NEVER WAS scoring first more important than for East Fife against Queen’s Park at New Bayview this afternoon as the two sides face the final hurdle in the Second Division promotion battle

Trailing 4-2 from Wednesday’s leg, the Methil Men know that they must find the net first to give themselves any chance. Conversely, were the Spiders to extend their advantage, that would effectively end the Fifers’ dream.

“Yes, the first goal is crucial, there’s no doubt about that,” said Bayview boss Dave Baikie, who insisted that while his side have a real mountain to climb, the tie is most definitely not over.

He continued, “We have to start the game well and look for an early goal, that would give us a great lift, although scoring first at any stage is vital.

“To be honest, we have to go for it, there’s nothing else we can do.

“But at the same time, there’s no point in leaving the door open at the back. We have to keep it tight there and be patient. If they were to score first, that would be it more or less all over and we cannot afford to let them do that.”

Baikie admitted that the Spiders had been the better side in the first game, although it might have been different had his side not had an early goal chalked off.

“That was a bit of a turning point and they took full advantage, but I was delighted at the way we battled back.

“Our lads showed a lot of character and resilience and that gives me confidence that we can go out and get that crucial first goal,” he added.

Greig McDonald picked up a hamstring injury on Wednesday—he had to play on for the last 20 minutes as East Fife had used all their subs—and is doubtful.

Baikie also feels that Jason Dair, who played his first full game for a long time after a lengthy lay-off through injury, may struggle to recover from his exertions in time.

Queen’s Park are hopeful that Frankie Carroll, who missed the first leg because of family matters, will be back.

Paul Ronald is also hopeful despite a calf knock and both Richard Sinclair and Tony Quinn were able to put in some running at training.

Said manager Billy Stark, “We will play this as a cup final, which it is.

“We know we will need to put in another terrific performance for they will believe that they can win at home.

“Despite the two-goal advantage this tie is still evenly balanced.

“It is our natural style to play attacking football and we will not change anything. We will go out there to win.”

Central defender Damiano Agostini, who had a previous spell with East Fife, added, “We know they must score three to win and our focus is on keeping a clean sheet.

“The fact that they have got to chase the game will suit us and I believe we will score.”

Away goals don’t count ‘double’ in the play-offs and should the two sides be tied on aggregate after today’s 90 minutes, extra time and penalties will be used to decide who joins Berwick in the Second Division next season.