‘Cup final’ loss tough for Fifers

East Fife manager Darren Young was left disappointed that his side’s “cup final” against promotion rivals Montrose was called off yesterday due to the possible spread of the coronavirus.

The Gable Endies climbed into the top four on the back of two wins over bottom side Stranraer this week and Young was looking to dislodge them; but his plans are now on ice.

The Methil boss said: “We were treating this one like a cup final.

“Montrose were sitting in the place where we want to be and we would have gone all-out to try and beat them.

“All our focus on training this week was on winning and getting back into a play-off place.

“A point might have suited Montrose so it was set to be a fascinating game as we would have really gone for it.

“We will just need to be patient for it to be played.”

Cove Rangers chairman Keith Moorhouse meanwhile insists common sense has prevailed – and is philosophical over the unprecedented measures put in place.

He said: “The decision has been made and we have to abide by the rules, it’s as simple as that.”

Moorhouse concedes Cove will be looking for further guidance on the league shutdown.

He added: “It’s common sense but we need to understand how long the postponement will be first – is it a week, a fortnight, a month?

“We’ll face the same challenges as everyone else but we’ll find a way around it, as we always do.

“We have a lot of good people on the board.

“We agree with the decision that has been made and await the next stage.”