East Fife 4 Elgin City 0: Defeat for Allan Hale in first match in charge of Elgin City as East Fife prove too strong for Black and Whites

A 4-0 defeat at East Fife highlighted the challenge facing new Elgin City manager Allan Hale.

Hale and assistant Stefan Laird took charge for the first time in City’s trip to Methil, knowing a Black and Whites win could take them above their hosts.

But that outcome was never an option as the Fifers controlled the contest and ran out comfortable winners.

With Aberdeen loan defender Blair McKenzie in for the suspended Jake Dolzanski, Elgin were under pressure in the early minutes.

That pressure led to an opening goal when Brogan Walls fired East Fife in front on 23 minutes.

Home striker Nathan Austin had a goal disallowed for offside before adding a second in time added on at the end of the first half.

Walls slotted home his second just after the hour mark, meaning City were playing for damage limitation.

A short passback by Ross Draper was punished by Scott Shepherd five minutes from time to wrap up the Methil men’s success.

Bottom side Clyde closed the gap on Elgin to four points with a 2-2 draw at home to Stranraer.

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