East Fife boss frustrated at early season decisions

If that is indeed the case, then East Fife boss Darren Young believes his side already have plenty of credit in the bank.

On Saturday against Cove Rangers, and for the second weekend in a row, the Fifers had a debatable penalty given against them.

They were also forced to close the game with nine men following a straight red for Danny Denholm and Aaron Dunsmore’s two bookings.

Young believes those calls were dubious, to say the least, and is hopeful the luck given to Raith Rovers and Cove will rub off on his team soon.

“Certain things change games and even with the penalty at Cove, Ross Dunlop has said that their guy kicked him more than he did,” he said.

“The boy has also knocked it by him and it looked liked Chris Higgins was getting the ball anyway.

“Danny Denholm goes in, wins the ball and keeps his feet on the ground, but the referee has said it was done in an aggressive nature.”

Cove scored their first goal from the free-kick lost by Denholm after that challenge.

Young also reckons the hosts’ second came after a decision went against his side when it appeared Ryan Wallace was fouled in the build-up.

“That was a clear foul. Two arms on the back and he shoves him over and they get on the break for the goal,” added the Fife boss.

Young will look for clarification over recent decisions given against East Fife, starting with the Betfred Cup tie at Stark’s Park when Rovers striker Manny Duku pulled the “sniper-in-the-stand” routine under minimal pressure from Craig Watson.

“Overall, there are certain things in the game against Cove that we’re not happy with,” he said.

“We’re going to compile a wee video and put some stuff into the SFA because we’re not happy, which is something I haven’t done before.

“Even going back to the Raith game, the penalty is soft.

“Craig Watson is tangling with the guy but the ball is already halfway back to the goalkeeper. He’s not going to get anything, but he throws himself to the ground and the referee is the only person who sees it as a penalty.

“Hopefully, this is just all the bad luck coming out.”