Forfar 2-3 East Fife

Mar 30 2008 Colin Hutchison Reports

CHAMPIONS East Fife twice came from behind before scraping home at the death in an action-packed clash.

It was first blood to the Loons when John Ovenstone hit the opener in nine minutes. Craig Wight looked to have the defender's header covered but a wicked deflection off John Smart left the keeper stranded.

There was controversy in 37 minutes when Elliot Smith lunged into a tackle on East Fife's Bobby Linn in the box.

Ref Steven Nicholls gave a penalty but reversed his decision and booked Linn after consulting his assistant.

Paul McManus then fired the Fifers level in 74 minutes, lashing home from 10 yards.

Forfar were back in front five minutes later thanks to another deflection.

Michael Stewart's shot from the edge of the box spun up off the back of Steven Tweed and looped over the helpless Wight.

But the Fifers equalised again when keeper Sandy Wood let a long ball from Greg McDonald bounce over his head and into the net.

And Forfar were left gutted four minutes from time as Chris Templeman bagged the winner with a close-range header.

Fifers boss Dave Baikie said: "The gamble to put Templeman on paid off.We showed the character and determination of champions."

Forfar gaffer Jim Moffatt said: "I am bitterly disappointed at the way we lost the goals. The second was just bizarre."