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Match Report - Clyde

Clyde 0-4 East Fife, Saturday 18^th November 2023

New Douglas Park, cinch League Two

East Fife romped to their 3rd League win, and 2nd 4-0 win of the season on Saturday, as they eased past bottom side Clyde. It was a true 6 pointer, as a loss for the Fife would have seen them caught by the Bully Wee. It was clear that the Methil Men knew this however, and they coasted through the game, putting in a much-improved performance from what we have seen, for the most part, so far season.

We started fast, and with a bang, as inside 4 minutes, the Fifers should have had a penalty. Alan Trouten was completely cleared out inside the 18-yard box, although the referee adjudged that there was no foul and allowed play to continue. This, however, was all for naught, as we took the lead two minutes later through the Trout, without the need of the penalty spot.

Jack Leighfield failed to effectively clear his lines and fed the Fash on the edge of the area. Austin tried to let it go first time, though it was caught in the Clyde wall. It only got as far as Trouten though, who (with his back to goal) managed to flick the ball over Leighfield and into the back of the net. 1-0 Fife. 

Despite our quick start, we were nearly pegged back instantly. Forbes had a dig from the back post, although it was kept out by a fantastic point-blank save from Allan Fleming in the East Fife goal.

A further five minutes later, East Fife did the unthinkable, and went two goals ahead on the road for the first time in competitive action since October 2022. Brogan Walls found himself waiting in the area to receive a Ryan Schiavone cutback, after the winger outmuscled his full back. The ball slid back, Walls met it (scoring his first of the season), and East Fife doubled their lead. Bosh.

We then took a break in the action as it became abundantly clear that this game was only going to go one way. Firstly, after 34 minutes, Trouten was denied by Leighfield, after his half volley was well saved. Five minutes later, Austin had his chance to make it three, but once again, Leighfield did equally well, this time tipping it around the post.

That saw us into half time, cruising, two goals up at New Douglas Park.

East Fife had to do some defending early in the second period, denying Rennie from the byline on the 55th minute mark.

After 63 minutes, the game was well and truly sealed the game, a milestone for the club and for the individual scorer. Gregor Nicol worked well on the wing and slung in a belter of a cross for Fash. The Methil man, born and bred, burst the net, reaching his half a century of goals in the process. 

A special mention has to be given to East Fife’s Number 9, as Scott Shepherd ran himself into the ground for the Fifers, yet again on Saturday, with his work off the ball and, in my humble opinion, being one of the highlights of the season so far. 

On top of this, Under 20s forward Brendan Ramsay came on off the bench with five minutes on the clock, and in his brief spell on the park looked more than up to the task, showing quick feet and a desire to play the ball forward.

Sadly for Brendan, his substitution into the game was not the best part of the last 5 minutes of the game, as Sean Docherty decided to abandon ship at the back with a matter of seconds on the regulation clock, and became a fox in the box. It was a matter of right place at the right time for Docherty who’s calm finish was akin to that of a prime Dimitar Berbatov. He knew what he was doing, and why he was there, handing East Fife their first away win in the league since March of this year. 

We have a midweek game as our next fixture, as we travel into the outskirts of the capital to face Bonnyrigg Rose. A win against the Rosey Posey will see us move within 4 points of the playoff places, which is quite remarkable considering our start to the season.

Report by Oli Anderson

Clyde – Leighfield, P Grant, Dunachie, Hynes, Lyon, Carswell (Sula 73’), Forbes (Cameron 65’), Stevenson, King, Scullion, Rennie (Lesley 65’). Subs not used: Parry, Craig, R Grant, Mulvanny, Gunn, McCullock.

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Page, Docherty, Easton, McManus (Slattery 73’), Schiavone (Nicol 60’), Trouten, Walls (Millar 60’), Shepherd (Ramsay 84’), Austin (Mitchell 73’). Subs not used: Murray, Rollo, Comerford.

Referee – Stewart Luke

Attendance - 641