East Fife taking it a game at the time

It may be the oldest cliché in the book, but East Fife are simply taking things one game at a time.
Cove clear their lines under pressure from Fife forward Nathan Austin. Pic by Kenny MackayCove clear their lines under pressure from Fife forward Nathan Austin. Pic by Kenny Mackay
Cove clear their lines under pressure from Fife forward Nathan Austin. Pic by Kenny Mackay

Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Cove Rangers was the first of seven games in the space of a fortnight.

A trip to Montrose was scheduled for Tuesday night before Clyde and Greenock Morton visit on Thursday and Saturday respectively.

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Bayview boss Darren Young can’t get too far ahead of himself as he prepares for each game, admitting he’s playing things day-to-to to navigate the Fifers through this unprecedented spell of fixtures.

"It’s one game at a time and other teams will be in the same situation as us of playing Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday,” he said.

"We’re all going to have to make changes, we know that for a fact, because you can’t ask boys to play four games in a week.

"For the Clyde game we may have to make changes, so it might be a different line-up from the one that played them last week.

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"But that could all depend on results, depend on injuries, depend on Covid-19 tests and suspensions.

"We want to build on the win we had against them, but we know there are no easy games, so have to perform how we did the first time round.

"It’s all about making sure guys are fresh and those coming in are ready to help out and kick on.”

All sides are expected to rotate over the coming weeks but Fife fans can be heartened at the strength of the squad.

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Coming off the bench at the weekend were the likes of Kevin Smith, Aaron Dunsmore, Danny Swanson and Liam Newton, all players more than capable of starting.

How Young revolves his squad exactly remains to be seen, and some of those left out of Thursday’s game with Clyde may feature from kick off when the club hosts Morton in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

"We really don’t know how these three league games are going to affect us ahead of Saturday,” said Young.

"We have to make sure guys are ok and will need to see what condition they’re in.

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"It’s a disadvantage to us to have to play the three games in a week, but we’ll be confident going into it.

"Hopefully it’s either on the back of a couple of victories or at least another four points picked up.”