East Fife can ease further away from the drop zone with victory at home to Dumbarton this evening, although Bayview boss John Robertson will certainly be taking nothing for granted.
The Methil club hauled themselves off the bottom of the second division thanks to a 2-0 success at Stenhousemuir on Saturday, leap-frogging both Stenny and tonight’s visitors in the process, but defeat to the Sons would put the Fifers right back in the relegation mire.
Dumbarton have been in a much better run of form of late, having won two and drawn one of their last three outings, and should give the Fifers a much stiffer test than when they visited Bayview in August and were soundly thrashed 6-0.
However, Robertson was pleased with his side’s efforts away from home at the weekend and hopes his players will put in a winning performance again in front of their own fans.
“It’s another huge match as Dumbarton have been on a good run and we want to move out of the current position we’re in,” Robertson said. “The team have taken to heart the need to defend better and two away clean sheets have shown their willingness to work at this.
“I’m delighted for the fans that we’ve registered our first away win and hopefully it will give the players more confidence.”
Striker Stevie Hislop is expected to miss out after being injured on Saturday, joining defender Stevie Campbell on the sidelines, while 22-year-old defender Matthew Park, who has joined on loan from Hearts on a three-month deal, will be fighting for a starting slot after appearing as a sub at the weekend.
The Aussie, who will link up with countryman Dylan McGowan in the Fife defence, said, “This is a good opportunity for me hopefully East Fife will be good for me and I can be good for them.”
Midfield powerhouse Andy Geggan returns after suspension to bolster a Sons midfield still missing the injured Craig McLeish and Alan Cook.