Oli Anderson looks back at Tuesday’s match against Alloa Athletic.
East Fife produced the goods defensively yet again, keeping a clean sheet for the fifth consecutive time against a higher tier opponent this season. Unfortunately, our lack of cutting edge proved costly as Alloa Athletic managed to hold firm for a 0-0 draw, despite the Fifers being the better of the two sides for a large majority of the game.
The result leaves East Fife with four points after two games and still sat cushty at the top of group F in the Premier Sports cup, despite having played a game more than second place St Johnstone.
The Methil Milan started the game at 100 miles an hour, causing real bother in the opening exchanges. Nathan Austin had a huge opportunity blocked by PJ Morrison, and Alan Trouten rattled the post, both within the opening quarter of an hour. The vast majority of the game was played on the front foot, with the Wasps not able to deal with the Fifers press and, in particular, Reis Peggie and Liam Newton’s respective energy and prowess.
Nathan Austin had the last real chance of the half as he hit an absolute rocket of a free kick which whistled over the cross bar, just and no more. That brought an end to the action in the first half where East Fife looked more than comfortable.
The second half started with some pressure from Alloa, though nothing too dangerous, as the Wasps failed to challenge Liam McFarlane all night.
The chance of the game came just before the hour mark, when Liam Newton dinked a fantastic ball into the back stick for Nathan Austin, who nodded it down fantastically to the bottom right of the goal. It was destined for the back of the net before Morrison made an extraordinary save, tucking it behind for a corner. That saw an end to the ninety minutes of action, and it became clear that we would need penalties to separate the sides.
The penalty shootout started disappointingly for the Fifers, as Andy Munro’s penalty was saved by PJ Morrison. Despite Murdoch, Shepard and McManus all converting, it was not enough, due to Alloa’s 100% accuracy.
Reporter’s MOTM: Liam Newton.
This once again could have gone to a handful of players on Tuesday, with Norey and Peggie once again impressing for the Black and Gold, though I feel as if the best option for man of the match is Liam Newton. The Under 20s graduate was EVERYWHERE, fulfilling his role in attack with deadly crosses, as well as breaking up the play from the backline. A truly well-rounded showing from Newts.
Alloa Athletic: Morrison, Taggart, Waters, McKay, Devine, Cawley (Nevans 61’ (Thomson 71’)), Roberts, Scougall (Donnelly 77’), Buchanan, I’Donnell (Mullen 62’). Subs not used: Ogayi, Graham, Neill.
East Fife: McFarlane, Murdoch, Easton, Peggie, Munro, Newton, Millar, Norey, Trouten (Shepherd 65’), Healy (Laaref 65’), Austin (McManus 77’). Subs not used: Fleming, Slattery, Nicol, Docherty, Murray, Ramsay.
Referee: Iain Snedden
Attendance: 442
