High-flying Brechin had only themselves to blame for losing to a stubborn East Fife side after missing a penalty and passing up a string of chances.

The penalty awarded in 73 seconds looked soft with Dickie Gibb appearing to cleanly tackle striker Moray Leask.

Will McCulloch was booked for protesting, but turned hero by leaping to his left to block Roddy Grant's spot-kick.

Brechin piled on the early pressure and roving wing-back Gary Dewar tamely shot wide in eight minutes when clean through the defence.

Lee Bailey passed up the chance of the match when Dewar's inch perfect cross found him in acres of space, but his resulting header was weak.

Teenage striker Stevie Ferguson broke the stale-mate in 49 minutes when he raced onto Barrie Mossat's through ball and lashed a half-volley beyond Derek Soutar.

Stevie Raynes came closer for Brechin with two free-kicks, but East Fife held out for the win.