Naysmith pleased by second half

EAST FIFE 3 COWDENBEATH 2

Gary Naysmith admitted he had to have a few choice words with his East Fife as they trailed Cowden by two goals.

With both sides having completed their Betfred Cup group games, the Fife rivals organised a friendly at Bayview.

Having already been in competitive action this term, the game had an edge not normally associated with friendly fixtures at this time of the season.

Liam Fox’s side held a twogoal lead at half-time, only for the Fifers to come out after the break and rattle in three without reply.

Naysmith said: “I wasn’t happy at half time with the senior players and their defending for the goals.

“The second half was much, much better.”

Cowden started well and took the lead when Kris Renton muscled his way through the Fife defence and finished past Ryan Goodfellow.

Pat Slattery then gave the ball away to Kyle Miller, who raced half the length of the park before beating the Fife goalie.

East Fife were clearly rattled but came out in the second 45 with a real impetus.

Naysmith introduced Kevin Smith, Scott Mercer, Paul McManus and Mark Lamont, and their experience helped turn the game.

Smith pulled one back when his strike was deflected over Jamie Sneddon.

Slattery made up for his earlier mistake when he fired home a second.

Smith then controlled the ball on the edge of the Cowden box and sent a stunning strike high into the top corner.

Blue Brazil boss Liam Fox said: “I’m pleased with the workout but obviously disappointed to have given the two-goal lead away and concede the three goals.

“Cameron Muirhead and Charlie Denton, a few of the younger lads, all got an opportunity.

“We’ll get back to work now on Tuesday and focus in on Elgin, which will be a difficult game for us next Saturday.”

Kevin Smith: helped turn the match for East Fife.