The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Smith wary of the danger posed by Peterhead
East Fife will attempt to extend their unbeaten league run to 10 games when they travel north to face Peterhead at Balmoor this afternoon.
Barry Smith’s side displayed their never-say-die attitude once again against Brechin last week when they recovered from losing a two-goal lead to continue battling to secure a winner.
Now, they will look to carry on where they left off against a Blue Toon side that contains a dangerman the Methil manager knows only too well.
Smith said: “It was a physical game last week and the challenges were flying in but you wouldn’t expect anything else. With the way the game panned out, we were delighted with the response from the lads when they were pegged back at 2-2.
“They coped with everything Brechin threw at them. They don’t know when to stop which speaks volumes for them but they just want to win as many games as possible.
“We have spoken to them about having that mentality and it doesn’t matter who we are playing whether they are at the top or the bottom of the league.”
Smith added: “We now have a tough game up in Peterhead.
“Rory McAllister has 20 goals to his name already this season. I played with him at Brechin and I am fully aware of how dangerous a player he is.
“However, they have threats throughout their team from lads who have also played at a higher level including Nicky Riley, Grant Anderson and Simon Ferry.
“So we can’t just concentrate on Rory but if we can stop the supply to him that could work to our advantage.”
Nicki Paterson is suspended after being red carded against Brechin.
HIBERNIAN V DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC
Gavin Reilly feels for his Hearts pals after their Edinburgh derby demolition but hopes to give them a pick-me-up by helping Dunfermline bring Hibs back down to earth today.
Reilly is on a season-long loan from Hearts and knows the pain of derby defeat from last season’s Scottish Cup exit at Easter Road with the Jambos.
The former Queen of the South striker fears the elation of Hibs’ 3-1 thumping of their rivals will have the hosts firing on all cylinders come this evening’s kick-off.
But the 23-year-old hopes to gain a small measure of revenge for his Tynecastle team-mates with a positive result for Dunfermline.
He said: “I’ve spoken to a couple of the boys I’m still in touch with at Hearts. They’re still down in the dumps from the Hibs game.