East Stirling 0-3 East Fife

Mar 16 2008 Jordan Costello At Firs Park

PAUL McMANUS grabbed a glory double to seal East Fife's first title in 60 years - then insisted they are heading for the Second Division to stay.

McManus was on target twice inside 15 minutes as Dave Baikie's men steamrollered Shire to clinch the flag race they have completely dominated from day one.

And the former Raith man sent out an early warning that they'll be no easy touches next term.

McManus said: "It took me a while to settle and coming here might be seen as a big step down but I spoke to the chairman and he is ambitious for this club.

"I don't think we'll struggle next season. With the players we've signed and the guys we're after this squad is more than good enough to stay up.

"The most important thing was we won the league to settle the players and allow the fans to enjoy the day. They deserve it as our away support all season has been awesome."

Baikie savoured his first title in senior football and agreed with his top striker about their prospects.

The delighted gaffer went even further and said: "The goal will be to win the league next season but whether that's reality we'll wait and see.

"But knowing our chairman he'll not be settling for third bottom all season. He'll be looking for higher than that. This is a fabulous day for the club."

It was a devastating performance fit for champions.

The Fifers were excellent from start to finish with strikers McManus and Bobby Linn leading the way.

But it was a miserable start for Jim McInally in his first game in charge of Shire. It didn't take long for the champs-to-be to get into their stride and they took the lead in five minutes.

McManus, who gave defender Carl Thywissen a torrid time all day, picked up a loose ball in midfield and slipped it through to Paul Stewart.

His cross found Linn who laid off to McManus. His strike was well saved by Gary O'Connor but the hitman fired in the rebound.

East Fife kept the pressure on and doubled their lead in 15 minutes after a lovely one-two between Linn and McManus.

That freed McManus on goal and he fired an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner. It was party time for the Fife fans.

It could have been three in 27 minutes when Greig McDonald's long ball found McManus in space again and with the keeper committed he fired just past.

East Fife eased off after the break but McManus almost got his hat-trick when Linn's superb pass sent him clear on goal. He fired inches off target, though.

However, in 76 minutes the game and the title were settled when McDonald flicked home Dougie Cameron's corner.

New Shire boss McInally said: "We've seen enough to encourage us but we'll be looking for improvements. Next season will be easier without East Fife."

HERO

PAUL McMANUS was sensational for the Fifers. Took his goals beautifully and link up play with Bobby Linn was a joy to watch.

VILLAIN

CARL THYWISSEN struggled to deal with McManus all day. Defender continually switched off and allowed his rivals space.