Smith rallying call to fans for key clash

East Fife boss Barry Smith has called on the Fife faithful to come out in numbers on Saturday and roar their side closer to the playoffs.

At the weekend the Methil men host Airdrieonians in their final home league game of the season.

The clubs are two of four sides locked on 46 points and chasing two vacant play-off spots.

It’s advantage East Fife, who top the pile with a much healthier goal difference than the other three.

And on Saturday they can reinforce their claims even further by seeing off one of their rivals on their home patch.

They’ll go into the game full of confidence after beating Albion Rovers 1-0 on Saturday.

“We’ve only lost one game in the league since I’ve come in,” Smith said.

“The fans have been excellent since I’ve come in but that wee final push might just get us over the edge. That’s all we ask.”

The Methil men arrived in Coatbridge keen to get their playoff ambitions back on track.

Smith shuffled his pack, and handed a rare start to striker Jordan Austin who partnered Chris Duggan up front.

The game burst into life shortly after the hour mark when the visitors raced into the lead in quality fashion.

Jason Kerr burst through the centre of the park and played the ball wide to Duggan.

Centre half Kerr continued his run into the box and was picked out by a quality delivery from his team mate.

Kerr swept the ball beyond Ross Stewart.

East Fife went in search of a second goal but their task was made that bit more difficult when Duggan saw red. The striker was sent for his second booking after taking a tumble the ref deemed to be simulation.

Barry Smith has hailed the contribution of East Fife’s supporters.