East Fife 5-1 Clyde, Saturday 31st August 2024
William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
An emphatic 5-1 victory over pre-season favourites Clyde at a bouncing MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday saw the Fifers keep the pressure up on those at the sharp end of the league table.
The opening ten minutes of the game were very close, though Nathan Austin continued his fine form, breaking the deadlock after just 12 minutes with a well-placed headed effort.
It went from good to great for East Fife, as they doubled their lead ten minutes later through Alan Trouten, who slotted home from the spot, as per usual. The build up to the penalty saw a lot of tussling between both sides, though the referee was confident in his decision.
Clyde managed to hit back just before the break, in what looked like it could have been a pivotal moment. Jack Healy fouled his runner in the box, which saw Marley Redfern then convert from the spot.
However, the Fifers replied quickly, as Nathan Austin scored a world class whipped goal from the edge of the box, right on the stroke of half time.
The second half was well managed by the Methil Milan, as Andy Munro and Brian Easton defended all of Clyde’s threat well.
The Fifers were unrelenting, and put the Bully Wee to the sword as the second half went on. With just 15 minutes left on the clock, Alan Trouten made it four, as he capped off an excellent team manoeuvre. Adam Laaref and Connor McManus linked up on the right-hand side, before the latter dinked the ball into the back post for none other than Trouten, as the forward beat Kinnear for the second time.
Adam Laaref made it five for Fife, with just 10 minutes left on the clock when he tucked away his first goal in the famous black and gold. Going alone, he burst into the box and managed to stab home his audacious Trivela effort. The result saw the Fifers stay just one point behind leaders Peterhead after five games played.
Reporters Man of the Match: Reis Peggie
The boy ran all day long – 3 lungs!
East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch (McManus 23’), Easton, Peggie (Slattery 82’), Munro, Newton, Millar (Shepherd 82’), Norey, Trouten, Healy (Laaref 72’), Austin. Subs not used: Fleming
Clyde – Kinnear, Robson (D Lyon 80’), Hamilton, Howie, McKay, Grant (Allan 55’), Docherty (R Lyon 80’), Murdoch, Scullion, Redfern (Connelly 55’), Connell (Rennie 72’). Subs not used: Kennedy, Leitch
Referee – Gary Hanvidge
Attendance – 704
Report by Oli Anderson
Photographer by Goerge McLuskie
