East Fife 3-2 Dumbarton, Saturday 9th March 2024
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League Two
I’ve never felt more like singing the blues, than when it’s East Fife 3 and Dumbarton 2!
East Fife sparked hope this weekend, as a last second winner from ‘Stone Cold’ Nathan Austin grabbed all three points for the Fifers, pulling us within 6 points of Saturday’s opposition Dumbarton with 8 games still to play. The win sees us continue our unbeaten streak under new management, stretching to 5 games without a loss.
The five-goal thriller could have gone either way, and we saw some real end to end football at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
In recent week’s we have fallen foul to a slow start, however, yesterday was the complete opposite, as we flew out the traps with vigour. Nathan Austin fired us into the lead inside 3 minutes, after Shepherd’s effort was parried by Jay Hogarth. It was the dream start for the Fifers, who smelled blood after the opener.
Just 5 minutes later, we saw an exact repeat of the goal, with Scott Shepherd flashing a cross across the goalmouth, into the path of Austin. Unfortunately, this time Fash’s effort was only good enough for the post and we somehow remained only a goal to the good.
We weren’t content with hitting the woodwork once in the contest, as Murdoch rattled the crossbar a further 5 minutes later, following a 30-yard bullet from the skipper.
With 30 minutes on the clock, Dumbarton had their first chance of the game, with Michael Ruth testing Allan Fleming, although the shot-stopper dealt with it rather routinely. Just moments later, the Sons had another chance when Finlay Gray’s shot soared wide.
Moments before half time, the Campbells were forced into a change as Johnny Page had to leave the park with an injury, this however, made way for Hibernian loanee Jacob Blaney to make his debut for the Fifers.
The sides went into the interval with East Fife holding the narrowest of a 1-0 margin. A quick start could have seen us 3-0 to the good inside the opening 15 minutes, but as the half progressed, Dumbarton grew more and more into the game as they chased an equaliser.
They got their wish almost as soon as the second half began, as it were the visitors who came out with fire in their bellies. Stevie Farrell’s men equalised on the 50th minute, when Gray was given a whisker of space on the edge of the area. His first touch was fantastic, but the finish was even better, hitting the ball on the half volley, leaving Fleming rooted to his goal line.
It went from bad to worse for the Fifers just two minutes later, as James Hilton looked to have completed the turnaround for Dumbarton. The Sons capitalised on a rare error from Brian Easton, and Jinky Hilton put the ball in the net. 2-1 Dumbarton.
Easty more than made up for it just 5 minutes later though, as he headed home just 5 minutes after we fell behind, directly from a corner kick no less! 2-2, half an hour still to go.
The last third of the game was truly nail-biting, as both sides had chances in an end to end close to a game. In all honesty, this response slightly surprised me, as a draw was enough for Dumbarton to maintain their 9-point lead of ourselves, and in turn, hold on slightly tighter to that final playoff spot.
They fought for the win, although never had any real cracks at Fleming, after the equaliser.
East Fife on the other hand, had plenty of chances, the first coming in the 75th minute. Jack Healy tried his textbook effort, cutting in from the left and letting one fly. This was met by Hogarth, who spilled it into the path of Austin. Fash looked destined to score, but the Rangers loanee goalkeeper recovered well, and tucked the ball around the post and out for the corner.
In the 92nd minute, the Fifers thought they had it won, when McManus rattled the crossbar from long range and, I have to admit, I conceded at this point that it was not going to be!
Oh, how wrong was I? Jack Healy, who was incredible from the moment he entered the park, picked the ball up on the left-hand side, beat his man and floated a lovely cross into the box. Nathan Austin leapt up to it and met it with his noggin. He looped his header over Jay Hogarth, and as the net rippled, the Wooden Fortress roared, as fans jubilantly celebrated Austin’s winner, and quite rightly so. A true feel-good end to a Saturday afternoon.
It doesn’t get any easier for us though, as next week we travel up to the Balmoor Stadium to play Peterhead, who are currently sat in second place. We have had a good track record against the teams at the sharp end of the table in recent weeks, so we will be hoping that this continues. The Blue Toon have been on a peculiar run, with their victory over Stranraer yesterday being their first win in 6.
Dumbarton have another tricky trip too, as they venture to the capital to play The Spartans in a playoff 6 pointer for both sides. Dumbarton are now on the receiving end of consecutive losses, while The Spartans have failed to win in their last 3 outings.
East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Page (Blaney 45+2’), Easton, McManus, Trouten, Hamilton (Healy 63’), Walls (Millar 63’), Shepherd (Lyon 80’), Austin. Subs not used: Schiavone, Slattery, Docherty, Beveridge.
Dumbarton – Hogarth, Durnan, Pignatiello, Newbury, Lennon, Malcolm (Blair 45’), Healy (Graham 64’), Wallace, Hilton, Gray, Ruth (Kelly 83’). Subs not used: Lunas, O’Neil, Wilson.
Referee – Scott Lambie
Attendance - 571