Spirited 10 man showing in defeat

Last updated : 25 August 2013 By Fargone

9586641314_09990844f9_tFrom the Sunday Mail:  East Fife 2-1 Arbroath

EAST FIFE gaffer Willie Aitchison insists the hard work starts now after watching his side secure their first win of the season.

The Fifers put in a solid display to beat Arbroath thanks to goals from Scott Durie and Liam Buchanan.

Aitchison said: “It’s great to get the first win. But it’s not just a process of winning one or two games. Over the next five or six months we need to develop a strong team.

“You can see by some of the football we’re playing – we’re trying to develop our own style of play. We’re at about 60 per cent strength right now so it’s good to see it all coming together.”

Arbroath dominated possession early on but it was the home side who took the lead after 11 minutes when a powerful Durie header gave the Red Lichties keeper no chance.

The Fifers looked impressive and got another boost in 33 minutes when the visitors went down to 10 men as Colin Hamilton was sent off after conceding a penalty. Liam Buchanan calmly slotted home from the spot to double his side’s lead.

But 10-man Arbroath kept the match alive in the dying minutes of the first half when Alan Cook scored from a well-worked free-kick.

The second half was a drab affair until the 74th minute when Durie was given a second yellow to leave both sides with 10 men.