East Fife 1 Clyde 0: Naysmith’s delight at gritty win

Bayview boss Gary Naysmith was delighted with the three points his side were able to grind out against title rivals Clyde.

Kevin Smith put the hosts into an early lead, with the Fifers then being forced to defend their advantage for the rest of the game.

But defend well they did, with Jonathan Page and the impressive St Johnstone loanee Jason Kerr snuffing out the constant Clyde pressure.

Naysmith admitted the win wasn’t pretty, but was delighted with the three points

“What I’d say to the players is that, although it wasn’t enjoyable watching it from the side, they are the best results to get; when you grind them out,” he said.

Centre forward Nathan Austin had been pushed out to the wing with Kevin Smith replacing him up front.

The change had the desired effect for the home side as Austin had a hand in Smith’s goal.

He burst to the line and cut the ball back for Kyle Wilkie.

Wilkie squared to Smith who picked his spot from eight yards to put the hosts in front.

From then on Naysmith’s men were forced to do a lot of defending but showed great character to hold on.