The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Naysmith to steer clear of ‘gung-ho’ approach
Manager believes Livi will still be fresh despite Belfast trip
East Fife manager Gary Naysmith does not believe Livingston’s midweek trip to Belfast makes things any easier for his men.
Livi defeated Crusaders 3-0 in their replayed Irn-Bru Cup game on Tuesday night, but Naysmith still expects the League One leaders to be at their best.
He explained: “They will be fresh for the game as they played pretty much a shadow side with only three out of the starting 11 regulars in Belfast.
“They will be much more on usual lines and it will be a difficult game as they have hit form recently.”
The Fifers will go there weakened by suspension and injury, with Naysmith having to rethink his tactics as a result.
The former Scottish international said: “We played really well against Livingston in a 3-1 win at our place earlier in the season when we scored three times in the first half.
“However, I do not think we can adopt a gung-ho approach in this one.
“I would have liked to have gone there and had a go but I will be missing a lot of creativity as Scott Robinson and Chris Duggan remain out and Mark Lamont is struggling.
“We will also be missing strength at the back as Jonathan Page is suspended.”
Jordan Austin could be added to the travelling party, with Naysmith hoping to recall the striker from a loan spell at junior side St Andrews.
I would have liked to have gone there and had a go but I will be missing a lot of creativity. GARY NAYSMITH