Naysmith unhappy with referee’s free-kick award

East Fife boss Gary Naysmith hit out at referee David Lowe after defeat at the hands of league leaders Alloa.

The New Bayview player-manager admitted he was pleased with the overall performance of his side but was not happy with the performance of whistler Lowe.

Reflecting on the award of a free-kick which led to the Wasps’ opening goal, Naysmith said: “We had a game plan to keep things tight and a refereeing decision ruined that for us. It was wrong.”

The opening minutes of the match were fast and furious. Fife’s Chris Kane had a shot from a Naysmith free-kick but it was cleared.

Despite dominating play, East Fife were unable to convert their play into goals and were to pay the price in the 35th minute when a disputed decision saw a freekick awarded to the home side 25 yards out.

Iain Flannigan bent the ball over the Fifers’ defence and, with the aid of a slight deflection, into the top corner of the net.

Alloa extended their lead five minutes later following a defensive mix-up.

Former Cowdenbeath striker Greig Spence ran on to a poor back pass to round Fife keeper Willie Muir and slot the ball home.

East Fife put pressure on the home defence early in the second half with shots from Kevin Smith being well saved by Wasps keeper Neil Parry.

Smith then worked well with Ross Brown and Kyle Wilkie, who laid the ball off to Chris Kane but his shot went narrowly over the bar.

Sub Kevin O’Hara’s 74thminute header from close range was touched away by Parry before Fife grabbed a deserved goal in the final minute, when O’Hara connected with a Mark Lamont corner to head home.