Tough nut Fifers crack Dees in penalty shoot-out
PAUL HARTLEY admitted Dundee’s second-half showing at Bayview hadn’t been good enough to see off the plucky Fifers.
Dundee arrived at Bayview heavy favourites to see off last season’s League Two winners but found the Methil men a tough nut to crack.
They had to work to earn their firsthalf lead through Kane Hemmings but didn’t do enough in the second 45 to put the game to bed, Kevin Smith grabbing a deserved equaliser late on for the Fifers.
The game was settled by a penalty shoot-out and Scott Robinson netted the winner after Rory Loy and James Vincent had their spot-kicks saved.
Hartley said: “The first half I thought we were OK and we go ahead, but the second half we didn’t perform like I know we can.
“I picked the strongest team to try and win the game so it’s a disappointing one.
“It’s not losing on penalties, it’s the second-half performance which concerns me.
“We didn’t pass the ball as well as we did in the first half and didn’t handle to conditions.
“We didn’t cope but I want to give East Fife credit for how they played in the second half.”
Hartley handed debuts to summer signings Michael Duffy, Danny Williams and Mark O’Hara while fellow new recruits James Vincent and Yordi, Teijsse took their place on the bench.
But it was the League One Fifers who started the better and pegged their Premiership opponents back.
Smith had a sight of the net while only a last ditch block stopped Scott Mercer’s run on goal.
Dundee had to weather the early storm and they quickly did, growing into the game and having the bulk of play without really testing Willie Muir in the East Fife goal.
The visitors needed some inspiration from their talisman, Kane Hemmings and it duly arrived with less that 10 minutes before the break.
Jason Kerr’s attempted clearance dropped kindly to the Dee forward and he beat Muir with a fine dipping volley from outside the box.
Hemmings was proving to be the difference and Kerr needed to be at his best to get a challenge in on 55 minutes just as he was about to pull the trigger from eight yards.
The Fifers deserved something for their efforts and it arrived on the 77 minute mark.
Kevin Holt crudely brought down Chris Duggan on the edge of the area and ref Barry Cook awarded a free-kick which Kevin Smith took and sent crashing into the top corner.
Fife boss Gary Naysmith was delighted with the win.
“We kept our shape well,” said the gaffer.
“Everything worked for us and as the game went on we became the dominant side.
“But it’s just a start, I won’t be getting carried away.”