East Fife 2-0 Stranraer

Having suffered defeats in the league and cup in recent weeks the Methil club were desperate to get back to winning ways.

Back at Bayview against a Stranraer side sitting below them in the league, this was the perfect chance to go about getting it.

The visitors fancied their chances too, with Stranraer boss Brian Reid saying after the game his side was quietly confident about leaving Bayview with something.

But apart from a decent opening 20 minutes from Reid’s side, it was the Fifers who were well on top.

When Jamie Insall was brought back to East Fife by Gary Naysmith, he was a player who needed no introduction to the Bayview faithful.

Insall had played a key part in last season’s League Two win but, with no disrespect to the efforts he put in last season, the striker looks to have returned a vastly improved player.

The on-loan Hibs man was unplayable.

Twice he had the ball in the net only to see his efforts chopped off for offside to add to the double he scored which did count.

Supported by Kevin Smith, Kyle Wilkie and Scott Robinson, Insall was provided with the kind of ammunition he thrives on.

Firstly Smith’s pinpoint cross from the wing allowed the striker to use his power and sharpness to get in front of his marker and head home.

His second again played to his strengths with Wilkie this time doing the damage, playing a superb ball through the heart of the Stranraer defence.

It allowed Insall to use his speed to break away from the Stranraer backline and beat Cameron Belford.

The guys up top were doing their job and the players at the back were too.

Mark Hurst was brought in for Ryan Goodfellow in goal and he was rarely threatened.

The pairing of Chris Kane and Jonathan Page in the centre of defence looked mean and solid, refusing to give away their clean sheet.

It was a convincing win for the men in black and gold who are now looking comfortable in their new League One surroundings.