East Fife 4-0 Spartans

It’s not flying too high to suggest that pre-season games are far from a favourite amongst football fans, but with the restructured League Cup just around the corner, the weekend’s game was crucial in getting any ring rust shaken off.

The Fifers appear to be in good shape, turning in what was a slick and dominant performance.

All eyes were trained on the new signings, with Naysmith handing starts to Mark Lamont, Tony Wallace, Scott Robinson and Chris Kane.

Ross Mutch, who has been playing his football with Cupar based AM Soccer, also started, with the Fifers expected to hand a contract to the 17-year-old within the next few days.

All impressed and look a class apart from the capabilities of players left behind in League Two.

Former Dunfermline man Chris Kane was utilised by Naysmith as a centre half and simply strolled through the game.

Wallace’s performance was probably the most eye catching, the central midfielder getting from box to box and constantly in the thick of the action.

Lamont, particularly in the opening exchanges, looked tricky and creative on the wings, offering something the Fifers haven’t really had over the past couple of seasons.

Robinson played exactly how you’d expect a midfielder whose past three clubs are Hearts, Kilmarnock and Dunfermline to play.

He was neat and tidy in possession and, bearing the standard of opposition in mind, was another who found the game a stroll.

Mutch is a different kettle of fish, with the teenager making his first steps in the professional game.

The fact he had Naysmith singling out his performance for praise after an emphatic win says all about how he played before being subbed.

In the midst of all the new signing watching a game of football was being played.

East Fife started at a high tempo and were rarely threatened.

The opener came when Kevin Smith stooped to head home a Robinson cross.

It was 2-0 when Mutch was bundled over in the box and Robinson stepped up to fire home from the penalty spot.

With so many new players arriving at Bayview, it’s easy to forget that a more familiar face was also brought to the club towards the end of last season.

Paul McManus showed he’ll be every bit the thorn in the side of defences East Fife fans know he can be when he netted a quick fire double.

His first came from the spot when Kyle Wilkie was fouled before he completed the scoring by finishing off a neat move involving Smith and Lamont.

It’s on to Tuesday night now when Edinburgh City will represent another step up in quality for the Fifers.

On this evidence, they’re heading in the right direction.