Boss Young praises Fife resilience

EAST FIFE 4 DUMBARTON 2

Darren Young heaped praise on his players after they bounced back from throwing away a twogoal lead to secure the win at the weekend.

Two first half goals seemed to put the Fifers on easy street but the Sons recovered and restored parity.

Young’s side refused to feel sorry for themselves, though, and added another couple before full-time.

The Bayview boss said: “We’re heading in the right direction and there’s a feelgood factor in the dressing room.

“We lost a goal just before half-time and were all annoyed at each other and it’s good to see that.

“That’s the sign of a good team that, even though we’re losing these goals, we’re still putting in good performances.”

These two sides shared six goals in November when they met last and did so again on Saturday.

The hosts took an early lead when Scott Agnew’s drive was deflected past his own keeper by Ryan McGeever.

Agnew’s involvement set the tone for the rest of the afternoon, the Methil midfielder at the heart of everything the hosts created.

It was his corner which led to East Fife’s second.

The visitors failed to clear Agnew’s delivery and the ball broke kindly for Chris Higgins who lashed home.

East Fife looked to be cruising towards the three points but conceded at the worst possible time, Morgyn Neil heading home deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half.

It gave the Sons real hope and they completed their comeback on 59 minutes when Robert Jones was on hand to sweep the ball into the back of the net.

The game was hanging in the balance, but credit to East Fife who reset themselves and got their noses back in front.

Agnew was again involved, his free-kick being met by Stewart Murdoch who powered his header beyond Connor Brennan.

This time there would be no letting Dumbarton back into the game and matters were settled with just over 10 minutes to go with the goal of the match.

Dumbarton conceded a free-kick on the edge of their own box and were punished in style by man of the match Agnew, who stepped up and curled a terrific strike out of Brennan’s reach.