East Fife 1-0 Saints B

The only goal of the game came on 33 minutes as Scott Mercer nodded home a Connor McManus corner.

The young Saints battled well in the second half as they tried to get back in the game however, the League One side were able to see the game out and they will now face the winners of tomorrows match between Peterhead and Dundee B in the next round.

MATCH REPORT

Saints were in Methil this evening to take on League One side East Fife in an SPFL Trust Trophy match at the Locality Hub Bayview Stadium.

The young Saints got the match underway but it was the hosts who created the first chance of the match on 6 minutes as Connor McManus’ corner from the left broke to Liam Watt at the back post and he gathered the ball before curling an effort towards goal which hit the side netting.

Then on 8 minutes East Fife created another opportunity as Max Kucheriavyi’s clearance only went as far as Jamie Semple and the midfielder’s driving effort from the edge of the box hit the side netting.

PHOTO: Taylor Steven fends off Liam Watt

The opportunities for Darren Young’s side continued to come and on 19 minutes Kyle Connell put a header wide after he had got on the end of a Liam Watt delivery. The on-loan Kilmarnock forward then got on the end of another Watt cross 3 minutes later but again he put his header wide. Liam Newton was next to have a shot at goal but he couldn’t direct his curling effort on target.  

The pressure from The Fifers eventually told on 33 minutes as they took the lead. McManus sent over a corner from the left and it was met by Scott Mercer and the defender sent a powerful header into the back of the net.

Cammy Dow then looked to double East Fife’s advantage on 38 minutes but the midfielder saw his curling effort from the edge of the area go well over. 

Before the second half got underway Saints made a change as Bailey Pert replaced Jackson Innes.

Saints were awarded a free kick 3 minutes into the second half however, the delivery Taylor Steven was well held by Scott Gallacher in the East Fife goal.

A good move by Saints just before the hour mark saw Pert played in down the right however, his cross into the box was turned behind for a corner by Pat Slattery. From the corner Saints captain Cammy Ballantyne made a connection with the ball however, Gallacher comfortably gathered his effort.

PHOTO: Max Kucheriavyi and Jamie Semple battle for the ball

Play then quickly switched to the other end as Kevin Smith saw his glancing header hit the post with Saints keeper Ross Sinclair rooted to the spot.

The young Saints were making a game of it in the second half and on 67 minutes Thomas Lowndes tested Gallacher with an effort however, The East Fife keeper couldn’t hold the strike as the loose ball was knocked behind for a corner.

Then 2 minutes later Sinclair was called into action at the other end as he came sliding out to deny Smith after the Fifers captain was in on goal.

Saints continued to battle away as the second half progressed as they tried to find the goal that would take the match to penalties however, they were unable to seriously test Gallacher.

With 4 minutes remaining East Fife substitute Michael Cunningham tried to end the game as a contest however, his effort was well held by Sinclair.

East Fife: Gallacher, McManus (Anderson 85), Slattery, Connell, Smith (Cunningham 70), Dow, Mercer, Watt, Semple (Dair 76), Steele, Newton

Unused Substitutes: Smith (GK), Oag, Walls, Denholm

Booked: Newton

Scorer: Mercer (33)

Saints: Sinclair, Innes (Pert 45), Lowndes (Regan 87), Falconer, Denholm, Parker, Kucheriavyi, Ballantyne, Steven, Moreland, Northcott

Unused Substitutes: Hepburn (GK), Hall

Booked: None

Referee: Mike Roncone

Match Report by Daryl Scott

Picture: Cammy Ballantyne is closed down by Connor McManus