Stenhousemuir 0-1 East Fife: Lucky Linn takes wind out of Stenny's sails

Published on Saturday 10 January 2009 19:21

Stenhousemuir 0 East Fife 1 Linn 85

WHETHER it was a piece of brilliance or the most outrageous piece of luck, Bobby Linn's match-winning goal, direct from a corner, five minutes from time, was enough to take the Fifers into the next round of the Homecoming Scottish Cup.

Yesterday was only the third time these two clubs had clashed in the national cup and the first for 52 years. The last time historically was the first ever Scottish Cup tie to be played under floodlights. This time around it will long be remembered for Linn's winning strike.

Conditions dictated it was going to be a day when either a piece of genius or outrageous luck would settle the cup-tie. It was the latter.

When the match appeared to be heading for a replay at Methil, five minutes from time East Fife's Linn swung in a right foot corner from the left which sailed over everyone and into the net off of the far post.

Chances had been at a premium. Indeed it had taken the Warriors 25 minutes to register any real statement of intent when Kevin Motion curled over a free-kick from the left which was met by the impressive Jordan Smith, but his header was smothered by veteran Willie McCulloch.

Three minutes later Stenny threatened again when Andy Brand's 15-yard thundering drive was blocked by Jon Smart, and when the ball broke back to Motion, he sent a first time left foot shot from 18 yards crashing back off the crossbar.

East Fife took 39 minutes before their first real opportunity when a Paul McManus free-kick was spilled by goalkeeper Scott Bennett.

The Methil side showed more purpose after the restart but could never have scripted the manner of their victory.