Date: 29th August 2009	Kick off: 4:00pm
Competition: Irn-Bru 2nd Division	Referee: Scott McDonald
Venue: Bayview Stadium	Attendance: 803
Man of the Match:

For the second successive Saturday we had to settle for a point against one of the divisions unbeaten sides after opening the scoring.

There were two changes to the side which had draw with Alloa the previous week. David Hay returned to the goal after his suspension and Paul McQuade came in for John Dempster who dropped to the bench.

With the strong wind at their backs Cowden dominated the opening 45minutes although the Fife had a good chance to open the scoring in the opening minute when Linn sent a cross over for Muir who headed just wide of the target.

We broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Jay Stein (GOAL, 12 mins) whipped in a corner to the near post which eluded two defenders and keeper Brown as it flew into the home net.

Minutes later Stein came close to adding to his tally but his free kick went just past the post. There after we had numerous chances to increase our lead McQuade shot just wide, Stein was denied by a Nugent block while Wardlaw headed over from six yards.

As the opening period drew to a close the hosts however had a few good chances to equalise after weathering the storm. Linn set up Crawford who attempted to chip keeper Hay who easily gathered his effort while the player/manager came close once more when he headedjust over after a cross by Young.

Not surprisingly the Methil side had most of the second half chances as they used the wind to their advantage. Hay pulled off good saves to deny both Ovenstone and Smart as the hosts looked to get back into the game.

They finally made a breakthrough after 70 minutes. A long range effort from Crawford was tipped over the bar by Hay and the resulting corner by Linn was met by Staunton who flicked the ball onto substitute Paul McManus (GOAL, 70 mins) who headed past Hay from a few yards out.

The Fife then went all out for the three points and Hay tipped a Linn shot over the bar. At the death East Fife won three successive corners during which time Hay had to tip a Mbu clearance over the bar.

In a busy afternoon for referee McDonald, who had just returned from Helmand Province in Afghanistan following a tour of duty with the RAF, he
booked seven players Fairbairn and McQuade along with East Fife’sOvenstone, Fagan, Smart, Linn and Cargill.

Danny Lennon spoke to the Blue Brazil Online after the game:

"From my point of view I was disappointed not to pick up maximum points after the 1st half performance. We created some good opportunities in the opening half but failed to add to our goal and that is something we need to improve on.

"We knew that the 2nd half was going to be difficult with the open wind and we emphasised not to defend deep. I thought the boys followed the instructions and defended very well in difficult conditions which made losing the goal from a set play all the more frustrating. McManus was given a free header which was very disappointing. You cannot switch off for a second at this level or you will be punished and the boys must learn from this quickly and make sure they take responsibility.

"Overall, I thought we played some excellent football and showed once again that we can more than compete in the 2nd division."