Fifers boss looking forward to cup clash after win over Bairns

Darren Young has urged his Fifers to show the same intensity this weekend against Tranent Juniors as they did against League One leaders Falkirk on Saturday.

The Methil men preserved their undefeated league record thanks to goals from Kevin Smith and Jack Hamilton.

Callumn Morrison replied for the visitors, but the Fifers were well worthy of the win.

Attention now turns to this weekend’s Scottish Cup tie against the East of Scotland Premier League leaders.

Their boss, Calum Elliot, watched on from the stands as East Fife dismantled Falkirk.

But having been beaten in last season’s Scottish Cup by BSC Glasgow, Fife gaffer Young says his side will aim to ensure there are no similar slip-ups.

He said: “I’ve watched their highlights and spoken to a couple of people about them and they’re no mugs.

“They have a few players who are really decent at that level, so they can cause us problems if we don’t go in with the right attitude.”

East Fife will go into the cup tie on the back of what was a really positive 90 minutes against the title favourites.

The home form has been excellent this campaign and the undefeated streak never looked under any threat on Saturday.

After a pretty even start to the game, East Fife got their noses in front at the 20-minute mark.

Scott Agnew’s free-kick should have been dealt with by the Falkirk defence but, with nobody taking responsibility, Fife striker Kevin Smith punished them by ramming a loose ball into the net.

East Fife took their lead into the break with them but it lasted barely a minute after the restart.

Conor Sammon’s shot was beaten away by Brett Long but first to react was Callumn Morrison who made no mistake from close range.

The equaliser sparked the game into life with both sides having chances to go 2-1 up.

Long pulled off a stunning save from Scott Mercer to deny the visitors while Danny Denholm had a goal chalked off for offside for Young’s side.

It was the Fifers who grabbed the game’s third goal with Kevin Smith again in the thick of things.

Hi s cross into the six-yard box was an inviting one and met by Hamilton who outmuscled his marker to head home the winner.

Young added :“We knew how we wanted to play and how to get about them.

“I’m delighted to get the three points and delighted with the performance from start to finish.

“We had a wee wobble when the y came out flying at the start of the second half and then Brett made a great save.

“He played his part and then, up the other end, big Jack gets on the end of a cross.

“We were unlucky not to get another goal or two and saw out the game well.”

Kevin Smith put East Fife ahead against Falkirk.