East Fife manager Gary Naysmith was proud of what his players achieved at Stirling Albion last weekend, and is looking to have that same feeling as they start the New Year with a visit from Elgin City.
The Bayview side came back from a goal down to win 3-1 at Forthbank last weekend and Naysmith said: “We played really well but just as importantly we handled a major setback well. We should have had a penalty in the first couple of minutes when Nathan Austin was fouled by their goalkeeper.
“He was booked for diving which was a decision I could not understand however to make matters worse Stirling broke up the park and scored an awful goal. Ryan Goodfellow saved the shot but it hit Jason Kerr and rolled over the line.
“We had gone from possibly being 1-0 up against 10 men to being 1-0 down and having 11 versus 11. The boys’ heads could have gone down and they could have started thinking that it was not going to be their day however they responded magnificently.”
He added: “Stirling were the form team in our league but we deservedly won against them and hopefully we will take that form into the Elgin game.
“The first half of 2015 was good for us and it was only Albion Rovers who won the league that matched us for points. It would be great to start 2016 with a win and then look to go on a similar run.
“It will not be easy as Elgin look to be getting stronger away from home. A win takes us right back into the play-off chase and that has to be the aim.”
Allan Walker has opted to join Berwick Rangers and drops out of Naysmith’s plans and Kevin Smith remains out with an ankle injury. Stevie Campbell is available.