The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Young wants more belief from side
AYR UNITED 3 EAST FIFE 0
East Fife boss Darren Young said his side must believe it can string a winning run together as the season nears its final quarter.
Patchy form over the past few months has seen the Methil men go from the top four to seventh.
Although seven points above second bottom, East Fife have played two games more than the club in that spot, Saturday’s opponents Albion Rovers.
Young’s side was seen off 3-0 at Ayr at the weekend, and he said: “Just now there’s maybe a lack of belief.”
Young handed a debut to on-loan Dundee United youngster Scott Allardice.
Robert Jones proved a handful for the Ayr defence as Young’s side pressed for the opener.
However, United soon pushed up a gear and went ahead when Declan McDaid’s drive took a deflection and sailed past keeper Ryan Goodfellow.
The opener settled the home side, and shortly after the break they added to their advantage.
Lawrence Shankland grabbed the second when he picked up the ball deep in the East Fife half, raced clear of the visiting defenders and beat Goodfellow.
The game was over as a contest by the hour mark when Ayr made it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
Jonathan Page’s challenge on McDaid was clumsy at best, with ref David Lowe pointing straight to the spot.
Sub Alan Forrest stepped up and added the third of the day.