Frustrating afternoon for Fifers and boss

Gary Naysmith says he has learned not to even try to reason with match officials.

The East Fife gaffer was frustrated by a few of the calls made by referee Gavin Ross during Saturday’s League One defeat by Airdrie.

Ross enraged both sides, sending off a player from each, but it was his ordering off of East Fife’s Jonathan Page that riled the Bayview gaffer.

Page was sent off after picking up his second booking within the space of a few seconds after he had too much to say to the whistler after being cautioned for a foul.

Sean McIntosh also saw red for a last-man foul on Kevin Smith, both coming after Andy Ryan scored the only goal.

Naysmith said: “The refereeing was shocking.

“I’m not happy with Jonathan for answering back, that’s not acceptable and he knows that. But I can understand his frustrations.

“His first booking was picked up after what should have been a foul to us.

“It was a clear foul and for him to get booked for it, I can understand why he’s said something.

“Jonathan hasn’t missed a game for this club since he’s been here for around two-anda-half years so that tells you the frustration that was on the pitch among all 22 players.

“I let myself go against Queen’s Park at the end of the game but I’ve been teaching myself not to even speak to them because you just get more and more frustrated.”

The word frustration could also be used to sum up East Fife’s afternoon.

They had the overwhelming amount of pressure without ever really troubling Rohan Ferguson in the Airdrie goal.

The visitors took the lead when a free-kick was flicked on by Joe Gorman into the path of Ryan who beat Mark Hurst.

East Fife pressed and pressed but couldn’t unlock the defence, with Daniel Boateng proving a rock for the Diamonds.

Jonathan Page: saw red after comments to referee.