After picking up three points against Albion Rovers at the Reigart Stadium last weekend, East Fife were in high hopes of picking up another victory as the league leaders Dumbarton arrived at Bayview. This is the third time that the Sons and the Fifers have met this season. The first, at Bayview, ended in a 1-0 loss for the Methil men and the second ending in a 2-0 loss for East Fife at Dumbarton.
No changes were made to the team that beat Albion Rovers last time out but Stewart Murdoch and Kieran Millar made their return on the bench after coming back from an injury and suspension respectively.
The visitors had the first chance of the game when a long throw found its way to Ryan Wallace who cushions a ball through to Ally Love in behind the defence, but his attempted lob drops wide of the post. A few minutes later Wallace had another effort as he manages to glide his way into the box however his shot is ballooned over the bar.
Dumbarton had another early chance to take the lead when Quinn’s heavy touch saw him under pressure from Finlay Gray who came out of the tackle with the ball, sprints into the box and looked to pull the trigger however he was denied by an incredible tackle from Sam Denham.
On the 24th minute, East Fife took the lead when a perfectly placed corner from Alex Ferguson picked out Aaron Steele who sent a bullet header into the back of the net for his first of the season.
The goal spurred East Fife on and they had another chance shortly after through a short corner from Trouten found Healy who curled a dipping cross into the middle of the box for Ryan Schiavone however his header trickles wide of the post.
HALF TIME: East Fife 1-0 Dumbarton
East Fife had the first attempt in the second half when Trouten cut inside and, on the edge of the area, fired in an effort that was blocked but fell the way of Ferguson whose first-time strike looked destined for the top corner only to be denied by a fine save from Brett Long in the Dumbarton goal.
On the hour mark, Dumbarton went to equalising on the counter attack when Wallace poked the ball out wide to Ross MacLean on the right wing who sent dipping cross into the six yard box which was met by substitute Russell McLean who forces Fleming into an incredible save with his knee from point blank range. A flurry of half attempts from Dumbarton followed without really threatening the East Fife goal.
Towards the end of the game, Dumbarton won a free kick when Millar brought down McLean on the edge of the box. Wallace stood over the ball but sent his effort well over the bar, much to the relief of the home fans.
In the third minute of injury time, East Fife secured the three points with a late goal. Steele’s long ball forward was flicked on to Scott Shepherd on the right wing by Brogan Walls and Shepherd sent an inch perfect cross into Ferguson slots home with a first-time effort to clinch the win and three points for the Fifers.
FULL TIME: East Fife 2-0 Dumbarton
A massive three points for the Fifers against the league leaders propelled East Fife into 4th, only a point behind 3rd placed Annan Athletic however both teams below us have games in hand. Next up is a hike down to Stair Park to take on Stranraer as we look to extend our recent run of positive results.
East Fife: Fleming, Quinn (Millar 21’), Newton, Denham, Steele, Trouten (McManus 68’), Slattery, Ferguson, Healy (Shepherd 79’), Denholm (Walls 68’), Schiavone
Dumbarton: Long, McNiff (Grant 26’), Lynas, Buchanan, Carswell, Gray, Wylde (MacLaan 18’), Love (Byrne 59’), Orsi (McLean 59’), Blair, Wallace
Referee: Peter Stuart
Attendance: 586