Fifers set target of topping last seeason

Darren Young has challenged his East Fife side to improve on last season’s campaign and top their 2016/17 points total.

The Fifers halted a run of three straight defeats by taking maximum points from their trip to Hampden and reaching 42 for the campaign.

Last term the club finished on 46.

The game was effectively a dead rubber for the visitors who are well clear of relegation and out of the promotion mix.

For the hosts, though, it was crucial to their survival hopes, Queen’s going into the game sitting bottom of League One on goal difference.

Young said: “We’re in a situation now where we’re beginning to look at things for next season but there’s still a lot to play for.

“From our point of view we want to keep working hard until the end of the season.

“We tried a new formation and it worked well.

“It’s great to get the victory which leaves us a few points off last season’s total with three games to go and two at home.

“We’ll look to pick up more points and try to improve on last year’s tally.”

East Fife struck first, with Connor Mcmanus rifling home from 12 yards within the opening 10 minutes.

The heavens opened above Hampden and it was the Fifers who revelled in the conditions.

They knocked the ball around at will on the slick surface and it was no surprise when they went a further goal ahead when Aaron Dunsmore’s deflected strike beat Michael White.

Queen’s gradually grew into the game and got the goal they deserved a few minutes from the break when Keena headed home from close range.

Gus Macpherson’s side started the second half with a spring in their step and David Galt equalised.

East Fife looked rattled but Pat Slattery and Kevin Smith were introduced from the bench and combined to put the Fifers back into the lead.

Smith burst into the box and hung a cross up at the back post for Slattery to nod home.