Fifers’ attitude wins Naysmith approval

East Fife boss Gary Naysmith was delighted with the attitude of his players after they ground out a deserved 1-1 draw at Stair Park.

The Fifers went in at half-time having dominated and leading through a Ross Brown goal.

But the second 45 was a different story, with Brian Reid’s side pressing constantly and ensuring a share of the points with a Steven Bell equaliser.

Naysmith said: “We hardly touched the ball in the second half but showed our fitness because we were constantly on the move, shutting players down, winning headers, getting the second ball and stopping crosses

“We won’t kid ourselves, Stranraer put us under extreme pressure in the second half but for me as a manager it was pleasing to see them stand up to it.”

Naysmith shuffled his pack after last week’s loss to Queen’s Park with Jamie Insall on the bench and Kevin Smith up top and linking well with midfielder Tony Wallace.

The Fifers pressed during the opening phase and Jonathan Page’s header crashed off Smith on the line, allowing the hosts to clear.

East Fife were the better side throughout the first half with keeper Mark Hurst a spectator.

Chris Kane was next to test Cameron Belford’s goal with a long-range effort that stung the goalie’s palms.

It was little surprise when the visitors broke the deadlock.

Smith surged forward and picked out Brown six yards from goal and the midfielder bundled the ball across the line.

The Fifers continued to frustrate the Blues with the defensive pairing of Page and Jason Kerr keeping strikers Christian Nade and Craig Malcolm quiet.

The hosts continued to press forward in a second half they dominated and they got their reward with 20 minutes to go.

East Fife were unable to clear their lines from a Willie Gibson corner and Bell prodded it home.

A series of late corners had to be defended by Naysmith’s men but they held on for a point.