We'll bounce right back

The Methil men go into the league match hurting after losing their 11 game undefeated streak to St Mirren on Saturday.

It was tough on the Fifers who proved to be more than a match for Jack Ross’s Championship side.

But Bayview boss Barry Smith says his side can turn the defeat into a source of inspiration to fire them to victory on Saturday.

Smith said: “Everybody is disappointed because we felt we had an opportunity against St Mirren.

“So I’ve said to the players to take the frustration out at the weekend.

“We’ll make sure we’re focused.

“We don’t get too high when we’re winning and don’t get too low when we lose.

“I’m sure the boys will respond.”

East Fife gave absolutely everything against the Buddies at Bayview but just couldn’t get their noses in front.

After Chris Duggan cancelled out Cammy Smith’s opener the Paisley side, bottom of the Championship, were rattled.

Unfortunately for the Fifers they were able to turn to a bit of quality off the bench which changed the game, with sub Lewis Morgan scoring a second and third goal for his side.

No side is going to win every game, and there are good ways to lose.

Given the effort, appetite and commitment, this was one of those occasions.

Smith added: “We feel we could certainly have taken it to a replay.

“The second half there was large spells when we were on top and had a couple of opportunities cleared off the line.

“The boys gave me everything and that’s all we can ask.

“We were playing a team from a higher division but they acquitted themselves.

“We asked them for a wee bit more and take a bit more responsibility than they had in the first half and they certainly did that.

“We’re disappointed but looking at the positives of how they played against a team from a higher division, we’ll certainly take that.”

The only negatives from the defeat was a first half injury to Luke Watt and a second 45 injury to Scott Robinson.

The on-loan Motherwell defender pulled up early in the match with a hamstring problem and had to be replaced by Chris Kane.

Robinson suffered a back spasm towards the end of the game.

“We had to play the last 10-15 minutes of the game with 10 men,” said Smith.

“But we still competed and still got up the park.

“It shows the resolve these players have.”

One player who will come into contention for the weekend’s game is defender Ben Reilly who completed his move to East Fife.

The club has also moved quickly to replace assistant boss Gordon Young who left recently to pursue a coaching career in the USA.

Taking his place is Kevin McGoldrick who until recently has been working for English Premier League giants Manchester City developing players in the Far East.