Clydebank 3
East Fife 1
League (Division 2)

Match Report

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How the other side saw it
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East Fife's unbeaten run in the league came to a crashing halt at Clydebank last Wednesday. Despite dominating possession, a lack of killer instinct in front of goal and some defensive lapses proved costly as they fell to a 3-1 defeat.

Bobby Waddell returned to the starting line-up after injury, while Johnny Lawlor slotted in at inside-left for the absent Kinsella. However, their presence couldn't spark the visitors into life. East Fife's play lacked the usual urgency, particularly in the first half. Their finishing let them down on numerous promising attacks, and their previously resolute defence displayed a concerning looseness.

The punishment arrived in the 36th minute. Doug Soutar's hesitation in dealing with a high ball gifted possession to Clydebank winger Baxter. He made no mistake, slotting the ball past McGann from close range. East Fife responded with a flurry of attacks, but their finishing remained woeful, squandering several golden chances.

The second half began with another blow for the Fifers. Moore doubled Clydebank's lead with a clever strike, leaving East Fife with a mountain to climb.

The visitors continued to press, desperately searching for a way back into the game. Finally, a breakthrough arrived in the 62nd minute. Johnny Lawlor rose majestically to meet a Nelson cross, nodding it past the Clydebank keeper to reignite East Fife's hopes.

The equaliser seemed inevitable, but the Clydebank defence held firm. Two agonising offside decisions further frustrated the Fifers' efforts as they bombarded the home goal. With three minutes remaining, Lawlor saw a golden opportunity cleared off the line with the keeper beaten, leaving East Fife desperately searching for a leveller.

In a cruel twist of fate, Moore headed the ball into his own net in the dying seconds, handing Clydebank a controversial third goal and sealing East Fife's fate.

The scoreline perhaps flatters Clydebank a touch, but they were more clinical in front of goal, a department where the Fifers fell woefully short. This defeat is a significant setback in their promotion push, particularly following their recent point lost at home. East Fife will need to rediscover their scoring touch if they are to maintain their serious challenge for promotion.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay