East Fife squad standing up to hectic run of games

The Fifers are currently in the midst of a hectic sequence of games, playing seven times within the space of a couple of weeks.

Young has rotated his squad during that busy spell and says he’s been impressed with how well they’ve adapted.

The Fifers drew 2-2 Partick Thistle at home on Tuesday night and now prepare for the trip to Dumbarton on Thursday and then Forfar on Saturday.

“The squad is coping well and it’s helped that we’ve made able to make a few changes,” said the manager.

“Chris Higgins was feeling a bit sore ahead of Saturday, but he had played the whole week. We’ve had to chop and change as best we can, but we still have guys like Liam Watt who has played in most of the games.

“For us, it’s been about making sure they’ve had enough rest and recovery in their legs so they’re ready to go for the next game.

“They’ve been playing well and we know their strengths, so we’re comfortable with the squad we have.

“Hopefully, now they can kick on and get some more points on the board this week.”

The 42-year-old had calmed down after the weekend when an injury-time decision given against his side cost them a place in the Scottish Cup’s fourth round.

Referee Alan Muir penalised Ross Dunlop for a handball inside the box, but TV replays showed the defender was hard done by and could do nothing about that contact.

Young was furious with that decision following the game and, even once the dust had settled, believed he had every right to be, the match footage vindicating his frustration, saying: “The performance was brilliant but the decision at the end is just so annoying.”

Partick equalised in injury time to deprive East Fife of all three points ahead of tomorrow’s match versus Dumbarton.

And with a trip to Forfar on Saturday to come, a club battling for their survival, Young knows his side are facing some difficult games.

He added: “If we were able to get another four or five points on the board this week, then that would be a boost.”