like the reporter may have actually been at the game.

Wiz u at the game Mike?