East Fife consolidated fourth place in the Scottish Third Division with a fine 4-1 victory against East Stirling in Dave Clarke's first game in charge.

The Fifers' determination paid off five minutes before half-time when Paul McManus' shot deflected off East Stirling's Graham McGhee and rolled into the net.

The Shire equalised just two minutes later when Gregor McKechnie headed back from a corner and Paul Lindsay smashed the ball home.

East Fife regained the lead 10 minutes into the second half when an inswinging Gavin Beith corner was missed by everyone and Lee Mair had a simple header from close range.

The Fifers increased their lead on the hour after a surging run from McManus on the left.

His cross was met by Kevin MacKay, whose bullet header flew past Jimmy Butter.

The Fifers piled on the pressure as McManus powered a shot inches over the bar seconds before the final whistle.

Then, Mackay struck a long-range shot straight past Butter for his seventh goal of the season.