The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Five in a row for Mo to end unbeaten streak
LEAGUE 1: Fifers’ impressive run over as Webster strikes to earn all three points
EAST FIFE 0 MONTROSE 1
Stewart Petrie’s side made it five wins on the bounce and brought to an end East Fife’s undefeated start to the League 1 campaign.
The Montrose boss reckoned hard work and desire was key to his side doing what no other in the division has been able to do this season.
The visitors defended Graham Webster’s first-half opener like their lives depended on it and were more than worthy of the three points.
“It’s a fabulous win,” said Petrie. “It speaks volumes for our commitment that we defended like we did. They were throwing their bodies on the line and putting themselves in front of things.
“That’s the biggest thing for me, seeing that attitude, desire and commitment.
“It’s always tight when we play East Fife, for some reason we do better at Bayview and Darren does better at Links Park. We countered well and maybe could have nicked one or two more as well, but to go to East Fife and keep a clean sheet is excellent.”
Petrie’s side could easily have found themselves with an uphill struggle on their hands if the Fifers had taken a couple of the early chances presented
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It speaks volumes for our commitment that we defended like we did. STEWART PETRIE
to them. Anton Dowds called Aaron Lennox into action with the first attack of the game before Danny Denholm missed from close range.
Denholm again went close with a header from a Scott Agnew corner as the hosts pressed.
But Montrose signalled intent of their own and Liam Callaghan should have done better from 10 yards.
Play was swinging from end to end and it was little surprise when the opening goal arrived.
Ross Dunlop was stripped of possession in the middle of the park and Mo took full advantage, racing into the box and working the ball to Webster, who finished well.
East Fife had the better of the second half but really struggled to break down a well organised Montrose unit.
Ross Davidson’s shot was tipped wide and from the resultant corner it looked as if Mohamed Niang was guilty of a handball. Ref David Lowe waved away the protests much to the frustration of the Fifers.
Darren Young’s side were huffing and puffing but never really looked like pulling level.
“We had good opportunities but in the final third it wasn’t good enough,” said Young.
“That final ball and the cutting edge was missing.
“We played some good football up until then but we lacked the ruthlessness to put it across the face or someone taking a gamble.
“We started the second half well and were camped in their half.
“We felt it was going to come towards the end and if we’d got a goal then I think we would have went on to win it.
“But it wasn’t to be.”