The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fifers ‘buzzing’ after substitution pays off with late winner
EAST FIFE 2 AIRDRIE 1
East Fife left it late to see off Airdrie, but boss Darren Young said that only made the win all the sweeter.
It looked as if this game was heading for a draw after Daniel Higgins had cancelled out Chris Duggan’s opener.
But with virtually the last kick of the game sub Kyle Wilkie popped up to make sure all three points remained in Methil.
Young said: “The boys are buzzing.
“We did the same against Albion Rovers, getting a last-minute winner, so the team can’t come back at you.
“It’s a great way to win a game; it’s a great feeling.
“We weren’t wanting to settle for a draw but the game was playing itself out before we got that last chance at the end. “We’ll take it with open arms.” If Airdrie had taken the point from Bayview it would have been the least they deserved for an impressive showing.
They started off on the front foot, keeping the home side penned inside their own half.
It took East Fife almost quarter of an hour to fashion any real chance at goal but it was one they ended up taking.
Matthew Knox’s delivery should have been dealt with by Airdrie’s defence but it wasn’t and Chris Duggan took full advantage, his bicycle kick beating Willie Muir.
Airdrie had been thumped 6-1 at Bayview the last time the sides met in Fife but there was no chance of a repeat scoreline.
They dusted themselves down and tried to work their way back into the match.
Adam Brown went close with a direct free-kick before a deserved equaliser did eventually arrive.
Cameron Russell’s corner kick was caught up in the whipping wind which was circling Bayview and sailed towards the back post.
There waiting was Daniel Higgins, with the defender composing himself before rifling an unstoppable shot beyond Ben MacKenzie.
Airdrie went on to dominate possession again without really cutting open the Fifers.
Darren Young needed to change things up and introduced forwards Mark Lamont, Kevin Smith and Kyle Wilkie from the bench to add some fresh impetus.
It certainly paid off, with Lamont’s corner deep into injury time met by Wilkie who sent his strike past Muir.
East Fife now face consecutive away games with a trip to Alloa tomorrow followed by a Fife derby at Stark’s Park on Sunday.
And the Methil side will be going into the games with a spring in their step.
Young added: “We’re looking to one game ahead.
“We’ve managed to catch up a bit with Stranraer and now have another big game on Tuesday and Sunday as well.
“We’re looking forward to these games but first of all Alloa and seeing how we do with that.”