Methil men ‘buzzing’ asairdriehitforsix

EASTFIFE6 AIRDRIEONIANS 1

East Fife boss Darren Young sounded a warning to Saturday’s opponents Queen’s Park, saying his confident side can’t wait to turn on the style at Hampden.

The Methil men will arrive at the national stadium with a spring in their step having hammered Airdrieonians 6-1 at the weekend.

It was a ruthless display from East Fife, who tore their hapless visitors to shreds. What’s more, they had to do it after Airdrie took a first-minute lead.

Boss Young said: “Overall it was brilliant.

“We have guys getting back now to match fitness, which is great, and we’re all buzzing.

“We’ve set ourselves a standard so it’s about keeping that going. The bar is there, and if they can go and produce that again next week at Queen’s Park we’ll be happy.

“The competition is there and guys know they need to perform or they’ll be out of the team. We have a good squad with a lot of options to choose from.”

The Fifers fell behind after just a few seconds gone when Scott Stewart broke the deadlock.

The visiting fans may just as well have headed home at that point because that was as good as it got for their side.

East Fife weren’t long in restoring parity with Kyle Wilkie thumping home a loose ball from close range.

It was only a matter of time before they added a second and it took barely any time at all, Chris Duggan latching on to a Kevin Smith through-ball before beating Kelby Mason.

Airdrie know what it’s like to suffer a heavy defeat this season, being thumped 7-1 by Arbroath last month.

Another heavy loss was clearly on the cards when East Fife helped themselves to a third goal.

Mark Lamont was allowed time on the edge of the box and he punished the dithering Diamonds defence by firing low past Kelby.

East Fife wasted no time in adding to their 3-1 lead after the break.

Wilkie was clearly in the mood and he grabbed his second goal of the match by shooting through a crowd of bodies to find the bottom corner.

The game was done as a contest but the Methil men were keen for more, to help their goal difference if nothing else.

Number five came through Chris Kane, who netted from close range.

On-loan St Johnstone striker Greg Hurst came off the bench to complete the scoring.