East Fife had won all 8 home league games at New Bayview conceding only 2 all season
Given recent defensive performances, most hoped we could keep the score respectable. The manager must have had simlalr thoughts with an unusual formation with Tosh playing midfield and Jamie Bishop moved to left back to accommodate Tully in the middle. Brazil & Reilly also did a good shift up front in place of the normal first choice, Scott and Webster
Apart from a few short spells early and late, we were not really under pressure the whole game as Fife tried a bit but showed few of the touches that have taken them to the top. They hadn't even conceded a goal in the last 7-8 home games yet we could have had a few more than the two we managed.
I think we set out to hold them and hit them on the break which we did well throughout. The first goal was a beauty with Flyer making a good break up the right and sending over a great cross for Stewart Ferguson to head in with a determined leap. Then Watson was clear and their keeper (a Celtic loan) made a great save.
Second half continued the pattern of fairly neat Arbroath interpassing, first to most balls and some dangerous breaks. Reilly broke clear in midfield and crashed a 30 yard shot off their corssbar with the keeper beaten. Then after other near things, Scott turned up halfway thorugh the second half to convert.
The referee did all in his power to give Fife an advanatge second half, including a ridiculous booking for Flyer. Fife centre-back Smart was fortunate to stay on after swinging a blow at |Scott.
There was a little Fife pressure but Wight had no saves to make, but was tidy.
Great performance from the Lichties and builds confidence ahead of the derby at Links Park. If we play like this we can get back into playoff contention. Bad day and a serious dose of reality for the leaders - all that dodgy money and dubious characters don't make them invincible though they do seem to have become arrogant and complacent.
The last two games bring a bit of credibility to Division 3 by reining back the runaway leaders. They should still coast it but it was very quiet despite the 900 crowd, at least 150 Lichties there.
Was Flyer sent off - as the BBC report suggests? I didn't see it and it didn,t even merit a booking.