East Fife 0-1 Dumbarton, Saturday 11th November 2023
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League Two
East Fife slumped to their third consecutive loss this weekend, this time to Dumbarton at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The hosts fell 1-0, however it would not to be unfair to suggest that the scoreline could’ve been worse had it not been for some top-class goalkeeping from Allan Fleming. Although there was some good football played at times, the Fifers were not up to par and were unable to make the most of the few chances they had.
The game was action packed in the first 45, keeping supporters on the edge of their seat. Despite the quick start, the second 45 could only be compared to nails on a chalkboard, as East Fife pushed for an equaliser, but Dumbarton held firm.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the best chance of the ninety, for either side, came after 15 seconds, and was in favour of the Fifers. A defensive mishap opened up space for Jack Healy who powered into the box. Unfortunately, he was met by Brett Long, and East Fife missed out on the perfect start.
Two minutes later, the game totally crumbled for the Methil men, as a woven pass found Kalvin Orsi inside the box. There was no hesitation from the Sons winger, and he fired the visitors ahead.
In the 31st minute, it was a miracle that there was only one goal in it. Some more disappointing defending forced Fleming into an all-important double save, the second of which forced him to leave the goalmouth completely. This opened the door for Dumbarton, who should have put themselves two to the good, and would have if it wasn’t for Liam Newton. The full back threw himself into harm’s way, blocking the shot, giving East Fife a dog’s chance in the game.
In the 35th, the Sons should have made it 2 for the second time, and were only denied by another Allan Fleming double save, akin to his first 5 minutes prior. This, like last time, left the Fifers’ goal open to some vulnerability, but we managed to clear our lines, literally, as the Black and Gold were able to get back, in the nick of time, hoofing the ball out for a throw in.
It looked to be third time lucky for the side from the West, but this time, it was the linesman’s flag that provided a lifeline.
In the 41st minute, we should have had our golden chance, as East Fife hit fast on the break. A cross was attempted, but was blocked by the first man’s arms, inside the area, for what could only be described as a blatant stonewaller. Alas, the referee waved play on, and we went into the break a goal down. If only there was some kind of technology in Scotland that could review those incidents…
There were no chances of note between the penalty claim at the end of the first period and the 92nd minute, when East Fife were piling men forward. A lovely ball was sprayed into the Sons’ box for Scott Shepherd, but the forward could not convert in the dying embers, ensuring that the Fifers succumbed to another defeat.
All eyes now turn to a proverbial 6-pointer against Clyde at New Douglas Park this weekend.
Report by Oli Anderson
East Fife - Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Docherty, Comerford, McManus, Trouten (Schiavone 83’), Healy, Mitchell (Shepherd 66’), Walls, Austin. Subs not used: Millar, Slattery, Nicol, Philp, Murray, Hambrook, Rollo
Dumbarton – Long, Lynas, Malcolm, Shiels, Crighton, Orsi (MacLean 78’), Pignatiello, T Wallace, Gray, R Wallace (Wilson 70’), Ruth. Subs not used: Blair, Byrne, Vata, Broun
Referee – Jordan Curran
Attendance - 626