Boss Young bemoans lack of cutting edge

East Fife boss Darren Young called on his Fifers to develop a ruthless streak in attack as defeat at the Falkirk Stadium sent the Methil men to the foot of League One.

Just three games have been played and there is no doubt that Young’s men will hit a purple patch at some point, but to do that the Fife boss knows his side must do more up top.

They failed to really lay a glove on their hosts in the central belt with the win putting Falkirk within touching distance of league leaders Cove Rangers.

Goals from Robbie Leitch and Akeel Francis either side of the break was more than enough for the home side.

Young insisted that his side would quickly regroup as they aim to record their first league win of the season on Saturday when they host Dumbarton.

“It was a stuffy game and they had one or two wee half-chances early on, but nothing much,” said the East Fife boss. “We managed to get into the wide areas a few times but our final ball was lacking and we never tested their keeper enough.”

The Bairns’ former East Fife striker Anton Dowds dragged a shot inches past the post with just three minutes played before flashing a header wide just a couple of minutes later.

East Fife had goalkeeper Brett Long to thank on 22 minutes when he got down brilliantly to keep out a Dowds drive.

Young’s men were just beginning to grab a foothold in the game when Falkirk took the lead.

Callumn Morrison’s deep cross to the back post was met by Leitch who lashed a terrific strike beyond Long and into the top corner.

Just a couple of minutes into the second half Blair A ls ton’ s corner was headed back along the face of goal by Mark Durnan and into the path of Francis who made no mistake from close range.