East Fife’s season ultimately ended in disappointment as they missed out on the promotion playoffs. Realistically, at the beginning of the campaign, the best that Darren Young’s side might have hoped for was comfortably mid-table security, but a strong run towards the end of 2018 saw them entrenched firmly in the top four and even vying for second place for a period.
The end of the season proved to be nothing short of a disaster. There was a perfect storm in terms of fixture congestion, injury problems and a loss of confidence that led to their spiralling down to the middle of the standings.
Their fortunes began to deteriorate after a shoulder injury for midfielder Scott Agnew, who was a vitally important player. He never regained his top level after a few weeks on the sidelines, and the whole side suffered as a result.
There were success stories for the Fifers, most notably Anton Dowds in attack, who was plucked from university football and turned into a formidable player for this level. Veteran Kevin Smith chipped in well while Rory Currie’s injury towards the end of the campaign proved costly as he was always a terrific option on the bench.
Defensively, East Fife could have been stronger, particularly from set pieces, and also in moments of crisis. Again, they suffered from physical issues, with Daryll Meggatt and Craig Watson, their two outstanding players in this area, missing critical games.
Manager Young might also take a look at his own performance over the course of the campaign. He made some strange calls, sometimes overcomplicating matters when it might have been better to simplify them, with players featuring out of position.
Largely speaking, though, he did a fine job, particularly carrying the momentum of the team when things were going well.
East Fife will reflect upon this campaign as a missed opportunity, but fortune worked against them when it was perhaps most critical.
