EAST FIFE 5
Agnew (pen 40, 55, 58), Watson (45), Smith (62) TRANENT 1 Thomson (3) Darren Young watched his ruthless Fifers hit five against Tranent and then said they were unlucky not to score even more.
Boss Young was delighted with his side’s performance. He said: “Overall, it’s job done. We’ve scored five goals, but could maybe have had another three or four.
“Fair play to Tranent, they also hit the post, while we’ve had two or three one-on-ones and hit the bar as well. In the second half, we came out and passed it better and the difference showed.”
Having been turfed out the Scottish Cup last season by BSC Glasgow, Fife boss Young took no chances with his starting line-up. The only change from last weekend’s 2-1 win over Falkirk was the returning Ryan Wallace replacing Jack Hamilton, who has been recalled by parent club Livingston.
But the visitors stunned the Methil men by racing into the lead with just a few minutes played. The Fifers conceded a free-kick midway inside their own half and, with the home defence expecting a cross into the box, Steven Thomson instead tried his luck from range and caught out Brett Long.
The hosts should have been level within a couple of minutes when Ryan Wallace managed to beat the offside trap and scampered clear on goal. The Fife striker got his shot away, but it was tame and held comfortably by Alasdair Adams.
Tranent went close to doubling their lead when Thomson’s freekick came back off the post.
The Fifers got the equaliser five minutes from the break when Wallace was hauled down inside the box by Adams. Ref Barry Cook pointed to the spot and Agnew made no mistake.
Young’s side got their noses in front just a couple of minutes later when Agnew turned provider with his corner headed home by Craig Watson. Then, on 55 minutes, Agnew’s free-kick increased his side’s lead before he hit another just a couple of minutes later to put the hosts on easy street.
Tranent were visibly deflated and things got even worse for them when Kevin Smith netted from close range to make the score 5-1.
Visiting boss Calum Elliot was proud of his side’s showing.
He said: “The scoreline is harsh, but it’s down to a crazy 20-minute spell when we completely lost control of the game. For large spells, we more than held our own and there’s no disgrace in going to East Fife and losing.”