Under 20s: Youngster felled by Fifers in disappointing defeat

Posted on Saturday, August 27th, 2022

A brace of goals either side of the interval saw Spartans lose 4-0 on on the road at East Fife in Friday night’s Development League match at Bayview.

After an arduous hour and a half bus trip from Ainslie Park to Methil, a leg weary Spartans side arrived at the home of East Fife looking to build on their decent start to the year under the stewardship of Les Atkinson.

A suite of changes in the Spartans line-up from last time out saw opportunities for a handful of the new recruits in their inaugural year of the ‘step-up’ from youth football.

The hosts may have had a poor start to their campaign but they were first out the traps as the red sky set over Bayview. Adam Meek called into action to produce a save to keep the Fifers at bay.

It took almost 25 minutes before we had the first real opportunity of the match. Given Ndlovu turning his man on the touchline before setting off towards the box, but his low cross had a bit too much air in it and Mackie Scott couldn’t connect.

Another flowing Spartans attack with Elliott Miller doing well up the line despite his marker nipping away at his ankles. His cross finally coming into the path of Mackie Scott but his effort was saved.

34 minutes on the clock and the home side took the lead. As Spartans made their way back after an attack of their home, it was a Fife flyer who made excellent ground and his cross was headed home from six yards.

Spartans looked to get back on level terms immediately and Callum McKay rose above the plethora of bodies inside a busy penalty box but his header went over the bar from a corner.

The Fifers were looking dangerous once again and you’ll be unlikely to see a better goal at Bayview all season as a long range effort sailed beyond Adam Meek, hit the inside of both posts and nestled in the net.

Half Time: East Fife 2-0 Spartans

Harvey Cummings was introduced at the break to offer some fresh legs however Atkinson was then called upon to make an enforced change when Aaron Cameron had to withdraw after picking up a knock, replaced by Cameron Brincker.

Any hopes of a Spartans comeback were dashed as the home side netted twice in as many minutes. The first from the fifth of a series of successive corners then a deft flick at the near post which effectively killed the contest.

Probably not the 18th Birthday night out he was looking for but on the hour mark, Max Williamson came on for Rui Black.

Adam Meek done well with a flying fingertip save to deny the Fifers a fifth, a stop that drew warm applause from the crowd.

Spartans still pressed and Max Williamson’s corner saw Chris Inglis rise and win the header, but the effort was blocked on the line.

One final change for the tourists saw Harry Cuister replace captain Coats with ten minutes left on the clock.

FT: East Fife 4-0 Spartans

Mintbox Removals Man of the Match: Mackie Scott