Stirling Albion 1 : 2 East Fife - Austin gives Methil men the edge

Posted Thursday, May 15, 2014 by PA

Nathan Austin's goal two minutes from time gave East Fife the advantage as they recorded a 2-1 victory at Stirling in the first leg of their Scottish League One play-off final.

Austin's header enabled the visitors to come from behind and seize the initiative in this tie.

Graham Weir tried his luck with an early shot for the hosts but it drifted wide of Dylan Rooney's upright before Rooney was forced to mark a smart stop from Jordan White's effort from the edge of the box.

Phillip Johnston's cross from the right then fizzed across the face of the goal but Albion just couldn't find the crucial touch to turn it home.

But three minutes before the break the goal Stirling's first-half endeavour deserved arrived when Ross Forsyth climbed highest to head home Darren Smith's corner.

Pat Clarke fired an effort over the bar after 66 minutes as East Fife battled to get back on terms and the leveller came just four minutes later.

Craig Johnstone's corner was nodded home from close range by Scott McBride and then with the clock ticking down Austin got on the end of Johnstone's long ball to head the winner and give East Fife the advantage heading to the Bayview Stadium.