East Fife boss says his team’s in a good place for big kick-off

East Fife begin their League One campaign with the visit of Dumbarton and manager Darren Young is determined that his players build on the platform they have created.

The Locality Hub Bayview Stadium side bagged only two points in their Betfred Cup group.

However, that total masks what Young views was a positive start. The Fifers boss said: “Apart from a short spell against Montrose, I am pleased with how we got on in the Betfred Cup.

“In the other games – against St Johnstone, Forfar and Falkirk – we did well and we now have to build on that in the league.

“There is a good atmosphere about the club just now and the tempo of training is very high so we are going into the league games in a good place.

“Winning this one would add to that feeling but we know Dumbarton will be looking to lay down a marker in this league following their relegation.”

The Sons had a mixed time of it in the Betfred Cup where they beat Spartans on penalties, defeated Queen’s Park in 90 minutes, lost an exciting encounter with Kilmarnock then got thumped by St Mirren.

Young said: “They have a good squad full of experienced players who will do well in this league.

“They will be a bit concerned about losing four goals to Kilmarnock and then six to St Mirren but playing full-time sides at this stage of the season is difficult.

“They will be coming here looking to make a point to the other teams in the league. It is our job to show we are progressing.”

Rory Currie, who has joined, could make his debut as summer recruit Anton Dowds is still struggling with a knock picked up in last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Falkirk.

Young said: “Anton has done really well for us and was a real problem for Falkirk until he went off. Hopefully, he will make it but he will not be risked as it is so soon into the season.”

Goalkeeper Craig McDowall remains out of contention with a broken hand while Scott Linton and Mark Docherty are also still unavailable.

Darren Young