Naysmith eyes upbeat end to opening run

Win over Brechin would give ‘decent return’ from first four games

Player/manager Gary Naysmith has asked his East Fife players to finish their first run of games in League 1 after promotion with a win over visitors Brechin City.

Naysmith said: “Seven points from our first four games would be a decent return, especially when you consider that we have had away trips to Peterhead and Alloa in that run.”

The Bayview side went down 2-1 to the Wasps last weekend, but Naysmith saw plenty of positives despite the scoreline.

“I was pleased how far we pushed a side who had won every game so far,” he said.

“They were saying afterwards how well we had played, and that it had been their toughest game in the league so far.

“It was nice to hear, but it is not as nice as getting points. However, it was a performance that we can build on.”

Naysmith added: “We could be a bit stretched for bodies, and that is not ideal as any team that can take St Johnstone to penalty kicks and beat them deserves respect.”

Chris Duggan and Pat Slattery have been ruled out already, with Naysmith and Kevin Smith both required to prove their fitness before they can be involved.

The Bayview boss added St Johnstone keeper Mark Hurst to his squad on-loan after Willie Muir asked to be released for personal reasons.

I was pleased how far we pushed a side who had won every game so far.

GARY NAYSMITH

Picture: SNS. Goalkeeper Mark Hurst has been added to the East Fife squad on loan.