Forfar Athletic recorded their fourth victory over East Fife this season as they gift-wrapped three points as a 60th birthday present for manager Dick Campbell.
The Loons were comfortable winners again against the 10-man Fifers as they stretched their unbeaten run to five games. That delighted Campbell, who is looking forward to even more coming from his side in the weeks ahead.
“In the build-up to today, this game had upset written all over it. We had played East Fife three times before today and beat them comfortably each time.
“So the biggest problem before today was keeping the players focused on the job they had to do.
“We knew East Fife would do what they do, they were dogged and determined, but I don’t think Rab Douglas had a save to make in the first period.
“I thought we deserved it again and, to be honest, the last 20 minutes we turned it into a bit of a show.”
Second-half goals from Chris Templeman and Ross Campbell gave Forfar the win, Campbell’s strike just minutes after coming on as a late substitute for the second game running.
“He will be telling his mother tonight that he deserves a start next week!” Campbell Sr said.
Ross will no doubt have been taking delight in telling his brother Iain that his goal made amends for the earlier first-half penalty miss by his sibling following the incident that left East Fife with just 10 men.
There wasn’t much in the way of comfort from his dad either although he did concede “it was a well-struck penalty, it just didn’t hit the target”.
“Getting the three points was the most important thing. We had a strong bench as well today and players still waiting to come back so all in all, it is shaping up to be a magnificent 60th birthday weekend.”
Forfar were pretty comfortable throughout, particularly against 10 men. They had the early possession but Jack Smith had the first chance for the visitors when he shot weakly into the arms of Rab Douglas.
Jamie McCluskey twice went close for Forfar before Dale Hilson should have given them the lead after Gavin Swankie set him up. His shot was poorly placed, however, allowing the stranded Greg Paterson to recover and save.
Five minutes from the interval, a tame first half burst into life. Hilson rounded the keeper and his shot was handled by Gary Thom, although the ball did trickle over.
The penalty was given and Thom shown a red card but Iain Campbell slid his spot kick the wrong side of the post.
Forfar continued to be on top in the second half and they finally made the breakthrough against the 10 men after 66 minutes.
Swankie again hit the by line and beat the defender before cutting back for Chris Templeman to sweep home from 10 yards.
Forfar made it two in the 79th minute, super sub Ross Campbell scoring minutes after coming on, getting the slightest of touches to his brother’s inswinging corner.
East Fife boss Willie Aitchison was disappointed his side did not keep 11 men on the pitch.
“I thought we were the better side until the red card,” he said.
“We were knocking the ball about and, possession-wise, I thought we dominated until the penalty and sending-off.”