Elgin City 4-2 East fife, Saturday 3rd August 2024
Borough Briggs, William Hill League 2
A nightmare start to the league campaign for the Fifers saw us fall 4-2 to Elgin City at the weekend in the Highlands. We were unable to bring our successful League Cup form to the William Hill League 2, and Elgin more than capitalised.
Both sides struggled to create in the opening exchanges, with the game hotly contested in the middle of the park. The first chance of the game finally came after 25 minutes. Murray sprayed a cross along the goal line that looked destined to be converted. Thankfully, Girvan mistimed his run, and failed to make contact with the ball.
Five minutes later, Jess Norey had a chance for the Fifers. Captain Murdoch slipped the ball into Norey, who unleashed an effort from a tight angle, which was unfortunately blocked while heading goal bound. Nathan Austin’s headed effort just minutes later, was well over too.
Elgin took the lead in the 38th minute, in what became an awful end to the half for East Fife. Girvan made no mistake this time around, as he met Booth’s cross with ease, slotting the ball into the back of the net from the far post.
Moments later, it should’ve been two, when Girvan forced McFarlane into a strong save. The ensuing corner did double Elgin’s advantage, as the Fifers were caught napping. No one closed down a short corner, which allowed the ball to be floated into Murray, who made no mistake about his header, nodding home with ease.
The second half started how the first half finished, with Elgin back on the scoresheet. Russell Dingwall picked up a loose ball in the middle of the pitch, and burst through the park, beating McFarlane with his bottom corner finish.
East Fife pulled one back, with 20 minutes to go, when Andy Munro headed home for the Methil Milan. McManus’ corner was half-cleared, giving the midfielder a second bite at the cherry. The cross found new signing Munro’s head and he stuck his header right into the top corner.
Five minutes later, we pulled ourselves right back into the contest, as Conor McManus fired home a fantastic 25-yard volley! Docherty’s cross bubbled out of the area, into the path of McManus, who unleashed his wonder strike into the top bins.
Elgin unfortunately grabbed a fourth in the dying embers to wrap the game up through Sargent, after a quick counterattack.
Far from the start of the season that we desired though there is plenty of time for improvement.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Conor McManus
I wasn’t spoiled for choice on Saturday, though McManus was a shining light during his short stint on the park. Always looking for the aggressive pass to push the team on, he played a vital role in both of our goals.
Elgin City – McHale, Dolzanski, Murray, Cameron, Booth, Girvan (Cairns 84’), Hyde (Sargent 60’), Gallagher, Dingwall, Golding, Gavin (Dangana 68’). Subs not used: Allan, O McDonald, Taylor, MacLeman, Fraser, MacDonald
East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch (Docherty 54’), Easton, Peggie (Laaref 54’), Munro, Newton, Millar (Slattery 62’), Norey (McManus 62’), Healy (Shepherd 45’), Trouten, Austin. Subs not used: Fleming
Referee – Duncan Williams
Attendance – 703
Report by Oli Anderson
Photo by Kenny Mackay
