Robbo gets East Fife up and running for Scottish Cup campaign with City's help

East FIFE, without a competitive game since their 6-0 victory against Stenhousemuir on December 11, were made to work hard for their 2-1 win in a challenge match against East of Scotland Premier Division side Edinburgh City at the Spartans Community Football Academy yesterday.

John Robertson, the East Fife manager and former Hearts striker, was keen to have his players involved in a full -scale match ahead of their Scottish Cup third round tie against Aberdeen this coming Saturday. "It was the perfect exercise for us," said Robertson. "Our players needed game time and we know that Edinburgh City are a good team who would come out, close us down and give us a good game."

City went ahead after only ten minutes when a cross from the impressive Ian McFarland picked out youngster James Elliot and his first-time volley from the edge of the penalty box gave Michael Brown in the East Fife goal no chance.

Bobby Linn equalised shortly afterwards with a low right-foot shot from an acute angle and although the Fifers enjoyed most of the possession they could not break down the City defence.

The East Fife winner was scored by Steven Hislop with only seven minutes left.

Gary Jardine, City's joint manager, said: "I felt that it was a worthwhile exercise because we were short of some experienced players which gave us a chance to play some of our U-19 squad and they acquitted themselves well. We got the ball down, passed it, scored a good goal and looked well organised."