Match Report - By Steven Mew

City suffered their first league defeat since mid-August at the hands of in-form East Fife outfit at New Bayview yesterday afternoon, with the home side making it eight straight wins in all competitions.

Individual mistakes proved to be City's downfall and the Methil side took full advantage to equal a club record which stretches all the way back to 1961.

With the exception of long term injury victim Dene Shields, Manager Darren Dods had the almost unheard-of scenario of having a full squad to choose from. He made just the one change to the starting 11 which defeated Airdrieonians a fortnight ago, with Aron Lynas coming into the side for Giuliano Morena.

The home sides' confidence was clear to see as they controlled the proceedings albeit without really testing Brennan in the City goal.

Influential midfielder Scott Agnew was first to threaten as he flashed a shot wide after 3 minutes, but that was as good as it got for either side in the opening half an hour.

Stand in skipper Ryan McGeever headed wide from a Sean Burn's corner and just a minute later, Jackson knocked the ball down for Burns but he couldn't control his volley which went high and wide.

At the other end, Jonny Court's speculative effort from a difficult angle ended up on the roof of the net and shortly after, Ross Davidson's shot was straight at Brennan.

The City defence was holding firm until disaster struck three minutes from the break. Ryan McGeever played a slack back-pass to Brennan unaware of the presence of AARON DUNSMORE behind him, the full back took full advantage to nip in and slot low past the City keeper to give the home side the advantage at the interval.

Eight minutes into the second half City had their first real effort on target when Callum Tapping curled a shot which was comfortably gathered by Brett Long.

Likewise at the other end, Brennan had his first real save to make. City conceded a free kick 25 yards out and ex-City midfielder Liam Watt, who was impressive throughout, curled a shot over the wall which was pushed away by the City keeper for a corner.

Just after the hour mark, City were awarded a penalty when Sean Burns was fouled inside the area just as he looked to pull the trigger. Despite the protestations of the East Fife players, CALLUM TAPPING stepped up to convert the spot kick, sending the keeper the wrong way for his 4th goal of the campaign.

City had their tails up in what was becoming a real feisty affair - Euan Smith managed to get on the end of a Burns corner but could only send his header wide.

Almost immediately up at the other end, City were fortunate not to go behind again. Anton Dowds played in Jonny Court but his shot cannoned off the inside of the post.

Five minutes later the home side managed to get their noses in front. Callum Tapping conceded possession cheaply outside the box, Scott Agnew played the ball out to Dowds on the left who out-muscled Aron Lynas before lashing high past Brennan at the near post.

Darren Dods made a change upfront as Boris Melingui replaced Callum Hendry and the Frenchman was immediately in the thick of the action as he headed over the bar from Orsi's cross.

City's hopes of getting back into the game were dashed ten minutes from time when East Fife were awarded a penalty - the lively Dowds got the byline before being brought down by Lynas. SCOTT AGNEW made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Brennan the wrong way.

The Methil side were brimming with confidence and Aaron Dunsmore nearly capitalised on a mistake by Euan Spark but he could only drag his shot wide at the near post.

East Fife were denied by the woodwork for the second time in the game in stoppage time. Pat Slattery burst through the heart of the City defence and his dinked effort had Brennan beaten however the ball came off the underside of the bar before being cleared to safety.

City were left to rue individual mistakes which led to all three goals but ultimately they were well beaten by an East Fife side in outstanding form.

A local derby awaits City next weekend as we welcome Montrose to Glebe Park for the first time since 2002.

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