East Fife out to make most of run at home

East Fife manager Greig McDonald is targeting home improvement for his side as they get set to kick-start a run of three home games in a row with the visit of Annan Athletic this afternoon.

Having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup, the Fifers found themselves idle last weekend and boss McDonald took the opportunity to scout today’s opponents in their 1-1 draw with Stranraer at Stair Park.

He said: “The break was a good chance to rest some legs and clear up some knocks, so the boys are feeling fresh and have trained well this week.

“I went and watched Stranraer last week and I have to say the football was secondary to the weather, it had a major impact on the game but a draw was about right.

“Annan probably had the better of the first half and Stranraer the second, but it was good to get the chance to see them in person ahead of Saturday.”

The Fifers welcome the Galabankies today before hosting Bonnyrigg and Stranraer before Christmas.

McDonald added: “It is a bit unusual to get three home games in a row, but those three games finish the second quarter and take us to the halfway mark so we really want to get maximum points like we do in every game.

“We have done alright in our last couple of home games, and we just know we need to stop gifting

other teams goals of a start, so hopefully we can get back to Bayview and give a good account of ourselves.”

McDonald also reported better news on the injury front, with Ryan Schiavove set to return to the squad having trained on Thursday night after his hamstring strain.

Connor McManus, Brogan Walls, Scott Gallacher and Rabin Omar are all “on track” to return over the festive period.