Derek Riordan nets winner for East Fife over Annan

Derek Riordan celebrates his late winner. Picture: George McLuskie

However, they are making the best of their short union with the former Hibs, Celtic and Scotland front man who netted the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 success over visitors Annan.

The Galabank men took the lead after 27 minutes when Steven Logan finished emphatically from 12 yards, but the Fifers gained a deserved leveller midway through the second half when Nathan Austin controlled a pass from Allan Walker and slotted home.

Riordan, who made his second trialist appearance as a substitute with half an hour to go, settled the outcome in the final minute when he flicked the ball home from close range.

Bayview player/boss Gary Naysmith said: “Derek was a fox in the box and that is what we needed to win this game. I will be speaking to his agent over next couple of days to see what we can do. He will want to play at a higher level but we have given him a chance to get his career going again so we will see what happens.”

Riordan, who became a dad after his Tuesday night appearance against East Stirling, said: “I was pleased to get the goal and I am enjoying things at East Fife. I am helping out and I have one more game as a trialist.”

Naysmith’s side are now a point behind their fourth-placed opponents in a league now headed by Albion Rovers who ended a run of four defeats with a 2-0 success at Berwick Rangers, Ross Dunlop’s first-half header added to by Mark McGuigan’s solo effort in the second period.

Queen’s Park, who went top last weekend, were brought back to earth with a bump in their 3-1 defeat at East Stirling.

The Shire signed 17-year-old striker Kevin Nisbet on loan from Partick Thistle on Friday and he had a memorable debut by scoring in each half. After he shot home in 12 minutes, Shire goalkeeper Richie Barnard saved a Jordan Moore penalty. David McKenna’s header midway through the second half doubled their lead before Vinny Berry pulled a goal back from 30 yards. Nisbet eased the Shire to victory when he netted with three minutes left.

Arbroath came back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with visitors Elgin City. A double by Shane Sutherland and Brian Cameron’s goal looked to have the points heading north with only a quarter of the game remaining, but the Red Lichties rallied and goals by Paul McManus, Ricky Little and Bobby Linn earned a point.

Montrose are now further adrift at the foot of the table after losing 2-0 at Clyde. Garry Wood’s own goal and Scott Ferguson’s header secured the points.