The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
East Fife boss praises youngsters who have stepped up to mark
East Fife manager Darren Young has hailed the depth of his squad as they prepare to head to Clyde tonight.
The Fifers secured League One football with their 2-1 win over Dumbarton on Saturday, and Young has reiterated their desire to make sixth place their own.
“It was another game where circumstances dictated our squad choices, but I have to give everyone who stepped in credit. Games like that provide opportunities, and I thought everyone took their chance well.”
“We changed systems to a 3-5-2 and it seemed to suit some of the younger ones. When we settled into our rhythm some of our play was excellent. Our wing-backs gave us some good width and I thought the likes of Aaron Steele, Miller Fenton and Liam Newton all did well. They are all only 17, 18 and 19 so it was a mature performance from some young boys.”
As for the Bully Wee, Young said: “We have beaten Clyde twice since we came back but, to be honest, that does not count for anything because there are never any easy games whether it be pre or post-split.”
“They are still fighting hard to stay out of that play-off spot so we know we are in for another hard game against a team who can always hit you on the counter-attack.
“All we can do is focus on ourselves and look to keep picking up points that can help us be the best of the rest.”
Pat Slattery is out after going off on Saturday.
However, Danny Denholm and Reece Murdoch should be back.
Kevin Smith is rated at 50-50.