East Fife 0-2 Dunfermline Athletic, Saturday 7th September 2024
SPFL trust Trophy R3, MGM timber Bayview Stadium
East Fife fell 2-0 to Championship opposition in the third round of SPFL Trust Trophy at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday.
A fast start from the Fifers saw Nathan Austin and Alan Trouten both test Oluwayemi in the opening stages.
From there on out however, the Pars creeped into the tie, and East Fife were forced to defend well, in order to keep themselves in the tie. Jess Norey produced a fantastic last-ditch block on the halfway line to deny Dunfermline’s Cooper.
Just before half time, Alan Trouten had a golden opportunity to hand the Fifers the lead. Jack Healy floated a lovely ball in following a set piece, which landed right on the head of the Trouts, though his header was down the throat of the Dunfermline stopper.
In the second half, the Championship side came alive. Comrie fired Dunfermline ahead first, after a tidy team move five minutes into the second period, before McCann slotted home a fantastic curled free kick just minutes later.
From then on, the Fifers were always up against it, and despite a couple of half chances, they failed to really threaten Oluwayemi. There was a shout for a Fife penalty after a collision between the Pars goalkeeper and Scott Shepherd, though the referee seen nothing in it, and waved play on. Dunfermline finished the tie strong forcing Fleming into another handful of saves before the full-time whistle was blown, calling an end to a difficult afternoon in Methil.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Nathan Austin
A more challenging one this week, with everyone trying their best, despite the result. Torn between Kieran Millar and Fash, we opted for the latter, due to his all-round threat. Whether it be in the air, or on the ground, our number 14 was a nuisance through the game.
East Fife – Fleming, Newton, Easton, McManus, Munro, Millar, Norey (Peggie 64’), Health (Shepherd 63’), Laaref (Walker 64’), Trouten, Austin (Slattery 83’). Subs not used: McFarlane, Docherty.
Dunfermline Athletic – Oluwayemi, Otoo, Fisher, Young, Comrie, Hamilton, Ricthie-Hosler (A Tod 83’), Chalmers, Cooper (Wighton 64’), McCann (Sutherland 77’), Kane (Wotherspoon 64’). Subs not used: Mehmet, Breen, J Tod.
Referee – Iain Sneddon
Attendance – 1,264
Report by Oli Anderson
Photograph by East Fife Media
