Solid Lichties deserved a win

At sunny, slightly breezy New Bayview, Arbroath made only one change ion the starting lineup Watson replacing Doris in the starting eleven. in an game punctuated by injuries (for both sides) the subs were needed and Ross, Doris and Bishop came on.

There was a healthy turnout of Lichtie fans in the stands though stirred into voice only rarely

Arbroath started the better getting a decent passing game going but missing the final ball upfront. Watson was clattered from behind after 15 minutes (no action taken) and never really recovered. Sellars and Lunan were also injured later in the half with Barry's looking serious. east Fife didnlt create much first half but we only opened them up once and Hislop - in the clear from a Sellars through ball, sent it across the goal and wide

Second half started in lively fashion. A well-struck Doris corner was met smartly by Ross ahead of the keepr to put us one up. We only held the lead for 3 minutes. Fife pressed, an Ovenstone monster throw-in got through the defence and Crawford was at the far post to force home.

Fife had their best spell for the next 10-15 minutes and pushed us back. They didn't really open up up but high balls into the box were not always cooly dealt with. We had a real let-off when a mixup between Rattray and Raeside left Hill strnaded but Fife's striker tamely hit the ball wide

We took the game to them in the last 15 minutes, pressing a well-organised well. Shots from Hislop and Rennie went close and at corners there were anxious moments for the home defence

Today's ref = clown. A bizarre decision late on when Ross chasing down a defender in their left corner caught him with a tired challenge. Foul yes but harmless - compared to some earlier challenges on our players. the ref showed a straight red. The ref showed his colours by asking Lunan to leave the pitch at the stand side rather than to the dugouts

Overall this was a decent Arbroath performance, we tried to pass the ball around and carve out openings. We had the better of the chances and could have broken the recent East Fife bogey on another day.

Hopefully Watson and Lunan will recover but Barry Sellars looked to be in real pain so that is a real worry ahead