East Fife boss Barry Smith has paid tribute to his players’ fitness levels ahead of today’s crunch clash with Alloa at Bayview.
The Methil men will approach the game in confident frame of mind after last weekend’s notable victory at the home of league leaders Livingston.
East Fife produced a superb defensive display to keep Livi at bay and then stunned the hosts in the 85th minute with what turned out to be the winning goal by Jason Kerr.
Now, Smith is hoping for more of the same against Jim Goodwin’s Alloa, who are also on a good run of form.
The manager said: “It was a fine all-round performance at Livingston last week and I was delighted especially with the way we defended.
“They had a couple of chances but we showed a lot of resilience to keep out a full-time side and then go up the park at the end to score late on.
“It speaks volumes for the players’ fitness. We obviously work them hard at training but they all look after themselves really well.
“There are a couple of personal trainers in the squad but they all know that as well as the two nights a week, they also have to do a wee bit extra and they are always fully prepared for a game on a Saturday.
“We now face another very good side in Alloa.
“Jim has done really well there after a bit of a sticky start and their results have been excellent recently.
“It will be a tough game against the team sitting second in the table but we are determined to push on.
“We will just continue to do what we have done well both home and away then see where it takes us.”
East Fife will be without Jonathan Page who is suspended along with the injured Mark Lamont, Tony Wallace and Kyle Wilkie.
