Smith’s sights set on return to third spot

East Fife will tonight look to bounce back from their last-gasp defeat to Brechin on Saturday by moving ahead of the Glebe Park men in the play-off chase.

A win over Albion Rovers in Coatbridge would see Barry Smith’s side return to third place.

But the Bayview manager has warned his men that Darren Young’s side also have plenty to play for.

Smith said: “Rovers had a great win at the weekend and they know that if they turn games in hand into points then they are in the play-off mix so this will be a really difficult game.

“We lost at the weekend and it was a sore one as it looked like we would get a point.

“It was a disappointing outcome as we got back into things after giving Brechin a goal of a start. We can play better and what is good about our squad is that they are honest about that.

“We are a better side than we showed but that game is gone now and it is all about bouncing back.

“Winning this game would be a terrific way to do that.”

Jonathan Page is a doubt for the Fifers, with Luke Watt, Kyle Wilkie and Tony Wallace all still out.

Rovers manager Darren Young is hoping that his side’s three goal secondhalf blast at Stenhousemuir on Saturday is a sign that his side have finally developed a ruthless nature.

A win would see a play-off push emerge from the Coatbridge club, with Young saying: “Throughout the season we have been wasteful in front of goal.

“We have created plenty of chances but not picked up the points we should have as we have missed chances.”

“If we can be as ruthless against East Fife then we have a great chance of winning.”

Paul Archibald is available after injury but on-loan Celtic striker Theo Archibald is on Scotland under-19 duty.

East Fife boss Barry Smith has called on his side to bounce back after City loss.